Call to Prayer
“With God all things are possible”
Matthew 19:26b
“Anything is possible in Mafraq,” said our taxi driver as he opened the gate to the church. St. George’s, one of the oldest churches in existence is in Mafraq, about twenty minutes outside of the city. As Americans, we were mindful of the chain-link fence; as we entered, we weren’t held back by roping but could stand in the ruins, and on the ancient tiles lining the (newer) basilica built in 630 AD. The church was originally in a cave because they had to hide their faith. Eventually, they could speak openly about their faith and move above ground. The people here know we are Christian, it is something they assume because we aren’t Muslim, but it is not something we openly share unless moved by the Holy Spirit.
Susan and David were able to provide medical care as needed as well as on home visits. When they were at the World Relief Center, David could provide medical support for the students, such as a young girl with a fever, and a teacher with a long-term medical concern. They were also on hand when a parent of a staff member began having the symptoms of a heart attack. Susan and Davis went on three home visits to families with serious medical issues.
In one family, the father was unable to work due to a ruptured disc in this c-spine causing severe pain. He is on a number of medications; many of which have side-effects and surgery is not affordable. The wife is the sole breadwinner for the family, but also has a condition that is causing anemia. While her problems could be solved with surgery, she is choosing to live with her symptoms because of the cost, as well as lack of trust due to past experiences. Despite the health concerns, the family was very hospitable and welcoming to Susan and David to come into their home.
Another family visit to a home with ten children has weighed heavily on their hearts. Four of the young girls were in their home in Syria when it was hit by a bomb and the propane tank exploded and they have suffered from extreme burns all over their bodies. One girl, who was buried under the rubble, has had twenty-one surgeries to treat the skins. The burns, on her arms and back, as well as her thighs melting together, have resulted in the need for many skin grafts, but her problems still are not resolved. In addition to the daughters, two of the sons, ages 14 and 20ish, have a neurodevelopmental disorder which has gone undiagnosed were either caused at birth or are genetic. Their systemic condition has also caused their inability to gain weight and they are continuing to waste muscle tissue. Susan and David have committed to reaching out to their resources to find solutions for their pain
Susan and David were able to listen to their struggles, share wisdom, and provide immediate help when they could. Please pray for these families, as well as Susan and David. There is a lot of fear for these families because they don’t understand what is happening nor do they know how to receive help. In addition, health care is expensive for the refugees. Please pray for the Lord to show a solution, if there is one, to help these families with their spiritual darkness and their spiritual blindness, their functional disabilities, disease, and disfigurement.