The Kani Mase mayor draws on his own experience of fleeing violence to encourage persecuted Christians and Yazidis to keep hope alive. The LWF supports new arrivals with food and other relief goods. Photo: LWF/S. Cox
During this Advent time, we think of the people in Northern Iraq who have fled from their homes. Many of them are Christians who in the past months were forced to flee because of their belief. Like the holy family, they need the help of their neighbors. Host communities such as the Muslim population of Dohuk have supported the refugees in many heartwarming and compassionate ways.
With the help of member churches, LWF is assisting refugees in Dohuk, Northern Iraq. Through our implementing partner Christian Aid in Northern Iraq (CAPNI) we provide non-food items such as shelter, cooking kits, stoves, blankets, carpets and water and sanitation. In November, LWF has distributed winter clothing to the families.
For the Advent season, we have gathered four different stories. They tell of love, peace, hope and even joy which is experienced in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances.
We welcome you to share the stories and prayers in your congregation this Advent season.
3rd Advent: Hope
The mayor of the remote Kani Mase district in the mountainous far North of Iraq, near the Turkish border, has good reason to hold on to hope. In 1991, he fled into the mountain to escape attacks by the Saddam Hussein regime. He and his family holed up for three months before venturing back home.
Five months ago, his small town ballooned as over 600 families, uprooted by violence, made their way to his town. Exhausted and carrying only what they could grab – if anything at all – the new arrivals urgently needed safe places to stay. Sami contacted the owners of unoccupied houses saying he was going to open their doors and let the visitors stay. All the homeowners consented – and waived the rent.
For many of the people forced to abandon within seconds a life they had spent years creating, hope lies in the prospect of life in another country, a safer place. They live in the hope that their application for refugee status and resettlement will be accepted, in countries as far off as Australia.
The district has snow on the ground and is inhospitable terrain but the mayor sympathizes with the plight of the people who have found refuge in his town and urges them to hold on to the hope that life might one day return to normal.
“I don’t encourage people to leave and go abroad. Here is where they can start a business, have a life – a better life – and get a job. We hope that one day, the Christians and Yazidis here can return to their villages, to Mosul, and can have their own lives again. I’m not encouraging Iraqis to just go and never come back. There is uncertainty now but hopefully it will not last forever.”
Pray this Advent season for those who live in hope of returning to their home land and their home towns. Give thanks for the witness of people in situations of conflict as they open their homes and hearts to those in need and as they hope for a better future. Pray that we will equally open our hearts and homes to welcome the stranger among us.
