June 16, 2009

Hope for Refugees

Samaritan’s Purse aids families displaced by fighting between Pakistan’s military and Taliban insurgents

Sarah* is one of the 2.5 million people currently displaced in Pakistan because of intense fighting between that nation’s military and Taliban insurgents. A mother of six, her family was given less than a half hour’s warning before having to leave their home, and all of their belongings, behind. Her husband was working, so she gathered the children and walked 20 miles to the relative safety of a camp for internally displaced people.

Her youngest child has tuberculosis, and Sarah has run out of money to pay for his medication. She has had no report from her husband and wonders whether he is even alive.

When fighting intensified in northern Pakistan in early May, Samaritan’s Purse deployed a disaster assistance team to help people like Sarah. Working with local Christian partners, we have been able to provide essential relief supplies such as food, shelter, blankets, sewing machines, and cloth.

Only about 2 percent of Pakistanis are Christian. Many of them were living in the conflict-affected province.

As our staff and Christian partners continue to work in the midst of this tense situation, we ask for your prayers for those affected.

*Name has been changed.

Ways You Can Help

PRAY

• For the multitudes who have fled their homes, especially for those who have been widowed, orphaned, or separated.

• For God to provide the resources, access, and safety for Samaritan’s Purse and our Christian partners to meet the needs of displaced families.

• For Pakistanis who have never heard the Gospel to witness the compassion of Jesus Christ through Christian relief efforts.