The Hardship and HOPE of Refugees in Turkey; How Christians are Truly Helping

Christian Aid Staff : Sep 2, 2016
ChristianAid.org

"In Turkey, Muslims say the words, Hazreti Isa to express that Jesus was a prophet - they have in mind the meaning, 'Prophet Jesus.' But now the refugees are saying 'Jesus Christ' like us, instead of Prophet Jesus. Praise God that seeds are beginning to take root. In every tent, when we talk about Jesus, we are seeing this change when we translate. They say and use these words more often."

[ChristianAid.org] The recent failed coup in Turkey has diverted attention from the country's refugee crisis, even as more of them see Turkey as their only option in spite of an upsurge in hostilities toward them. (Photo via Christian Aid Mission)

Following the attempted coup by a faction of the Turkish Armed Forces on July 15, the government announced a three-month state of emergency and embarked on a purge of state institutions that shook a wide array of sectors, from the military to education to media.

"Because of the recent coup and attack on democracy in our country, our country is under pressure for the next three months, and no one is showing interest in the Syrian refugee situation anymore," the director of a ministry based in Turkey said. "Because of this, we are trying to double our efforts to help."

As European countries close their doors to Syrians and Iraqis fleeing war and atrocities of Islamic extremist groups like the Islamic State (IS), the refugees are beginning to see Turkey as their only option in spite of growing societal hostility and the difficulties of adapting to a different culture and language, he said.

"There are many that have fled to Europe but have died along the way," he said. "Those going are returning to Turkey. But most Turkish people do not want to see Syrians become Turkish citizens. They are shouting this in the streets, and it makes us sad. Syrians are saying they will return to their homeland if the war ends." (Photo via Christian Aid Mission)

He also noted that Arabic-speaking refugees who have taken the time to learn Turkish become more friendly and trusting. Others rely on their children's ability to learn Turkish.

"Because of the recent coup, our country is under pressure for the next three months, and no one is showing interest in the refugee situation anymore," the leader said. "Because of this, we are trying to double our efforts to help."

"The children are learning Turkish very fast and are helping their families," the ministry director said. "They are also helping us. When we arrive in the trucks at the tent camps, they yell to everyone, 'The Christian helpers have come!' They are helping people line up so we can distribute things orderly and effectively. It used to not be this way."

As the ministry visits unofficial camps in southern Turkey twice a month, bringing medicine, vitamins, feminine hygiene items, clean water and other aid to 3,500 people, the refugee children also translate the workers' prayers for them in their tents, he said. After months of serving them, the ministry workers are beginning to see changes in the refugees' spiritual vocabulary.

"In Turkey, Muslims say the words, Hazreti Isa to express that Jesus was a prophet - they have in mind the meaning, 'Prophet Jesus,'" the director said. "But now the refugees are saying 'Jesus Christ' like us, instead of Prophet Jesus. Praise God that seeds are beginning to take root. In every tent, when we talk about Jesus, we are seeing this change when we translate. They say and use these words more often."

Many of the refugee children are traumatized after witnessing atrocities committed against relatives and friends. They have nothing as they seek ways to pass their days in the tent camps, and the ministry has begun buying Bible-based coloring books for…

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