Among the recipients of the aid are the boys Samir and Alim, who are Yazidi. Had their grandfather not rescued them, Islamic State fighters would most likely have killed them.
The six family members had to flee their home when the Islamic State came to Sinjar in northern Iraq. They quickly packed their belongings into two cars. Their grandfather Abu Nawaaz took two of the children, Samir and Alim, in the first car, while mom and dad with their newborn baby took the second car.
But the Islamic State was faster and caught up with them. The terrorists stopped them and immediately started shooting. In the car's rearview mirror, the grandfather could see how ISIS killed his beloved son, his daughter-in-law and their newborn baby.
He realized he couldn't escape by car, so he hurried to take Samir and Alim out of the car. He escaped with them between the rocks - running as fast as he could to save their lives - leaving behind his now deceased son, daughter-in-law and newborn grandson.
He also had to leave all their belongings in the car. Now the criminal terrorists could steal them.
Abu Nawaas needs help to take care of the children. They need milk, clothes and shoes. He himself needs medical care as he has high blood pressure and diabetes.
Image: Grandfather, Abu Nawaaz, who saved Samir and Alim and Samuel Nymann Eriksen
The emergency response team we support takes care of Abu Nawaas and the boys. The family has now found refuge in a remote village in the mountains of northern Iraq. I have visited this village and seen how the family is being helped by the project.
The family and the other Yazidis are very grateful for the help they receive from the Christians. No one else is giving emergency aid to the 3000 who have sought refuge here - and the question is what would have happened if they had not received help.
Through relief work, Christian relief workers show what they believe in a practical way. They show God's love in the form of food, clothing, medicine, kitchen equipment, as well as care, encouraging words and smiles.
Refugees are touched by this love. It brings smiles even to people who have suffered great hardship due to the atrocities of the Islamic State - people who have lost everything they own, some even their loved ones. Some refugees even start asking questions about the Christian faith.
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Thousands travel to Europe
Some Christians stay in Iraq However, there are some Christians who stay and help those in need. They feel that God has called them to stay in the country. One of them is Meriam*, who is a relief worker in
the project.
She told me: "When I moved around the city, I saw many people that nobody helped, for example Yazidis. Someone has to help and love them." I asked Meriam if she had ever thought about
To leave the country. She replied: "No, never. My vision is to stay because I was born here and God has called me to stay."
She continues: "Two girls' parents were kidnapped by the Islamic State. I asked one of them: "What do you want - a dress, a toy or something else?" She replied: "A hug". She's with me all the time when I distribute aid in the area where she lives."
"I see them as family and I want to give them all the love I can." It's people like Meriam who distribute the aid in the project we support.
On average, it costs around DKK 652 to provide a refugee family with water, food, kitchenware, hygiene items and medicine for a month.
On average, it costs around 1086 DKK to ensure a refugee family has warm clothes, shoes, mattresses, blankets and fuel this winter.
Thank you so much for helping Meriam and all the other aid workers so they can continue to distribute aid and show care and love to the refugees.
Support
Please pray for the relief workers. That they may have the strength and perseverance to stand firm and continue to lend a helping hand to people in need.
*The name has been changed for security reasons.
