What does it mean that Christians also provide relief aid to non-Christians in the Middle East?

What does it mean that Christians also give aid to non-Christians in the Middle East?

In our relief projects in the Middle East, not only Christians, but all those in need, regardless of background, receive aid. This is a source of wonder in the Middle East - and gives Christians credibility as an important part of the local community - despite the Islamic State's attempt to wipe out the church.

By Samuel

1. Meaning on a theological level

Our project manager, Johannes Schwab (alias) says: "Muslims and people from other groups in the Middle East are puzzled, as Muslims typically only help Muslims, and they cannot understand Christians helping Muslims who are hostile to Christians.

Many Christians and Yazidis lost their belongings when they fled the Islamic State, but some are privileged enough to have each other across generations. The relief project, where not only Christians but also other minorities receive emergency aid, is a testament to a radically different view of humanity than what ISIS represents.

Others respond by asking: What is the motivation? Why don't Christians hate their enemies? Humanly speaking, it doesn't seem logical. I spoke to one person where the love of Christians for their enemies was crucial for him to leave Islam and become a Christian. They say: This must be from God.

It attracts seekers, especially after ISIS has slaughtered so many. You can see that more and more Muslims are questioning their own faith, doubting and seeking alternatives. The love of Christians attracts Muslims.

What is the ummah concept of Islam?

To this question, Johannes answers: Muslims help other poor people, but only Muslims included in the Ummah, which is the worldwide Muslim community - the community of true believers.

For the Sunnis, the Ummah consists only of Sunnis. And for the fundamentalists, the Ummah consists only of the other fundamentalists, not of Muslims who are integrated or assimilated into Western cultures. This is why fundamentalists - based on the concept of the ummah - also carry out terrorist attacks on secular Muslims.

The Christians who see a future in Syria believe in helping everyone, following Christ, according to Matthew 25, and helping the poor. They help everyone, regardless of background - following in the footsteps of Jesus. On a theological level, the practical demonstration of the Bible's message is a powerful testimony, as it contrasts with Islam's concept of ummah, where you only help your own.

2. Significance at church level

Islamic State terrorists pulled people out of cars and slaughtered fleeing Yazidis on the winding road up Mount Sinjar. The bodies have been removed, but scraps of clothing remain as symbols of unspeakable violence and brutality.

The approach of our project is not only a strong testimony on a theological level, but secures the church space and legitimacy in the Middle East, where Christians are threatened in their home countries. The militant Muslims refuse them to live in the Middle East - and want to carry out ethnic and religious cleansing.

What is the way forward?

To that question, the project manager Johannes answers: "It is to prove that Christians, because of their presence, add value to the societies in the Middle East. They can do this by giving people hope for the future, creating peaceful coexistence by helping people who are not Christians.

Giving aid and showing that they care about their community increases their standing, which can help them. It's not guaranteed that extremists will change their views on Christians, but it increases the likelihood. The King of Jordan, Syrian President Assad, the Prime Minister of Iraq and Kurdish government officials say: "We need Christians. They are highly educated and they are peaceful".

Therefore, Christians must contribute to society to prove that their existence is necessary in their home countries.

3. Meaning on a personal level

On a personal level, the relief projects have a great impact on the Christians involved. John regularly asks employees: "What makes you stay - at a time when many Christians are leaving the Middle East?" They say: "We have a calling and there is a need for us to stay here".

By distributing aid, Christians feel that they are needed and that there is a reason for them to stay. If they have nothing to do, they will think about leaving, so on a personal level it helps aid workers, including pastors, to stay.

Emergency aid also creates personal relationships between churches and authorities. The officials see that these people are not against anyone, but are helping the vulnerable. Therefore, it is important that many local Christians are involved in the project.

The Danish European Mission's projects in Iraq and Syria are far more than food distribution programs - they demonstrate the message of the Bible in practice, they help to future-proof Christian presence in the Middle East and motivate those involved to stay on a personal level.

Thank you for everyone who supports Christians in the Middle East through our projects.