A REFUGEE’S TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CHRIST
She felt very uncomfortable and wondered why had she agreed to this. When her friend asked her to come with her to youth group her first thought was “no way.” But she hated sitting at home night after night listening to her parents fight even more than feeling awkward with strangers. So she went.
Avoiding eye contact was her only goal that first night. But Mryana’s voice was kind as she greeted her and taught the class. It was a kindness she wasn’t used to. During games, she found herself in a thumb-war with another girl and actually heard herself laugh. The best part was that two of the girls said hello to her. She always felt so awkward and out of place—everywhere but here. She went back the next week, and the next, because people there actually saw her. They seemed to really care.
Over the next months Noora (not her real name) relaxed and began to open up a little. But something else became noticeable too. She began to lose weight, her complexion cleared, and her hair looked cared for. Why? That was what Mryana, our IM team lead, asked her one Monday evening as she gave her a customary hug. Noora smiled and said, “Well, you know that night at youth group you talked to me? You told me how God loves me and how he died for my sins. You also shared with everybody in the group how important it is to take care of our bodies by eating well and exercising because our bodies belong to God. I’ve never had anyone care about me or share any of this with me before and so I thought maybe I should try.”
She continued, “I started walking although it was very hard at first. I don’t drink as many sodas now and I stopped eating candy. My mother doesn’t know about eating healthy; she wants to learn more because she sees me changing.”
Noora is a refugee who has struggled with obesity, anxiety and depression. Her parents, overwhelmed and trying to make ends meet often fight at home leaving little time or emotional space for her. The anger and frustration that define her home life had taken a toll on Noora, but the love and kindness she experiences at youth group, have made all the different. Instead of searching for acceptance in unhealthy ways, she’s finding it in a Christ-centered community. She enjoys studying the Bible and asking questions, showing a hunger to grow in her faith.
Noora is part of a growing group of teens who, though not in our Child Sponsorship Program, are being invited to youth group by friends. They long for a place where they feel accepted and loved, where they can learn about who God is and how He wants a relationship with them. The interest has grown so much that we’re now looking into arrangements for additional buses to bring them in.
Just two years ago this month, my late husband and former IM CEO John signed the lease for this ministry center – a bold step of faith in the Lord John was known for. Once a filthy brothel where young women were used and abused, this building is a place where lives are being transformed. Praise God!
Today, this ministry center serves children, teens, adults, and students from the Middle East Theological College. Word has spread, and more children and teens like Noora are asking, “Can I come too?” Thank you, dear donors and sponsors, for caring and giving generously so that these teens can have a safe place to meet and grow. As you read Noora’s story, I hope you’ll continue to pray and support this vital work.
We are also excited to announce the opening of two additional IM ministry centers in Northern Iraq. These centers will provide safe havens for kids, teens, and parents, just like the one Noora attends. Your generous gift to our Year End Greatest Need Fund will help us fully utilize these centers and partner with local churches to reach even more hearts for Christ in 2025. Thank you for standing with us in this ministry. Together, we are sharing the hope and love of Christ and he is transforming lives.
Blessings, Dee A. Cook, CEO