PEACE TALKS WAVER BETWEEN US AND IRAN AS MENA YOUTH WAIT FOR HOPE

Mesopotamia, “the land between two rivers,” is the cradle of civilization. This area where Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians developed significant civilizations is an enormous geographical region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. For centuries, the world has benefitted from incredible events birthed here such as early writings of math and algebra, the concept of the number zero, languages and astronomy, to name a few.

But that was then and of no practical use today to a 20 something in Iraq looking for a job, and for hope.

Where Is the Hope for Middle East Youth?

Move over, history: youth here in the Middle East are asking, “What about us? What about our life and future? Why are we caught up in the wars and problems of the past we didn’t even create?” Eyes on their phones, they track world leaders’ promises, threats, attacks and now, peace talks. Just after February 28 there was hope, but now there is more a sense of abandonment.

Faces lit by video shorts and music on phones, they laugh when gathered with friends, but alone many wonder, “What hope is there for my life, what do I do if this all goes bad again?”

Residents of Iraq, Lebanon and Israel know that if Iranian-backed proxies are not addressed in the peace MOUs between the United States and Iran, millions in these countries are doomed to prolonged vicious terrorist attacks. Iran freedom fighters listen for some signal they will be given a voice, but as time moves on, fear their blood too will be spilled. And this kind of despair is very powerful and very dark; the stuff of grand abuse and even death.

When the background is the darkest, however, is when the diamond sparkles the brightest. God has specialized in loving redemption since the moment Adam and Eve sinned.

And this is where raw faith outshines reasonable fear. The hopeless join with others from history who also faced unreasonable odds and the darkest of futures, yet found that their miserable grain of faith in God was met with love and forgiveness.

Christ has a plan for each one here in the Middle East and around the world, and he is worthy of their trust. This is where hope for Middle East youth actually takes root, not in a peace deal or a headline, but in a relationship that outlasts the news cycle. The impact of each child reached in our Child Sponsorship Program is significant. Our teams pour into the kids’ lives year after year. Some of the refugee children’s families move from the areas we work in due to their situations, but many of the children remain in the programs and benefit from the relationship built with our team members.

You have an important role to play as a prayer partner, child sponsor and donor. Thank you.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11