A refugee’s temporary shelter

Sitting on the cement floor of a refugee’s temporary shelter that has been home for five years is a challenging experience. But hearing two brothers share their faith in Christ, their joy in the midst of hardship, and their confidence in the Lord’s grace and provision is an unforgettable blessing.

I met Rashid and Abdul (not their real names) on the first day of classes at the new Middle East Theological College in Iraq. They were not only faithful students but enthusiastic ones. Rashid’s limited education and reading skills did not hinder him—he eagerly absorbed every word as an oral learner. The brothers attended both courses and invited us to visit their home in the refugee camp. I am so glad we did.

Refugees Who Lost Everything

These brothers, along with two others, came to Christ out of the majority religion, one by one. They have lived in a refugee camp for five years, after ISIS took their homes and coalition forces later destroyed them. With nothing left to return to but rubble, and with their camp set to close at the end of the year, you might expect despair. Instead, I witnessed joy in the Lord like I have never seen before.

They share their scarce resources with neighbors “because it is what Jesus would do.” They endure persecution, including one son attacked and left for dead—only to be healed through prayer. Neighbors who don’t share their faith still ask them for prayer, because they see Jesus answering them.

Faith That Shines in Darkness

Though they have lost homes, jobs, and security, these men are convinced the Lord will provide as He has in the past. Sitting on their floor, with sweets and drinks offered in hospitality, I was struck by the power of their faith and joy amid such hardship.

Teaching these two men and their classmates at the Middle East Theological College has been one of the greatest privileges I could imagine in ministry. Their story is a testimony of how Christ is building His church even in the hardest places.

– Craig Miller