In early June, we set out for Hatay Province, located in southern Turkey, right on the border with Syria. This land belonged to Syria until 1939, and to this day, over ninety percent of its population consists of Arabs who primarily speak Arabic. On this blessed journey, we were accompanied by a translator fluent in both Arabic and Russian, serving as a bridge between the mission participants and the local residents.
With blessings in our hearts and purpose in our minds, we purchased food packages, each worth $25, containing essential staples. The brothers serving in this region wisely advised us not to distribute all the aid at once. Instead, they suggested using it gradually, as part of a carefully designed evangelistic strategy. These brothers maintain strong relationships with Syrian refugees, visiting them regularly, sharing the Good News of Christ, and bringing comfort through food packages. Their ultimate goal is not merely to provide humanitarian relief, but to ignite the spark of spiritual awakening, leading souls to the Savior.
We visited one of the refugee camps, where we met with people with whom the brothers had already built warm relationships. The much-needed food packages were distributed there. In addition, we visited families who had found shelter outside the camps in rented homes. Many conversations were held, prayers were offered, and tangible tokens of care — food baskets — were left behind.
According to the Turkish government’s decision, by June 20, 2025, all five refugee camps in Hatay Province were scheduled to be closed. Refugees were given a choice: to return to their homeland in Syria or to find and rent housing on their own. As a result, the number of families available for regular visits is gradually decreasing.
For many Syrian refugees, this has become a time of painful decisions — to stay in Turkey, where finding work and paying rent is nearly impossible, or to return to Syria, where stability remains an unattainable dream and the threat to life still hangs in the air.
Perhaps these hardships will draw many hearts closer to Christ. Even a small act of material aid — like a modest food package — becomes a ray of light in their darkest night, a living testimony of Christian love and genuine compassion for one’s neighbor.
