Middle East Initiative Giving Opportunities

Exile & Diaspora

The Middle East is both the source and home of over 10 million refugees and internally displaced people. From Syrians escaping civil war, Iraqis fleeing ISIS, and Palestinians dispossessed of their own homes, partners across the region seek to minister to individuals and families searching for sanctuary in response to shifting realities. These programs provide directly for the basic needs of refugees by offering housing, clothing, food, education, and medical assistance. These programs also advocate for addressing the issues that have caused these families and individuals to flee their homes. Many of the countries receiving refugees are finding their capacity to respond stretched to the limit without additional resources being made available.

The Middle East, especially Turkey, Morocco, and oil rich countries across the Persian Gulf, also serves as both a waypoint of migration and a beacon of opportunity for individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia looking for work. As undocumented, semi-documented, and documented laborers and migrants, they are among the most vulnerable in these countries – often facing dangerous working conditions, unscrupulous employers that withhold wages, and the constant threat of deportation. Partners are responding with support programs that support their needs, uphold and advocate for their human rights, and build welcoming communities.

Global Ministries works with a diverse network of partners and programs that offer assistance to refugees and migrants. Gifts given for the theme of Exile and Diaspora will be used where needed most in expanding the ministries lifted below. You may also make a gift for a specific partner by following their link.

Make a gift to support partners providing assistance to refugees and migrants

Responding to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq:

Responding to Displaced Palestinians

Responding to Migrants

Christian Presence & Witness

As the birthplace of Christianity, the Middle East plays a special role in connecting believers around the world to our common heritage and faith history.

The Near East School of Theology and the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo provide a wide variety of programs that help to develop leadership for local churches across the region. Furthermore, with the disruption of communities as the result of conflict, it is especially urgent to have theologically-grounded leadership that can respond with effective concern for, and engagement with, the entire range of human need.

Ecumenical bodies also provide an important Christian witness in the Middle East. Whether it is responding to the man-made tragedies of war, promoting inter-religious dialog and understanding, or lifting up local concerns to the Global Church – they serve as a presence that extends far beyond the walls of the church and help us as North American Christians to connect more personally to our religious roots.

Global Ministries works with a network of partners that provide critical support for Christian Presence and Witness. Gifts given for this theme will be used to promote the vital ministries of the partners listed below. You may also make a specific gift for a partner by following their link.

Make a gift to support partners with ministries of providing Christian presence and witness

Seminaries

Ecumenical Councils

Justice, Peacemaking, and Human Rights

While the prevailing narrative might make one think that the conflicts in the Middle East have spanned centuries, and that there is little that can be done to create peace – our partners are proving otherwise. Through coordinated efforts that seek to educate and empower, they provide hope in difficult circumstances.

The diverse programs of these groups include efforts to replant olive trees that have been destroyed and uprooted by military action; to advocate for a culture that supports the dignity and rights of all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion; creating opportunities for diverse groups to discuss differences and embrace common ground; as well as non-violent leadership training. Supporting these efforts engage a broad cross section of the public, but are particularly impactful for young adults.

Global Ministries works with a network of partners that provides critical support for Justice, Peacemaking and Human Rights. Gifts given for this theme will be used to promote the vital work of partners and special ministries listed below. You may also make a specific gift for a partner by following their link.

Make a gift to support partners working for justice, peacemaking, and human rights

Education for the Future

For families in the Middle East, education is a high priority. Yet sometimes a choice has to be made between sending a child to school, or sending a child to work. Unfortunately, this decision is not made by the parents, but by their circumstances – often poverty and displacement robs parents of the opportunity to give their child a better future because of immediate demands on their limited resources.

Educational centers that also provide additional nutritional support, are operated by partners in Israel/Palestine as well as in Armenia. Many of the children in these centers receive support from the Child Sponsorship program, and are part of long standing relationships with Global Ministries.

Of equal importance are the colleges and universities that provide practical educational opportunities and job skills. Haigazian University in Beirut, closely connected with the Armenian Protestant community, provides liberal arts degrees in a multi-religious, multi-ethnic environment that produces open-minded students who are dedicated to truth, freedom, and service. Dar al-Kalima College (“House of the Word”) and Dar an-Nadwa (the International Center in Bethlehem) equip young Palestinians with access to vocational training in tourism, media, music and communications as well as craft courses that revive traditional Palestinian handicrafts. The idea is to prepare graduates that are ready to participate in the global economy while maintaining their identity.

Global Ministries works with a diverse network of partners and programs that offer educational opportunities. Gifts given for the theme of Education for the Future will be used where needed most in expanding the ministries lifted below. You may also make a gift for a specific partner by following their link.

Make a gift to support partners providing education for the future

Health, Wholeness, and the Environment

For Refugees and Internally Displaced People, health care and social services are often minimal if existent at all. Responding both to physical and mental trauma, partners across the region uphold the value of each and every patient.

Al-Ahli hospital, which has served the people of Gaza since 1882, is becoming overwhelmed by patients who are unable to pay for their hospital fees, and dwindling supplies, due to the economic sanctions placed on the community. In the West Bank, partners are working to address the limited access to water resources faced by the Palestinian communities. In Egypt, partners are proposing expanded services to their communities that include addressing issues of nutrition, reproductive health, sewage disposal, and potable water supplies.

Providing care for the elderly is also important in areas without any form of social security or health insurance. The Ajyal program of the Diyar Consortium provides such support to over 400 participants in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour. The program includes health screenings, monthly gatherings to share meals and participate in spiritual discussions, and special celebrations during holidays.

Global Ministries works with a diverse network of partners and programs providing health care, water, and other essential resources. Gifts given for the theme of Health, Wholeness, and the Environment will be used where needed most in expanding the ministries lifted below. You may also make a gift for a specific partner by following their link.

Make a gift for partners providing health care, water, and other essential resources