SANTA ANA, CA (March 23, 2009) – Many Christians in Iraq have left their homes and cities due to the war and the violence targeting Christians.

Some have found refuge in northern Iraq and others abroad in countries like Syria and Jordan. Most of them are not able to take many personal belongings with them; often leaving home with only basic items like clothes and cash. When they arrive in their new environment, the refugees have to look for housing, jobs and health care.

Iraqi boy enjoys an apple in the   midst of food distribution.

Although most medicines are available in the Middle East, they are not free and often the local economy is not able to help and support refugees.

 “You need to set up your own health care and your own pharmacies; otherwise it is hard to get access to the needed care,” says Samar. “Health care is expensive and often difficult to get for our group of Iraqi refugees. Local doctors are often afraid to help us, or have no time since they are busy with local patients.”

As a result, Open Doors is helping Iraqi refugees by setting up pharmacies and other medical projects. In the process, Open Doors is also creating some job opportunities for Iraqi women in the pharmacies. 

“Somebody has to run and operate the pharmacies, so some Iraqi women have found work here and that is great,” says Samar, who is happy working in one of the pharmacies. “You (Open Doors) provides Christian Iraqis with medicines and supports Christian women with jobs and sources of income. This is a wonderful thing. Thank you for helping us.”

Open Doors is also helping Iraqi refugees in northern Iraq with other projects, including: 

Trauma counseling for those who have suffered grief and heartache after leaving their homes and families due to violence. Generating personal income for farmers with such projects as teaching them to grow fruit trees and bring the produce to market. Sending Biblical materials, food, medical equipment, sewing machines, tables and chairs for a Christian school and much more.

Food distribution outside a church in Northern Iraq.

“Please pray for those Christians who remain in Iraq – including the believers in northern Iraq,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. “Many of these Christians want to grow in their faith and also improve their skills to help rebuild their country. Open Doors is helping them grow not only spiritually, but in all areas of their lives – a truly holistic approach.”

Support the work of Open Doors to bring relief to Iraqi Christians.