Since the conflict erupted in Syria in March 2011 more than 4 million people have fled out of Syria and another 7.6 million people have been forced from their homes but remain, displaced, within Syria.

Thousands of refugees are streaming into Europe however the vast majority of Syrian refugees are being hosted in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt and although they have been incredibly generous in welcoming and supporting these refugees they are under immense strain with the continuing flood of people. There are many agencies supporting these refugees however there is a serious shortfall of funding with only one third of the global appeal for the Syria crisis being funded so far. It is in these camps and communities where our funding will have the greatest impact as it will allow families to be supported closer to their homes without the risk of travelling further in search of safety.

World Vision has been assisting these people seeking refuge since the conflict started including providing access to food, water, sanitation and hygiene services, shelter and emergency supplies such as blankets and warm clothing for winter. World Vision also provides child-focused support, such as safe spaces for children to learn, play and receive other forms of support.

All of the funds donated in a special offering in each service this weekend at church, and online through our Refugee Response appeal website will be directed to World Vision to allow them to continue with this life saving work. As our Senior Pastor, Bobbie has been exhorting us over the last few months, let us not grow weary in doing good, let us not move on as the media sometimes does, and let us choose to be the CHURCH, the hands and feet of Jesus in these times of crisis. Every donation will count and as a church we can make a huge difference to people this Christmas.

Darren