My Peace I Give You

My Peace I Give You - Part 3

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January 28, 2021

Give to Impact Middle East

My Peace I Give You
a three-part story told by Iraqi refugee in Jordan

Part 3 - The Conclusion
Ruaa Nofal, a 20-year-old woman from Iraq, and her family fled after Da'ash terrorists attacked their home village. Her story concludes below.

We entered Jordan on September 27, 2017. Life was not easy. We were not able to obtain a permit to work in Jordan. Apartment rent was very expensive. I had planned to complete my studies to become a lawyer, but school tuition was too expensive and the school too far from our apartment. We were so lonely; we knew no one.

One day, a Christian Iraqi girl who lived in our building came to our apartment. She told us about a church (an IME partner church) close by that provided food, assistance, and work for Iraqi refugees. My family and I went to the church right away. The church not only joyfully welcomed us, but also helped us to find peace and joy again.

My mother and I were offered jobs at the church. The money we earn helps my father pay the apartment rent. I chose to work in the soap department, and my mother chose to do embroidery. We are paid for each piece we make.

I found friendship with Sahar, the young woman who patiently trained me to make soap. One day as we talked, I told Sahar my story. She prayed for me and my family. She told me, “Do not despair. God wants the best for you according to His will.” She has supported me like a sister: when I am sick, when I need someone to talk to, when I am sad. When we received a letter of rejection from the Australian Embassy after a year and a half of waiting, she came to our home and prayed with us. She asked God to open our eyes and light our way, so we would not forget Him or allow bitterness to grow in our hearts.

Our family has drawn nearer to God. Sahar has taught me how to pray for my family. On Tuesdays, we meet with others from the church to learn from the Bible. Leaders teach us how to keep God’s commandments and apply them in our lives. I look forward to Tuesdays because I love to read the Bible, memorize the verses, and hear the worship songs.

My life, and the lives of my family, have changed so much. Without the support of the church and the church's pastor, I would focus on the past and all that our family has lost. I have learned that every new day is a blessing from God. We must live with joy, helping others, and standing with them in despair.

Despite all the pain, there is joy. As John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Video Resources

Due to security reasons, these pages are password protected. Email contact@impactmiddleeast.org for password.

To view videos of Impact Middle East Ministry in EGYPT, click here.

To view videos of Impact Middle East Ministry in IRAQ, click here.

To view videos of Impact Middle East Ministry in ISRAEL, click here.

To view videos of Impact Middle East Ministry in JORDAN, click here.

Opportunities

Heavenly Treasures - an Impact Middle East partner organization - offers online access to hand-crafted products made by Iraqi refugee artisans. Heavenly Treasures can also provide a “pop-up” store for your church or organization.
Shop: shopwithamission.com
Pop-up Store: christina@heavenlytreasures.org

Connected Communities, through International Child Care Ministries (ICCM), allows a U.S. church to come alongside a particular school, hostel, child development center, or other ministry in the Middle East.
Connected Community: dale@impactmiddleeast.org

SEED helps design innovative and high quality products for refugees from across the Middle East to make together, building inter-cultural relationships and sharing God’s love. Buy these designs - and purchase tote bags in bulk - at shopSEEDmarket.org

Special Opportunity

Impact Middle East is looking for local churches interested in helping refugee children in Jordan and Iraq attend school where they will receive biblical and academic instruction. Connected Communities, through International Child Care Ministries (ICCM), makes a way for churches to come alongside specific schools in the Middle East.
Connected Community: dale@impactmiddleeast.org

Children's Resources

Great for VBS or other children's missions studies

Click here for Missions Alive! Middle East and other downloads (missions curriculum for grades 1-6)
Password: 20MEeJiI20

Click here for Missions Project handout - project information, stories, activities (Offerings will enable the Noor Center in Northern Iraq help refugee children and their families)

AmazonSmile has donated over $200 million to charities worldwide! You can help increase AmazonSmile donations to Impact Middle East by shopping at
smile.amazon.com/ch/26-4657639
or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app.