November 21, 2021

Surely we have the right to live in peace

Olive Tree Centres
Last week I was in Jordan with one of our Trustees. We were there to meet people and build relationships to support our work. But probably the highlight of the week was a meal we had with some of the Iraqi Christian refugees we have helped over the last few years. One of them was Shant.

Shant fled Iraq with his family after ISIS took over much of the north. I first met him in October 2019. At the opening of the Olive Tree Centre he came up to me on the flat roof, where food was being served. He said, “I want to thank you and your charity for everything you have done to help us. And for tonight. Look at everyone here. All are happy. I have lived here for one and a half years now. This is the first day I have been happy”. His words moved me deeply.

We have kept in touch over the last two years despite the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, which effectively prevented travel to Jordan until this summer.

Shant has now sent me the message below to be shared with our supporters.
Mike Simpson
CEO, Mosaic Middle East
Shant's message to you
Hello, my name is Shant. I am Iraqi nationality.
Currently, I am an immigrant in Jordan because of the difficult circumstances that my country has gone through, especially for the Christians.
Different parties including the extremists and sectarians played a big role in destroying the people and the country. They expelled people from their homes and robbed their money and kidnapped their women and the state at that time was fragmented. Many terrifying stories happened.
For this reason, I left to Jordan in order to (hopefully) immigrate to Canada or any safe country. Surely we have the right to live in peace as Jesus wanted us. Thank you Mosaic Middle East for your help to the Iraqis in Jordan.
Shant
Jesus spoke to his disciples in the hours before his trial and crucifixion:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

— Jesus
Posted by Mosaic Team