Middle East/North Africa (MNN) — Forced displacement is a too-well-known reality across the Middle East and Southeast Asia today. Since February 28, the joint United States-Israel war with Iran and other conflicts have only worsened the situation. The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that between March 1 and May 19, 2026, more than 4.3 million people have been displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Even after conflicts end, the physical and emotional effects of forced displacement will linger for years. That’s why it’s so important that churches across the MENA region understand and serve displaced families wisely.
Recently, the MENA Leadership Center trained more than 30 Christian leaders from nine nations about refugee ministry.
“In emergency situations, refugees often need immediate support — such as they need safety, they’re looking for shelter, food, water, and medical care,” says Rana Fakhouri, the center’s recruitment and enrollment director. “But in a long-term displacement situation, the needs often become deeper and more complex.”
Two schoolboys in Tripoli, Lebanon (representative photo of Rudy Issa via Unsplash)
Those complexities leave many people and organizations scrambling for solutions. But amid the mess, God calls His people to minister as gospel messengers and as servants to the refugees right in front of them.
“Many Christians in the MENA region see opportunity to serve families through practical help or emotional support with friendship and spiritual encouragement,” says Fakhouri. “Over time, these relationships can really build trust and the community, and it’s going to be a long-term support.”
One leader in the refugee ministry training shared that before attending, they mainly focused on practical support for refugees.
“But through the discussion they realized how important is the emotional care, how important for them to listen,” says Fakhouri. “I think that was such a powerful reflection. Why? Because it showed a deeper understanding of a refugee, not only as a person with need, but as an individual carrying grief and experiencing this and resilience as well.”
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Pray for refugees around the world, especially those facing long-term uncertainty, trauma, and instability.
(Photo courtesy of MENA Leadership Center)
“Please pray for healing, for protection, for hope, and for a real sense of belonging that they need to feel,” says Fakhouri. “We also ask for prayer for churches and the ministry leaders, and the frontline workers serving refugees, [that] they would continue serving with wisdom and with compassion.”
As the MENA Leadership Center continues to train and equip ministry leaders serving the displaced, they welcome prayer and financial support.
“We really encourage churches and believers to become more aware of the refugee realities, and we ask them to respond with compassion, prayer, and practical involvement,” says Fakhouri.
Learn more about the MENA Leadership Center here.
Header photo: Afghanistan (Stock photo courtesy of Rahmat Alizada via Unsplash.)
