Iraq
“I need to go to the fitness classes in order to have a place where I can really open up my heart and let go.” This is the feedback we often receive from the women.
Swaddling Education
The way an infant is swaddled can either prevent or worsen hip dysplasia in children so this intervention is vital for future well-being of these babies.
From Hopelessness to Hope
After a year and a half of our CBR team working together with her family, Maryam was able to walk 15 steps all by herself!
Hope to Move Forward
We added to the encouragement that her loving father and supportive mother were giving her, to try to give her hope to move forward.
Changing Lives
Bringing hope, delight and helping build relationships and grow community amoungst the vulnerable.
Finding Purpose, Feeling Good!
“Going to class is so wonderful… I used to cry all day and night because I felt purposeless at home. Now I can wear anything and I feel so much better.”
Identity and Worth
Many of the beneficiaries of our Shine classes have shared how they have grown in character and self-confidence as a result of the program.
God has created me perfectly!
Rosa attributes some of the changes in her life to participating in the Shine course.
Joy in walking
One person whose life has been changed through this project is Neff*.
Rewards from Team Effort
Eventually several relatives visited and noticed that Mustafa had greatly improved. They wanted to pass out sweets to their friends and neighbors to celebrate.
Life Changing Experiences
Since we launched our Keystone project to engage with Syrian Kurds through fitness and frisbee, we have had more and more young people join the session.
Now I Have Friends
After one of our fitness classes, we sat down with the participants and invited them to share something they like about fitness, or something that has been difficult for them.
A New Smile
“The most beautiful thing is the big smile on his face.”
WhatsApp Group Leads to Improved Community
In January and February 2020, before Covid-19 came along and all of Operation Mercy’s programming in the refugee camps was shut down to prevent the spread of the virus,
Hope and Support Through Peer Groups
“It was my dream to be able to stand up on my own feet,” she said. “And now, my dream has come true thanks to Operation Mercy.”
Heart Wounds
“How can the wounds of our hearts be healed?”
Women’s Fitness Class Brings Real Change
Previously Shireen* was isolated and lonely in her house and wouldn’t go out much. Through fitness she has found more purpose in life and has become confident and content in all she does.
Emotionally Better
“Together with my relative, I joined the class and I have benefited from it a lot. I feel better emotionally and everyone at home is happier with me!
Not Alone in Times of Trouble
Losing weight might be one of the main reasons why they start to come, but why they actually stay and continue to come is the hope and the community they get.
A COVID-19 Story: Food and Hygiene Kits for CBR Families
During the distribution, it was evident that many people have been out of work while some also reported being in debt primarily due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Men’s Fitness Meets Physical and Emotional Needs
“Playing Frisbee and participating in the focused discussions has helped me to live a healthy life. I have lost so much weight because of exercising and eating healthily.