This article first published at Christianity Today on November 2, 2017.
Here are a few excerpts from my new article.
First, the reason:
Zalal Life distributed 300 food baskets and bottles of water. The government of Hungary donated $2 million in aid for reconstruction. The United Nations wasn’t there.
“People are not happy with the UN; they are using money for administration,” said Bahro. “The help is coming from churches and Christian organizations.”
Second, the condition:
“If the US can help Christian organizations directly, it will be good—if it can be done without discrimination,” he said.
“They must serve Muslims and other minorities also. We live together, and want to remain together in our communities.”
Third, the complication:
“Having the US transfer funds directly to persecuted Christians could be a good thing, but American politics will surely mingle in,” the Israeli Arab Christian said.
“They will want to brag about the aid to show their success, and to prove to the Christian Right that [President Donald Trump] delivers on his promises.”
Fourth, the danger:
Farouk Hammo, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Baghdad, agreed. “The bottom line is that we do not recommend direct aid from the States to Christians,” he said.
“It will agitate our Muslim brothers negatively against the Christian community.”
Fifth, the reality:
But the Jordanian leader respects Trump and is cautiously in support of the USAID policy change if done well, as it will empower the church to do the ministry.
“Maybe we will be targeted more,” he said. “But in some countries, it can’t get worse.”
Sixth, the possibility:
If USAID offered to help, Bitar would accept it—if it is not conditioned on any political agenda. He has little fear of local reaction.
“Muslims will be happy,” he said. “They like to send their children to schools run by Christians.”
Finally, the outcome:
Amid conflicting Christian reactions and unknown Muslim response, the policy change represents a new approach. Will it make things better or worse?
“Here in our area, the Kurdish Muslims trust Christians,” Bahro said. “In Arab areas, I don’t know.”
Please click here to read the full article at Christianity Today.
Jayson Casper 