Christian World Service is looking for 100 people to join a new challenge to benefit Syrian refugees. 
The first ever Operation Refugee kicked off last month when the first participants registered to live on the same rations as a Syrian refugee for five days. 
CWS aims to raise funds through the new initiative as part of its continuing work to assist Syrian refugees now living in Jordan and Lebanon.  The national event runs from 16-20 June.   June 20 is World Refugee Day.
On registering for the challenge, CWS will send a box of rations including lentils, chickpeas, flour, fish, vegetable, oil and salt.  Participants supply their own rice.
CWS is fundraising for longstanding partner the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), a programme of the Middle East Council of Churches with whom it has worked since 1949.
DSPR has been providing food, education, medical care and comfort to thousands of Syrians since the conflict began over five years ago.
“We cannot help all the refugees – there are too many, but we can help some refugees.  Sending money from here is the best way to make sure the help is what is needed.  Having worked in the area for 60 years, DSPR makes your donations go further,” says National Director Pauline McKay.
An estimated 4.8 million refugees have fled Syria – many are sheltering in Jordan and Lebanon. 
CWS has prepared a Toolkit and signed up chef Grant Allen to provide recipes and encouragement. 
People can register and set up a personal fundraising page here.  Those who want to support the challenge can sponsor individual participants or donate to Operation Refugee.
CWS will prepare worship resources for churches celebrating Refugee Sunday on 19 June in Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and 3 July in Anglican Churches. 
Operation Refugee is based on the Ration Challenge devised by Australian colleagues Act for Peace.  For more information call 0800 74 73 72.
May 4, 2016