Forgiveness in a War-Weary Heart
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
In a region still healing from the scars of war, one Syrian woman’s quiet journey toward forgiveness is reflecting a much larger story of restoration—of lives changed, families reunited, and communities awakening to the hope of Christ.
A Long Road from Syria
Fourteen years ago, a Syrian mother crossed the border into Jordan with her children, fleeing the chaos of war. Like thousands of other women, she carried deep grief—over a lost homeland, over what the war had taken, and over what it had left behind. Some had lost husbands in the fighting; others had once been connected to militant groups; still others arrived simply seeking shelter from unspeakable trauma.
Over the years, a faithful local team—supported by Compel International staff—has walked closely with these women, helping them rebuild not only their lives, but their sense of identity. What began as relief work during the height of the refugee crisis has grown into a vibrant network of house fellowships, women’s groups, and spiritual discovery gatherings across several northern towns in Jordan.
“This is the first time they’ve read from the Bible. They are engaged, asking questions, and sharing these stories with their neighbors.”
A New Kind of Preparation
Now, as Syria opens its borders and beckons its people home, many women face another kind of challenge: how to return. What does it mean to go back, now that they’ve encountered Jesus? How do they rejoin families who expect them to live as before? How do they find work or safety in communities still marked by conflict?
In response, the local ministry team began offering special return-preparation sessions—practical, emotional, and spiritual guidance designed for refugee women who have come to faith in Christ. Each lesson focuses on core questions: how to rebuild trust with family, how to safely live out new beliefs, how to seek out other believers, and how to walk with God through uncertainty.
During one such session, the group studied the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15). The discussion turned to forgiveness—a difficult subject for many. One mother sat quietly, wrestling with wounds left by someone who had harmed her deeply—someone who had since passed away.
“I want to forgive, but I don’t know how.”
Her group leader reminded her of the father in the parable, who ran to embrace his son. “Forgiveness is not about forgetting the pain,” she said, “but about trusting God with what’s been done to you.” They prayed together. It was a beginning.
“By forgiving, we are fulfilling God’s will, and it frees us to move forward.”
More Than One Story
This woman’s journey mirrors the experience of many others. Since 2022, four new women’s groups have begun meeting regularly, and just last quarter, two Syrian women came to faith in Christ . These aren’t isolated events—they are signs of something multiplying.
In the past few years, several Syrian women have also launched small businesses—some in tailoring, others in home goods—despite immense economic and social obstacles . These efforts are part of a broader vision: not only to meet short-term needs, but to see women empowered as spiritual and community leaders, ready to disciple others both in Jordan and as they return home.
Compel International staff have been privileged to walk alongside this ministry in Jordan for many years, offering training and support to local leaders as they guide women through both practical discipleship and life transformation.
“Many of these women are finding freedom in Christ—and courage to face the future, no matter where it leads.”