CHRISTIANS HOMELESS FOR TWO YEARS
On May 23 2017 hundreds of armed members of an ISIS-linked militant group stormed into the city of Marawi in the Philippines. During the i ve month siege that followed, 1,000 people died and more than 300,000 people were displaced
Now, two years after the war broke out, more than 2,000 families are still in temporary shelters and more than 11,000 families are still living with relatives and friends.
The ongoing military operation of clearing undetonated bombs and landmines and building delays have stopped people from being able to move back to the city.
Open Doors fieldworker Hadassah said: “I’m still sad that until now some of the believers are still in the temporary shelter. They are continuously praying that the LGU (local government unit) will allow them to go back to their area and rebuild their houses again. By God’s grace they were able to face the discomfort and thrive amidst dificulties, but they still long to go back to their community.
“Many of the believers were scattered in different communities in Marawi and far from the church, but I am encouraged that during fellowship meetings and worship they took time to come together and strengthen each other.” (Open Doors UK)