Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

September 2020 – Off the coast of Turkey, Afghan refugees from Moria, Greece, are making face masks to help American Christians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the northern Aegean Sea, Moria first offered refuge to approximately 3,000 people affected by war, but over 20,000 refugees eventually found their way to the Greek island camp. And despite overcrowding and deficient conditions, Moria has been a safe haven for the refugees.

So, the refugees were eager to reciprocate for the help received from past visitors and volunteers. With materials and equipment provided by two nonprofit groups, When We Band Together and Team Humanity, the volunteers began making cotton, double-layered masks for distribution to churches and Christian institutions across Europe and America. For example, 750 masks were given to Columbia International University, a South Carolina Christian university that previously sent volunteers to Moria.

theguardian.com, 3/18/20; faithwire.com, 7/1/20