In Jordan, several churches are meeting community needs through creative and compassionate ministry.

Gardens Church of the Nazarene hosts a thriving compassion center—a welcoming place where young adults from the church volunteer to serve anyone in need. The center offers job-skills training, language classes, small-business support, and children’s activities. Each program helps participants gain confidence and open doors to greater economic and emotional security.

Refugee families, people seeking employment, and those experiencing hardship all find support at the center. Rev. Sameh Armanyous, Eastern Mediterranean Field NCM Coordinator, shared how two brothers who first joined the center’s programs later chose to give back. After completing barbering courses at the center, they opened their own barbershop and began offering free services to others.

“You always offer us useful and free programs and activities. We want to provide free barber services,” they told the team.

~~~

Omar* is 31 years old. He and his family fled Iraq as refugees in 2021.

“I was forced to leave everything behind in search of a safe life for myself and my family,” he explained.

When they arrived in Jordan, Omar discovered the compassion center and enrolled in the barbering course. For him, this was more than a practical skill—it was a lifeline.

“What I found at the center went beyond education,” he said. “It gave me tremendous moral and psychological support, helping me get back on my feet despite the harsh challenges.”

Today, Omar's young daughter attends children’s classes at the center, giving the entire family a sense of belonging and stability.

“In all of this, I find solace in the Lord’s promise: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” he shared. “I pray the Lord will open a path for us and lead us to a future where we live in peace and dignity.”

~~~

Hana*, 64 years old, also found hope through the center after finding herself a refugee.

“We came to Jordan after my husband was subjected to an attempted murder, and my daughter and I faced a terrifying kidnapping,” she shared. “We left our homeland filled with fear and uncertainty, but we never lost hope that God was with us on the journey.”

In Jordan, Hana learned about the center through her church.

“It was a door of grace at a time when we desperately needed support,” she shared. “We participated in English classes, and the education and support the center provided were free—a sign of God’s love and mercy in the midst of our exile.”

Even with this support, life was not easy.

“We faced significant challenges, most notably the high cost of living and the lack of job opportunities, which placed psychological and financial pressure on us as a refugee family,” she said.

What keeps Hana hopeful is her dream for the future.

“We pray that the Lord will open the doors of mercy for us and guide our steps toward a new life of hope and healing,” she expressed. “In the midst of all this pain and hope, we find our comfort and strength in the Word of God: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Rev. Sameh reflects on the ongoing impact:

“The center remains a place where Christ’s love is translated into action. We pray its influence will continue to transform lives and fulfill the Gospel’s mission through work and service.”

~~~

Another congregation, Irbid Church of the Nazarene, is serving young people through a vibrant youth and young adult club, supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Born out of the church’s desire to deepen ministry to this age group, the club offers a safe space for teenagers and young adults to connect, worship, study, watch football, and share meals together.

Throughout the week, small groups for men, women, junior youth, and university students meet for spiritual nurture and support. The club is open seven days a week, and many activities are organized and led by the church’s own young adults.

“The club provides a quiet and safe place, internet service, and even academic assistance for students in Arabic and English through volunteer tutors,” explained a project leader.

Looking ahead, the church plans to expand their language classes to include local refugees and those outside the Christian community.

“Irbid Church of the Nazarene is perfectly positioned to offer these practical services,” said the leader. “Families in our congregation need this support, and we want to share it with the entire community.”

Beyond the youth club, Irbid Church has long supported those in need by distributing food packages, clothing, fuel coupons, blankets, and school supplies. Recently, the congregation partnered with Global Care Force to host a medical outreach, providing care to 223 people during a pop-up clinic.

This is the Church at work in Jordan—meeting practical needs, creating spaces of hope, and showing Christ’s love in tangible ways.

~~~

*Names are changed for protection.