How YOU can Help ISIS Victims

​As I sit down to write this post, my heart physically aches. Knowing the depths of torture that is occurring as my I tap my keyboard wrenches my gut. I know ISIS is terrorizing people all over the world but after hearing from the front lines, now I know ISIS is terrorizing people all over the world. And the question is, what am I going to DO about it? 

ISIS victims comforted by the Lion and Lamb Initiative

I frequently listen to Dr. Dobson's Family Talk. His show has had a significant impact on my Christian walk and I continue to learn and grow from his wisdom and that of his guests. Recently, I heard two broadcasts that deeply affected my heart. I listened  to Victor Marx explain his recent trip to Iraq on a mission to help ISIS victims. The horror that he illustrated is unfathomable: girls being raped up to 30 times--before lunch, children watching family members tortured and killed, girls as young as eight years old being offered as wives to recruit ISIS fighters. I CANNOT fully process this tragedy and I CANNOT sit by without helping. 

I think it's imperative that we understand the victims' plight, to the best of our ability. As we live in the comfort that America offers, people are suffering to a degree our brains cannot comprehend, but we must try. Please take the time to listen to the broadcasts I described. We need to hear what is happening so the desire to help these people is real, genuine, and palpable. There are 50, 000 children that need us. 

Click the below links to listen:

• High Risk Missionary Ops Part 1
• High Risk Missionary Ops Part 2

And I desperately urge you to watch the video below so you can learn more about what Victor Marx is doing to help ISIS victims.  This is an issue we NEED to see. 

As I watched this video and I looked at these young girls--5 years old, 8 years old, 14 years old--every one of them was my daughter. I saw her in each child. What if we lived in Iraq? What if ISIS was breaking down my door? What if my daughter was being violated? What if I they killed my husband? I imagine I would be fixed on my knees in prayer, pleading for God to send help. We can be that help. 

It all feels terribly unfair sometimes, that my family and I are so privileged and yet in other places, men, women, and children are being victimized. I need to do something. I want to hold each child in my arms. I want to speak Jesus into each woman's life. I want to build the men back up who has been dehumanized. My soul wants to get on a plane to Syria, to Iraq, and go to work. But God has not called me to that. However, He has given me a heart that runs deep with compassion and I want to assist others who have been called to that field. 

At the end of the film above, Victor Marx states one of the most profound things I have ever heard: "Once you know how real it is, we're responsible for that knowledge." Those words struck me at my core. I am now responsible; you are now responsible. Will we answer the call to help? 

Victor Marx heads the Lion and Lamb Initiate, which hands out stuffed lions and lambs to children affected by ISIS, in order to offer comfort and decrease the trauma. Each stuffed animal plays music and offers comforting words (in their native language). Please watch this short clip to learn more.

For a mere 15 dollars we can sponsor a child with this one time gift, easing the effects of trauma most of us will never truly grasp. If offering this monetary donation is not possible for you, please PRAY for Victor's ministry and the recovery process of the ISIS victims. Each is in desperate need of our prayers. 

Click here to donate now!

After exploring Victor's website I was led to his Facebook page. Again, his mission effected me to a literal pain; tears washed my cheeks as I viewed images of children who perished during their family's escape. Victims must endure a 30 day journey in this desolate region to flee from ISIS, sometimes leading to death by dehydration and starvation. As horrific as these images are, we need to see them in order to be called to action, whether by donation or prayer. We often become numb to tragedy because we see it portrayed in the news every day, but there is a mother and father attached to each of these children. I cannot fathom the sheer helplessness of losing a child to dehydration due to the necessary escape from terrorists. This is SICK; this is REAL. This is the result of EVIL.

These sweet babies are in Heaven with Christ, rejoicing in His peace and eternal love. They will no longer fall under the hands of ISIS. However, millions are still alive and suffering as a result of this evil organization, and we have the opportunity to help. God has blessed many of us with resources in order to bless others, but if you are not in a place to donate, please know you can still participate! Prayer is the most powerful tool we have to combat this enemy. Let us use it mightily! Mark 9:29 says it all, in regards to the evil that guides ISIS: "And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." 

It's challenging to understand why these deplorable acts occur in the world, but we must understand that it is not God making these things happen. It is people, evil people who choose hate. God has given us free will and unfortunately Satan has entered the hearts of ISIS. I trust His almighty plan against this regime, but action is required on our part, too. May God bless and lead you as you consider your role in the fight against ISIS. Remember the words of Victor Marx: "Once you know how real it is, we're responsible for that knowledge." 

One last note to my fellow Army wives whose husbands are currently deployed. I recall the fear, frustration, and difficulties in my husband's absence while he fought in Operation Enduring Freedom. Know that your men are fighting a worthy cause. YOUR sacrifice is commended and your husband is making a difference. He is ensuring we see less of the tragic images above. I continue to pray for your peace and comfort during this deployment and for the safety of each soldier!