For many Iraqi families, home is no longer a place of safety or peace. Years of conflict have forced millions to leave behind everything they’ve ever known—homes, jobs, and communities that have been part of their lives for generations. These families, displaced by war and strife, find themselves in a new country, not as visitors, but as those who are trying to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

In Jordan, a country that has become a sanctuary for many, families from Iraq struggle with uncertainty and loss. They wait, sometimes for years, for a chance to resettle and start anew. But in the midst of their waiting, there is a quiet, powerful story unfolding—a story of faith, compassion, and the incredible strength of community.

In 2003, Iraq was home to approximately 1.5 million Christians; today, only around 200,000 remain. Those who have left continue to seek better opportunities in neighboring countries, with Jordan being one of the primary destinations. It’s estimated that 165,000 Iraqis currently reside in Jordan, a nation not much larger than the state of Maine. Many have settled in Amman, the capital, while waiting for proper documentation to resettle permanently in countries like Australia, Canada, or other Western nations.

One such community in Amman, where many Iraqis have chosen to settle, is known as Gardens. Nearly 12 years ago, Pastor Zaki Kopti and his wife, Fadia, began visiting these new arrivals, offering hospitality and compassion. They often heard the same refrain over cups of tea and biscuits: “We are wasting our time here.” Refugee status prohibited them from working, adding to the overwhelming difficulty of having to wait indefinitely, sometimes for years, to learn what their future holds.

Many of these community members who have been displaced had once enjoyed thriving businesses, and many of them are incredibly well educated. They were once able to provide for their families and contribute to the thriving of their communities. Yet now, they found themselves with little to do.

Fadia, seeing the need for something more, suggested, “Why don’t we teach them English?” With many people uprooted by conflict hoping to resettle in English-speaking countries, the idea was quickly approved, and a text message went out announcing the class.

Pastor Zaki and Fadia were taken aback by the response. “I’ll never forget that number,” Pastor Zaki recalled. “It was 178 [people who signed up].” While they saw this as a challenge, it was also the beginning of something transformative.

The community center at Gardens Church of the Nazarene grew out of this challenge. With the help of donors and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, they expanded into an adjoining space. Volunteers were recruited, and the center was opened to any refugee who wanted to teach or participate in activities.

Over time, a variety of programs began to take shape: cooking classes, a nail salon that provides jobs and training, nutrition classes, personal training sessions, computer classes, and educational lectures. One of the most notable initiatives was a preschool for children with disabilities who weren’t accepted anywhere else.

"This is our opportunity to show the love of God, not just talk about it." Pastor Zaki said with a chuckle. "It's easy to talk about love, but it's much harder to show it."

The center operates Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is supported by four dedicated staff members: Marian, Lina, Ghassan, and Omar. Most importantly, the center offers a safe space for those who might never otherwise step into a church building. As needs arise and friendships are formed, prayers are offered, and the center becomes a place where the love of God is made tangible.

What began as a simple act of welcoming people into a church building—people forced to flee from everything they knew, experiencing a new city for the first time—has grown into a full-fledged ministry that serves not just the spiritual needs of those displaced by war but also addresses their practical needs.

*Names have been changed for safety.*

This story has been adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Read more stories of hope here.