RETURNING TO A HOME WITHOUT PEACE

RETURNING TO A HOME WITHOUT PEACE - Pakistan
The Pakistani government has started the voluntary resettlement of the Internally Displaced People (IDP) who would like to return to their home districts. As a result, about 200,000 families have now moved back to their original homes in the Swat Valley, or relocated to new regions. Naturally, much help is needed for those IDPs who have left the camps to restart life from scratch.

In partnership with the Operation Mercy* team, is investigating the opportunities to assist 30 former IDP families. The village in which they met these 120 people is one where they have previously been working, in response to the 2005 earthquake. Among these 120 people, there are several with medical needs, including a few who suffer from hepatitis. Neighbours share food when possible; however, hunger and malnutrition are constant problems in need of outside support.

Oftentimes, the IDPs return home only to find danger still near their homes. The children are especially affected by the fighting, and the army and the militia are present. Curfews are still enforced, bullets still fly and bomb blasts still rid the region of peace and stillness.

Need is desperate. Please pray about contributing to this relief effort financially and experience the joy of helping families get back on their feet. For more information about how you can get involved, visit: www.om.org/pakistan