A Fragile Life in the Desert

Dalia’s world is a single fragile room standing alone in the desert.

Far from the nearest city, across a long unpaved road that even cars struggle to drive, Dalia lives with her elderly mother and her injured brother, who is unable to work or move much. The land around them is empty—no shops, no pharmacy, no hospital, no neighbors. Just sand, silence, and a long road that separates them from the rest of the world.

This harsh place was not their choice. With no home of their own and no ability to pay rent, the small room on this empty land became their only shelter. Even clean drinking water is not available in their home.

With no one else to rely on, Dalia became the only caregiver and provider for her family.

Living in the desert means Dalia must travel far just to bring back the most basic necessities.

With no transportation reaching their area, Dalia walks the long desert road on foot to a nearby monastery to bring back bread, beans, and water for her family—yet even then, she does not always find help.

Sometimes, if she is lucky, a passing car gives her a ride for part of the journey. Many times, no one stops, forcing her to walk the entire distance alone under the harsh desert sun. Yet accepting rides from strangers has also exposed Dalia to frightening and painful experiences, leaving her with deep fear and anxiety even as she continues making these difficult journeys to care for her family.

The burden has taken a toll on Dalia’s health. Weakened by stress and responsibility, she fears what will happen if she can no longer care for her family.

Until recently, the family survived on a small monthly gift from someone they know. It was barely enough—but it helped them cover their most basic needs.

Now even that small support has stopped.

Story update:

After carrying this burden alone for so long, Daliahas been reminded that she is not forgotten. Through your prayers and generous support, we have been able to come alongside her family in tangible ways.

We provided food supplies to meet their most urgent needs, along with a water filter so they could finally have access to clean drinking water at home. No longer would Dalia have to make exhausting trips just to buy water. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, believing that God Himself had personally sent this gift as a loving reminder that He had not forgotten her or her family.

Your support also enabled AWEMA’s ministry team to take Dalia’s mother, who is over 85 years old, to the hospital for a medical examination—the first time she had seen a doctor in nearly two years. The visit brought great encouragement to her spirit. The very next morning, Dalia called the ministry leader with joyful excitement, sharing that her mother had gotten out of bed and walked to the bathroom on her own for the first time in many years. The doctors’ reassuring words had renewed her hope and given her fresh confidence.

During the same visit, Dalia also received a medical examination. The doctors discovered several health conditions that have been causing her pain whenever she walks, helping explain the physical burden she has faithfully carried while caring for her mother and brother and traveling long distances to meet their daily needs.

Most importantly, our ministry extends beyond meeting physical needs. During every home visit, we spend time sharing God’s Word, praying with the family, and encouraging them in their faith.

Because of your generosity, families like Dalia’s are experiencing both practical care and the love of Christ. We invite you to prayerfully consider giving so that more families can receive the help and hope they desperately need.

* Name changed for identity protection.