"What a timely book Jalil Dawood has written! The news is plastered with stories of refugees day after day, yet this is a gripping story told by a refugee that will open your eyes and soften your heart. The Refugee will take you on a journey as you walk alongside Jalil, but even more importantly, it will inspire you into action. My heart was pounding as I read about Jalil's adventures. It's time we STOP getting our world view from cable news. Let's take it from the Bible and from great writings like The Refugee. Thank you Jalil! Keep writing."
Tom Doyle, Bestselling Author of Standing in the Fire and Killing Christians, President of Uncharted Ministries
"Once you start reading Jalil's story, you will find it hard to stop. You will come away with a renewed excitement and appreciation of how a God of grace works in bringing people to Himself. You will also learn practical ideas on how to help refugees discover the Gospel of Grace and adjust to a new culture and a new life in Christ."
Dr. R. Larry Moyer, Founder and CEO, EvanTell Ministries
"Jalil's incredible story is something every person and for sure, every Christian needs to read. He's a refreshing and defining voice of clarity on the global refugee crisis -- living through and actually being a refugee himself he provides real "life" insight into what refugees experience, as well as what it truly means to love your neighbor."
Norm Miller, Chairman, Interstate Batteries
Jalil Dawood is head of World Refugee Care and serves as a pastor for immigrants and refugees from the Middle East. He is also a refugee from Iraq -- and has a unique perspective on the church's role in supporting refugees. In this new memoir, Dawood uses biblical lessons and his own experiences to show the importance of compassion in the global refugee crisis. He urges the church to keep from turning a blind eye to the persecution and suffering in the world.
Dawood's personal journey is both troubling and inspiring, but he doesn't stop at his own testimony. He remembers the millions of people still in danger due to political, religious, or social affiliations. With the rise of ISIS and instability in the Middle East, Dawood's work is prescient and powerful. He looks to the Bible to answer questions raised by believers. What should we do if we encounter a refugee? How should the church help in the current crisis?
In answering these questions, Dawood also raises one of his own: What are you doing to help? He forces you to examine your own actions and position on refugees and encourages you to embrace compassion, faith, and grace. Put down your fear and believe in the miraculous in life!
Jalil Dawood was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He first entered the United States as a refugee in 1982. Dawood went on to receive his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and his master's degree in cross-cultural studies from the Dallas Theological Seminary.
Dawood has served as the pastor of the Arabic Church of Dallas since 2007 and founded World Refugee Care in 2013. For more information about his organization, visit worldrefugeecare.org today.
