It almost seems too early on in the month to write about our time here in Greece. We have only had one actual day of ‘ministry’, only one day working outside of our 3 block radius near our hostel. After yesterday, though, I realize it’s never too early to talk about what the Lord is doing. We don’t have to wait for huge revelation or grand deed to tell our stories or experiences.
A group of ten of us went to a refugee camp to work alongside a Muslim organization to feed and entertain about 1,600 men, women, and children. What an opportunity to shine God’s light and the heart of Jesus in such a grim situation. Amongst over 1,000 non-believers, I couldn’t help but think about Acts 2:41. The words ‘Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day’ rang clear as glass in my mind as I chopped fruits and vegetables for hours. What Kingdom potential sits behind those barbed wire fences? We have the willpower, the safety and protection of the Lord, and the authority to walk into a situation like the refugee crisis that is taking place here in Greece and declare freedom and light.
Our group getting into the camp was God’s handiwork in and of itself. Can you imagine the situation reversed? A group of 1,600 Christians held out in tents behind guarded walls and a group of 10 Muslims come and offer their support, food, and passion for their higher power? How would we react? God is good and has a plan for us here. It is so evident it’s impossible to ignore.
The sun was hidden behind clouds, the group leading the event was organized and communicated clearly, and none of us were without anything we desired or needed. Thank you for those of you who interceded during the hours we were at the camp. He is a God of abundance. We had water, candy bars and other sweets, and enough food to keep us going. We all loved the work we got to be a part of, the people we got to meet and work alongside, and are anxious to get back out there and speak the name of Jesus over every single one of the refugees.
To top off the day, I was able to spend some amazing quality time with a few people on the squad last night. On our walk back to the hostel, just before a strong storm rolled in, we saw a man doubled over on a bench passed out. I physically couldn’t get my feet to move further into the door and just stared his direction, trying to figure out what my next steps were going to be. Before I could take another step, a guy on our squad was by his side. Water and refuge from the storm was all we could physically offer him, but I know the Lord heard my prayers for his heart, mind, body, and soul. Right or wrong, I couldn’t walk away from that man; I felt the Lords love for him and needed him to know he was seen.
As we shared our experiences from the day and expectations for the month, I realized just how lucky I am to be a part of such an amazingly diverse but united group. We have the best squad the World Race has ever seen, and we know why. We are putting the Great Commission first in every situation. This month is going to rock our souls.
