Over a 3 day period this week, The Lord walked me through a process of breaking down my pre-consieved notions about the refugees and the refugee crisis that has greatly impacted Europe. The Lord wrecked my heart for the situation that is happening here, for Americans and the Americans reaction to this situation. Admittedly, just weeks ago, I gladly would have said I supported the statement “Veterans before Refugees” while at the heart, the message may have some validity – in that America really does need to take better care of its Veterans and particularly its Combat Veterans. However, there is one glaring mistake/misconception/critical aspect that is totally missed: These people are humans too and are created in the image of God. So here is my Journey…
Day One:
After stepping off of the Tram at Porte De La Chapelle, the first thing that hits you is the smell (not the typical smell that is Paris, for those of you who have been.) Urine. Feces. Trash. These are the smells that hit you as you exit the Tram platform. That is what these people are forced to live in right now. There are hundreds of men sleeping out in tents, under makeshift tarps, on old pieces of foam, or out in the elements on an old mattress. They are in the medians of the roadway, all along the sidewalks, under bridges and overpasses. You name it, they are there, all just trying to get to this one refugee center in the Porte De La Chapelle neighborhood of Paris. When I was walking through all of this that first day my mind and heart were racing. All that I have ever been told about these single, male refugees is that they are a high threat because of their potential connectivity to Terrorism. They were literally being guarded by about 40 French National Police officers. They resembled an Infantry platoon much more than what we would think of police in the States. After seeing a man about my age with an Afghan flag, my mind instantly went back to that September morning of 2001 when my whole view of the world was changed. I was in the DC area when the attacks happened. Many of my friends lost a parent, or became orphans that day. Never Again, I thought. Walls Up. Head on a Swivel. Protect the team.
So as we walked through the streets of Porte De La Chapelle, I argued with the Lord. Why? Why would you allow this God? “Just keep going” What is the point in me being here?! “Just keep going” WHAT IS THE POINT THIS IS CRUEL?! I AM NOT GOING TO BE USED HERE?! I CANT HELP THESE PEOPLE?! “Just keep Going”… Fine God, I replied, Ill keep going. That day we walked over 13 miles… we kept going alright. All along, I was arguing with the Lord and He was working. At the end of the day I was extremely frustrated and realized that I was heartbroken. The Lord wrecked me and the walls I had up.
I could do something. I am here for a reason. I can help.
Day Two:
The next day the guys from my team and one of our squad leaders went down to that same neighborhood. Just the four of us. The previous day there had been six. My mindset was less people = less effective. How wrong I was! Within minutes of stepping off the Tram, through the same groups that we went through the day prior, Matt Kane and Preston Bates quickly found a group of men under a bridge. We talked with them via our broken French, Spanish, and German and they communicated back through their broken English, French, German, and Dutch. Their stories that ensued are nothing short of tragic and heart wrenching. One man, who I hope will agree to an interview, left his family in a small corrupt Northern Africa county over four years ago. He journeyed across Sudan, where many of the refugees are also coming from, and was captured by rebels in Libya. He was beaten in the head with the butt stock of a rifle – where he has a permeant scar – and lost dozens of friends crossing from Libya to Italy. He had to use all of his savings to pay off the Libyan rebels, leaving him without monetary resources. Italy rejected him after he was there just a few short months. He then moved on to Greece where he stayed in the notoriously bad male refugee camps. Then onto Germany, the Netherlands, and now Paris. Of the fifty or so people he left his homeland with, just a handful made it to Europe, let alone Paris.
“I told you, Keep Going”… You were right, Lord. I’m here now.
These stories will wreck your heart. Years separated from their children, wives, and parents. All in search of not the “American Dream” but just a glimpse of a better life. The “American Dream” is so far out of reach that it can’t even begin to be a thought of a dream.
Side note: Does God actually call us to live the “American Dream” or does is He calling us into something better? Just something to think about.
These people are real. They need the world’s help and the world is ignoring them. Its On Us.
Day Three:
With a better spirit and an open heart, my team went and served coffee and tea to these guys on a Saturday afternoon. Something as simple as a hot beverage, a smile, and a whole lot of lovin’ from Jesus can go a long way. It seemed to be a never ending line of guys asking for “Café” or “Chai” and where’s the “Sucre”. While serving the coffee and tea, there wasn’t much communication between these men and me. There was, however, a lot of communication between me and God.
Chai. “Make it last one more cup.” Café. “Make it last one more cup, Lord.” as we went through the 20th containers of tea and coffee.
In the middle of all of this: Rain. Cold. Damp. Miserable. Rain.
Yet, my heart was full and joyous. Everyone was scattering, looking for some shelter and there we were still giving out tea and coffee to those who were still lining up for it. I don’t know how many cups were handed out that day, but alas, it did all run out. However, much later than I would have thought. Thank ya Lord! The conversations afterwards, though, were the highlight. We got the opportunity not only to tell people about Jesus, but show them Jesus. He showed up in force!
I cannot wait to tell you more about what the Lord is doing here. Please continue to pray for our team, but also, pray for these people, pray for the governments of the world that are neglecting these people, pray for intervention.
