The refugee crisis in Greece is a historical situation that will change the world forever. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians, Iraqis, Afghanis and other middle easterners are leaving everything they’ve known to seek safety and security in the western world. Average, ordinary men and women just like you and me are being forced to uproot their families and head towards the distant unknown with no promises of provision or protection along the way.
Adventures in Missions has placed itself square in the middle of this historical, world-changing refugee crisis. Adventures staff are on the island and for the past few months one-month teams have been mobilized to aid in the transit points in Lesvos, Greece.
Here’s the situation: Lesvos is the frontline for welcoming refugees. Mostly Syrian refugees are fleeing ISIS, Assad, other rebel groups or other governments and make the long, hard, deadly journey north through Turkey towards Europe. They arrive on the western Mediterranean coast of Turkey and wait. Boats come, wooden boats or rubber boats that are designed to hold 15 to 40 people. 50 to 100 refugees pile in to the boats, desperate to make the four-mile trip from Turkey to Lesvos.
The water is frigid, the storms are wicked, and the waves are high. Most of the boats arrive having taken in water during the trip, some capsize immediately upon arrival, and some don’t make it at all.
The refugees are escorted by Adventures staff to a transit point where the refugees get good food, clean water, and dry clothes. These transit points are designed to hold 200 people, but are frequently inundated with the amount of refugees it receives.
Adventures wants to step up its presence and role in this historical crisis. Senior leadership at Adventures asked me to step out of my plan and step into greater leadership; they asked me to work in Greece for three months.
And I accepted! I’m so honored and excited to have this opportunity. I’ll be hosting the short term teams, building relationships with other international disaster relief agencies, and helping run a few of the transit points on the island. I will be on the frontline, helping those who have left everything and now have nothing.
This could not, and would not, have happened without you. This invitation to lead in Greece is a testimony of your faithfulness, support and encouragement of me. I am so grateful for your support; you and I are together building God’s kingdom and loving on his children. I am so honored to be a small part of what our God is doing on this earth. I ask for your prayers as I step into something completely new for me. Please pray that I learn the languages (Greek and Arabic), get restful sleep after 12-hour shifts, and find community within all of the organizations on the island. Pray for leadership, peace, and compassion to flow out of me in the name of Jesus.
If you wish to read more about the refugee crisis, here are two articles (#1 and #2) from only a few months ago. I will be updating my blog while I’m in Greece, so be on the lookout for some first person accounts from the island.
