Hello from Cyprus!
This month, we’ve been working with an AMAZING organization that serves the forcibly displaced community here, many of whom live in the refugee camp. They partner with the community and local churches in providing food and clothing, teaching English classes, hosting women’s and children’s events, creating a safe space for fellowship, sharing stories, fostering hope, and so much more. Every person in the organization is 100% invested in each individual they encounter. Their heart is to reflect Christ in all that they say and do, becoming all things to all men so that some might be won (1 Corinthians 9:22). It’s been such a blessing to come alongside this organization this month. We do whatever is needed…sometimes that’s helping with the food and clothing distribution, painting, teaching English classes, washing dishes, gardening, doing administrative work, helping with the women’s and children’s events, etc.
My favorite part about being here and partnering with this organization is having the opportunity to build relationships with the people they serve, and to hear their stories. Majority of the people we meet here have fled their home countries due to war, instability, and persecution for their faith in Christ. The statistics are unnerving: 65.6 million people worldwide have been displaced from their home; 28,300 people are forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution every day; every minute, 24 people are forcibly displaced (UNHCR). To me these are more than just numbers, more than just data. One of these is the mom I get to have coffee with on Wednesdays as she tells me how she is lonely here because her family and children are stuck in her home country. One of these is the 3 year old I get to play with on the playground. One of these is the teenage girl I hang out with on Monday’s, who was brought here against her will. One of these is the father I talk to before English class who shares about the difficulties of not having legal rights to work here, when he was a successful businessman in his home country before having to flee. Amidst the deep hurt and loss is an apparent resilience, strength, joy, and hope among the community. A hope for restoration, reconciliation, improved conditions, and for some, a fresh start.
Though many here are literally sowing in tears to rebuild their lives, my prayer is that they will reap with songs of joy. My prayer is that they find eternal hope, wholeness, and redemption in Christ. It has been so impactful for my faith to see people here speak about God’s goodness, and worship with such a pure passion in the midst of some of the heaviest circumstances I’ve ever heard.
Psalm 126:5-6 – Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Thank you all so much for all of your prayer and support!! I am now FULLY FUNDED thanks to your generous hearts, and obedience to the Lord. I appreciate you all so much!!
http://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html
