ref•uge
a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.
This week, our squad of 44 friends began the journey from Peru to Ecuador by bus. About three hours before entering into Ecuador, around midnight, a large group of men began building fires to block the roads up to the border of Ecuador. I remember how I felt as I looked out the window into the fire being built across the road. My heart sank deep as I imagined what may happen next. Fear seemed to take hold of my heart. Questions raced through my thoughts as I pondered why these men might want to trap us between the flames.
A woman on the bus began to close all the curtains over the windows. Through the space between the curtain and the window I peaked outside. I could see lots of men, some running back and forth, some building the fires, some pushing on our bus. I could see three buses in front of ours. I could see more fires ahead.
I began to pray. In these times, it is so painfully scary. Yet at the same time, it is so beautiful to be in deep communion with Jesus. It is a beautiful place to be. To only have Him as my place of safety. Though it is so challenging to be in the unknown, He is there.
About an hour later, the news came in that these men are fishermen who are protesting against injustices from their government. They are planning to hold these buses hostage to make a statement to the government.
The woman shared to keep the curtains closed because the men may come onto the bus if they see we are foreigners. The police were called and were scheduled to arrive at about 6:00 in the morning. Five hours to go we thought. Everybody fell asleep and woke in the morning around 6:00. In the morning, we peaked out the windows and saw the debris from the fires and the men sitting behind the bus.
At this time, my heart became fearful again as I pondered when the police may be coming. I even became fearful at the thought of the police coming in fear it may become violent.
Around 12:00 in the afternoon, the police has not yet arrived and the protest was peaceful. On the bus, there were some sweet talks, prayers, sharing fears, and even laughs too! I switched seats and visited friends. A couple hours later, to have fresh and cooler air, stretch, and find water, with a little bit of nervousness we got off the bus. There were lots of people outside, yet all was calm.
This was so relieving to see that the protestors had no intention to harm those on the buses, only wanting to use the buses as leverage for their protest.
At this time, we realized that we technically are hostages. Though they did not wish to harm us, what a relief! From here, we waited and waited some more, and spent time with each other. There were some local Peruvian people on the bus with us too.
When the police arrived in the evening around 7:00, they brought gas bombs and our bus was able to move a little bit forward as the commotion got a little wilder.
Around 10:00 of that night, around 22 hours of being trapped there, I looked through the windows to see more fires being built. I began to get scared again thinking about being trapped there for the night time again. I closed my eyes and began to pray. It is so amazing to see how prayer brings peace. Peace that is so sustaining!
Around midnight, 24 hours in, all the buses were released! Everybody celebrated! God protected us and answered our prayers!
During this year, God has been helping and guiding me through my deepest fears. My deepest fear is to be persecuted to death on the mission field, it is so intense at times. When these situations happen, my fear escalates and I begin to think that will happen.
God is showing me that He is my place of safety, my refuge, my savior. He is so mighty to move mountains and protect us from harm. He is also showing me that even if the worst thing happened and my deepest fear came true, I am still safe. Safe in Jesus to be with Him forever!
Psalm 61:2•”From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.”
Hebrews 13:6•”That is why we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 91• “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
