It’s raining as I write this blog. Every time it rains I think of the men I’ve met at the refugee camp these past few weeks in Paris. I think of how the cold rain must make their day infinitely worse. I think of how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head, and I think of the stories they’ve shared of escaping a war-torn country, their home, with barely anything. Several of the men I talked to had lost parents and brothers and sisters to the militia or the Taliban.
I think of Sadam, who gave me his bracelet even though he has nothing. I think of Jamal, with his bright smile and his happy personality and positive attitude and his hopes and dreams. I think of Musef who is smart and kind and just wants a better life. And I think of Albert, a 16 year old who’s parents had been killed and who had no hope at all in his heart.
I understand and feel the weight of the responsibility and privilege I have to tell those who don’t know Jesus about His love and forgiveness, and that He sees them and wants to be in relationship with them… that there is hope. It has been the most exciting thing ever to have in-depth one-on-one conversations with so many Muslim men about my God and the love that He has for them, and that even in a situation like this there is hope, and it is within reach for them. I am actually shocked at the doors that are opening for me to minister to men. For me, they have all been extremely receptive and wanting to keep talking (or politely debating) about who Jesus is. I love encouraging them and telling them to keep holding on to hope, and asking them to pray to Jesus and see what happens.
Ministry so far for my team in Paris has mostly looked like sitting down with and getting to know people (refugees and others), and when there is a bridge in the conversation, telling them about Jesus. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else! I love being welcomed in to someone’s life.
Sometimes bringing hope and being the light also looks like serving practical needs. My squad had the chance to serve alongside the City of Paris as they moved over 500 refugees from camps on the streets to temporary shelter. We worked to help prepare beds and food for the men, and we were also there in the morning to greet them with smiles as they entered into the next phase of their journey. I honestly don’t know how the city employees were planning to finish everything if we hadn’t come. It was a blessing to serve in this hands-on way. We prayed over the area, but we weren’t allowed to openly talk about God.
Jesus is at work in the hearts of each person my team is meeting. It is absolutely humbling to be someone that God has sent to share His love with these refugees. If my heart breaks for anything, it is that they don’t yet know Christ, and I am trying to get out of the way of myself so that God can do even more during our time here. Please pray that I would have enough energy for each day. Thank you!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15
