This month, we are partnered with City of Refuge Ministries (CORM), a brilliant organization that provides food, housing, schooling, and love for children rescued from slavery. I am completely blown away by the atmosphere of joy and expectation of service here. This is truly a community—they are completely dependent on each other and God’s provision in order to function. Also, the amount of hugs I’ve received already is insane. It seems like everyone’s love language is physical touch too, so I feel right at home.
For the last 17 Septembers, I’ve begun a new school year, with plenty of homework and studying to do. This new schedule quite peculiar actually, so I’ve taken to reading books and studying the historical side of the Bible, which has, coincidentally, overlapped with our ministry this month. I didn’t know what a “city of refuge” was, and there was no Google handy, so I spent some time in the index of my study bible. As it turns out, cities of refuge were an integral part of the Israelite justice system and their purpose also shed some light on our mission here.
Here’s a Sparknotes version: There’s been a murder. Perhaps it was a giant rock that fell on an unsuspecting civilian’s head. Or maybe the head of an axe flew off and killed an innocent woodsman (both examples from the text… as Quincy pointed out, if they’re included, they must have happened at least once). Israelites lived in an honor and revenge-centered culture, so naturally the head of the victim’s family (theatrically termed the “blood avenger”) has the killer in hot pursuit.
[Scene change] The murderer flees to a city of refuge, one of six designated Levitical cities in Israel (in a nutshell, the Levites were like modern-day pastors/jury people). Once an individual enters the city, they cannot be touched. The Levites, who were known to be the most upright and trustworthy of the Israelites, held an assembly to determine the killer’s fate. If declared guilty, the offender is released to the blood avenger who avenges the blood, etc. etc. If declared not guilty, the individual lives in the city until they can go home safely to live in freedom.
This system, though a bit strange to us 21st century folks, is quite revolutionary. It established the “innocent until proven guilty” precedent within an “eye for an eye” culture. It reveals God’s heart for real, true justice in a world ruled by power-hungry and violence. CORM also provides a glimpse of God’s heart here in Ghana. He is a King who rules with authority because He is using this organization to break down the system of child slavery ingrained in the Lake Volta region. He is a Father who loves these children because He equips the leaders to care for them deeply. He is a Provider and Sustainer of this place, because the founders built from the ground-up in five years, simply through donations and prayers. He is a close, intimate presence here, because the atmosphere is so joyous and hopeful, it cannot stem from any earthly reason.
These twenty acres of land, surrounded by mountains and a wide blue sky, are a refuge, plain and simple. The kids come from horrific circumstances and carry burdens too heavy for any child to bear. But as soon as they enter this community, they are welcomed with open arms. They are free to be kids, free to be loved.
I, like any egotistical reader, often try to insert myself into a story, imagining myself as certain characters. Unfortunately, any way you look at it, I play the murderer in this one. First or second degree, it makes no difference. In Matthew 5, Jesus equates this very crime to harboring anger towards someone, which is something I’m absolutely guilty of.
Every day, I fall short of the person God created me to be, which completely grieves Him. He is a just ruler AND a merciful father, but when I turn away and disobey, there’s blood to be avenged. He will not act against His character, but how can mercy and rightful punishment go hand-in-hand?
The good news is, in this story (and my story), God is the rightful blood avenger, but Jesus takes my punishment. I am guilty, absolutely. But when the assembly declares it, Jesus steps in my place and trades me His freedom.
I praise you, God, for you are both just and the one who justifies.
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
[Isaiah 30:18]
Quick Highlights:
-The food here is AMAZING… a little spicy, but my tolerance is increasing!
-I am helping to teach preschool (ages 3-4), and they are just the CUTEST. More to come about what we’re up to this month. Also check out Facebook soon for pictures!
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for energy! The schedule here is busy busy busy and it’s difficult to find time to myself for recharging.
-Please pray for CORM, that God will provide funds for their new community church and medical clinic they’re hoping to add.
Thank you for reading and following along on my journey!
Please visit http://www.cityofrefugeoutreach.org/ for more information about our home for the month. Seriously, take a look. They’re awesome.
P.S. For you biblical scholars out there, the passages of cities of refuge are found in Deuteronomy 19, Numbers 35, and Joshua 20.
