The Syrian refugee crisis…
I’m sure by now, most of you have heard about it in the News. It’s said to be the worst exodus since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. An estimated 4.2 million people have been forced to leave their homes, abandoning their friends, families and 100% of their belongings. They now flee on foot from bombings and air strikes. They leave in the dead of night to avoid being shot or kidnapped. Many cross borders into the neighboring countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq. As civil unrest escalates, refugees are becoming even more desperate. Most recently, hundreds of thousands have begun making the perilous voyage across the cold Mediterranean Sea to Greece, in a last ditch effort to find safety in Europe.
I can’t imagine the fear these people must be facing, or the terror they had to have experienced in order to make such a life threatening decision. They’ve left everything!
Which is why I’m leaving too…
Next month, I will be heading to the Greek Island of Lesvos. An estimated 60-70 inflatable rafts carrying upwards of 50 people hit the shores of this island daily. Having traveled through icy waters with little to no food, hunger and hypothermia must be addressed immediately upon arrival. I will be working with Euro Relief, an NGO aiding in the transition of refugees to Europe. I will be responsible for meeting lifeboats as they arrive on shore, and providing blankets, clothing, food and water to the new immigrants. Aside from supplying these physical essentials, I will also be able to present Jesus to these people, a majority of whom have never even met a Christian before. I will get to be the hands and feet of Christ as I lift children onto dry land and warm shivering men and women.
The trip is being loosely organized by Adventures in Missions, the same ministry that sent me on the World Race. However, since the need for help is so immediate, this operation is much more independent. Volunteers are being sent over ASAP and are required to stay for a minimum of 1 month, working long hours in unstable conditions. I could not be more excited for this opportunity! The idea is scary at times, especially since I had no idea I’d be doing this even a week ago! But I have such a heart for the Middle East and I look forward to stepping out in faith and answering the Lord’s call. Please be praying for my safety as I serve these brave and desperate people. Be in prayer for the hundreds of refugees I will meet as well, for the journey to their final destination is only just beginning. Along the way, they may face resistance in the form of prison, mobs, tear gas hunger and exhaustion.
Also, due to the short notice of this trip, I do not have much time to fundraise. My departure date is still unknown, however, I will probably be leaving in the beginning of November. The cost of food and lodging coupled with round trip airline tickets and international health insurance comes to be around $2,200. I have faith that with the help of my fellow believers, or even non-believers who want to make a difference this Holiday season, I will be able to provide aid during this internationally recognized crisis. Please consider helping refugees in need by being a part of my sending team. Checks can be made payable to “Emily Bishop” and sent to 2116 Aspenwood Dr. Holt Michigan, 48842. I have also set up a GoFundMe account to make online donation possible. You can access this page by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/lesvosmission15. I would be very grateful for any gift you feel led to give. Every bit counts. I will continue fundraising while I am on the field. Also, I will be taking an extra suitcase full of blankets, so if you would like to help in that way, all donations would be greatly appreciated.
Below, is a link to a video Samaritan’s Purse created. Although I will not be working with Samaritan’s Purse directly, this clip accurately depicts what I will be doing in Lesvos. Please let me know if you have any questions at all. I will keep you updated with any new information I hear.
Thank you so much for your help and your hearts!
https://www.facebook.com/SamaritansPurse/videos/10153016512126809/?pnref=story
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”
Hebrews 13:16
