I didn’t even know she was a refugee at first. She was wearing a dark pink dress and was beautiful and well put together. I met her at our first church service in Greece. We learned we might get to work with the refugees at one of the camps. Our whole squad of nearly 30 people was abuzz- with excitement, nerves and awe of getting to work with people who had been through so much in the refugee crisis.
Her name is Amanda- she had taken on an English name after arriving in Greece from Syria as she started to learn English. She had such a light and joy and peace about her, even though she’d been through so much in leaving Syria to arrive to a safe place. When she got to Greece, she got sick staying in the camps and had to be taken to the hospital.
She showed me scars on her arms from surviving a bombing when the war had first started. I don’t know her whole story yet, but what I have seen and heard in spending time with her everyday testifies to her beautiful strength and perseverance. She exudes light and joy no matter what.
She told me the story of her illness. She was in the hospital, very very sick and was taking a turn for the worse. The church visited her and prayed for her. She was miraculously healed and was able to leave the hospital! She felt God’s peace and presence. She accepted Christ in her life and recognized her position as daughter of the King.
I got to encourage her the other day when she was feeling pressed down by circumstances in life- being hurt by other’s words close to her. I just sat with her and let her know I was there for her. With her. We talked a little, but I just let her know mainly that I was there for her. We talked about how God is our defender and He gives us peace- no matter what. Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Please join me in praying for peace for Amanda and her family and healing in her relationships and daily strength and encouragement from God. Our prayers matter and know no bounds- because God works through us and our prayers can travel even where we cannot. You are a part of this journey too and Amanda is your sister too. How bright a light shines through the darkness as we trust in God.
Philippians 4:7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
