Here in Paris, we’ve been serving amid the refugee crisis. There are between 50-100 individuals arriving in Paris daily as they have fled from their homes in other countries, risking their lives during the journey, seeking refuge.
We started our work in Porte de la Chapelle where over 400 individuals have been living in close quarters on the street, awaiting assistance to be placed in some sort of temporary, transitory living space. We split our time between serving with an NGO providing food, water, and clothing, and just hanging out with the people on the streets…listening to their stories, playing games, sharing languages, and sharing the Gospel. We also had the opportunity to help with the opening of a new refugee center, where 500 individuals, many of whom we have relationships with, were brought in off the street.
I’ve met people who are here in Paris as refugees from many different countries (Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya to name a few), who I am grateful and privileged to call friends. Each of their stories are unique, beyond hard to hear, and nearly impossible to truly understand. Many have gone through torturous experiences during their treacherous journeys, traumatically lost family and friends, and have literally left everything behind to come to a foreign land, with hope for, and in search of something more.
Some of my favorite moments have been sharing the Gospel and the Word with the new friends we’ve made, majority of whom are Muslim or atheist. They have been so curious about, and in awe of Jesus, and so hungry for the Word. Conversations and questions can go on for hours…often with the help of Google translate. We open the Bible and they read page, after page, after page, completely engrossed, soaking it all up! The opportunity to share Jesus with people from nations that we wouldn’t be able to enter and do so has been absolutely amazing! We get to sow and water in faith and witness God produce growth and get the increase!
The men and women here are hurting, clinging to hope in spite of their circumstances, longing to belong, and are hungry for true love. Though really hard at times, it is truly a privilege to share the source of hope, provision, purpose, love and belonging…Jesus. The Lord is fervently pursuing this city and each of His people here, and it’s an honor to witness and be a part of it, first hand.
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. ~Psalm 46:1
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!
I am currently $2,139 away from being fully funded! Would you prayerfully consider supporting me financially, so that I can remain on the field with my team for the entirety of our trip, and continue serving God’s beautiful people around the world?
