Stronghold: a place that has been fortified to protect it against attack. A well-fortified place.
Strength, refuge, protection, resolute.
From the moment we stepped foot in Jordan a word already began to form in my mind.
Guards greeted us as we stepped off the plane and entered one of the few stable countries of the Middle East. Uniforms were sharp and clean. The people carried a unique underlying confidence.
Security marked every step of the way. When you go to the mall, you walk through security and get a pat down. When you buy a small electronic from the store you get a stamp on your receipt… before getting a second stamp as they hand you the receipt… Then, as you walk out the door a man stops you and asks to see your receipt. Stamp #3 and you are cleared to leave the store.
The roads are modern. Paved. Wide. Channels of traffic flowing through thick walled tunnels and firm standing bridges. The capital stands as a fortress.
Modern, safe, clean, efficient.
Millions of Syrian refugees have fled to the safety of Jordan. We had the opportunity to meet many and visit them in their homes. They are a beautiful people. The children particularly hold a special place in my heart. From a country torn by violence and war, these children bring laughter, smiles, life, and yes pain, hurt, and brokenness. I spent hours, days, running, teaching, and playing with the kids of Syria and Jordan. The boys wrestled. They expressed a violent enthusiasm in taking you to the ground. You could almost feel the tension and hurt inside of them. Then, we would redirect all that pent-up energy into creative power. Castles, towers, valleys, mountains! Creation and imagination were our weapons. Laughter and smiles our shield.
This village we spent so much time in was surrounded by numerous military bases in the middle of the desert. American. Jordanian. European. Walls have been strengthened in this place. Syria waits for Peace. It will come. Yet the Lord speaks war and strife will yet arrive to these regions of the world. Walls and strongholds will still need to be strengthened.
The Jordanian flag flies high over its land. The nation thrives with pride for its people, it’s King, it’s lands. While this place stands a stronghold, it is not a refuge for Gods people. I witnessed the persecution of the church first hand. My heart was split in two as I watched family dear to me torn apart and sent in different directions. The church thrives here, but the church is not home here nor welcome here.
While safe, while stable in a region lacking stability, there is still little peace for the children of the Kingdom of Heaven. Though Jordan is strong, the Lord alone remains our refugee. We wander this earth waiting and searching for a home yet to come. Strangers, foreigners in a world not our own. We build the Kingdom of Heaven. The darkness and injustice of the world stands against…
This we proclaim: The Lord alone is our refuge, our place of safety. He is our God and we trust in Him.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for my Names sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
With Faith, Hope, and Love
Nathan
