This week we’ve been going to Porte de la Chapelle, Paris where a lot of refugees are living in tents and on mattresses on the side of the streets as they wait to be processed and sent to an actual camp. Every day we get to hang out, hear their stories, and make them feel valued and seen. Some say, “We don’t want to share our stories, that’s pointless.” While others are left speechless that we came all the way from America to love and spend time with them. We’ve shared the name of Jesus, prayed for healing, and poured the Gospel out to these lost souls. It’s been amazing to see how much Papa is loving them.
At first glance it looks dangerous, but as soon as we flash some smiles and say hello we are welcomed with faces that light up with joy. These are people that have fled their countries to find life, only to be met with dirty streets and an unwelcoming country.
A few days ago we got to be part of a stellar opportunity. Our squad has made a lot of connections during our time here in Paris, which allowed us to help set up a new refugee center and welcome over 500 refugees! This center helps the refugees get off the streets and live a more normal life while they wait to be processed and moved to different locations in France! As you can see in the picture they’re given a cot, pillow, sleeping bag, blanket, and daily meals. It was rad seeing the smiles and pure bliss on their faces as they laid eyes on their new [temporary] home.
Today we went back to Porte de la Chapelle to see if there were any refugees that didn’t make it to the new center. After being there for a few minutes, we found ourselves being surrounded by 20 refugees. I realized that as soon as the police escorted the refugees to the new center, all the non-profit organizations left as well. Any refugees still in Porte de la Chapelle were abandoned and no longer assisted in any capacity.
What happened over the next couple hours was beautiful. Elaine, one of my teammates, brought her guitar and started singing worship songs. The whole crowd was joining in, dancing and clapping as songs of praise were sung under the bridge.
Ben and I started talking to Ali (not his real name). Ali is from Sudan, and fled to find safety and education where he didn’t have to fear for his life. As we continued talking, he brought up his Muslim upbringing and proceeded to ask us what we believed. Ben responded with “We are followers of Isa al-Masih,” (Jesus the Messiah) which brought a shocked look to Ali’s face. He asked, “How do you know this name?” and Ben told him how he had learned the Arabic name.
We asked him how much he knew about Isa al-Masih and he said he knew very little about. After some silence Ali then surprised both Ben and I with a question we weren’t expecting. He asked, “Can you tell me more about Isa and what you believe? I haven’t gotten that far in my studying of the Quran.”
We started from the beginning with Adam and Eve. The Quran and the Bible have very similar stories about the prophets and creation; the Quran actually says to read the Bible (Old Testament) for more information. Ben did a fantastic job showing how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s initial intent for us and how all the prophets point to Jesus. Ali was on the edge of his seat listening. Other refugees started to gather around us, which we could tell made Ali uncomfortable. He changed the subject back to small talk as the crowd was forming behind him.
Later on people left and it was just the three of us again. I asked Ali “Do you want to learn more about Isa?”
“Yes I would love to learn more!” Ali was back to his curious self. After exchanging some more encouraging words and setting up a time to meet again, we decided we would study the Bible together on Monday to show Ali more of who Jesus is.
Praise God for this opportunity! Please be praying for our time with Ali as we take him through scripture. Pray for a Holy Spirit encounter that opens his heart to how much God loves him and wants a relationship with him.
