Mission to Lesvos
Next week Jordan and I (and Judah) are heading to the island of Lesvos. Lesvos is a Greek island off the coast of Turkey where many, many refugees first arrive in Europe.
For a long time we've wanted to go serve the refugees, but as a pregnant woman, and then with a newborn, it was not a possibility. In the fall we learned that our GEM friends and colleagues were planning to open a community center outside of the refugee camp; going to serve the refugees suddenly became more of a possibility, despite having a young baby.
There are a lot of unknowns as we head to Lesvos. The community center is not yet opened (they are still trying to find a location to rent); Judah cannot go into the camp, so we will probably take turns working at camp and staying back with him. Many of the families have been moved to a different location which leaves fewer women to interact with. However, we do know that there are many French-speaking Africans at the camp, so Jordan will likely have lots of opportunities to talk with men and even translate for our friend.
Our friends have told us that many of the refugees are eager to know Jesus and study His Word; there are more people wanting to be discipled than they can possibly do on their own. French resources are scarce, but a new shipment has recently arrived including French Bibles to offer to these hungry souls.
Will you please pray with us?
Pray for an ideal space for a community center to become available quickly. It is illegal to have Bible studies in the camp, so the only options for discipleship are to meet at a place outside of the camp or at our friends' house. A community center would open so many doors for deeper spiritual conversations and relationships.
Pray that God would protect our health.
Pray that God would fill us with fresh energy to serve and a deep love to show the refugees who are in dire situations - as well as the tired and weary volunteers who serve selflessly week after week, month after month. May we be the hands and feet of Jesus!
I'll be happy to share about our experience when we return, but recently I came across this very insightful article, "Working in a Refugee Camp: The Truth." This girl served at the same camp where we will be (I believe).
Photo Credit: Top
Photo Credit: Middle
There are a lot of unknowns as we head to Lesvos. The community center is not yet opened (they are still trying to find a location to rent); Judah cannot go into the camp, so we will probably take turns working at camp and staying back with him. Many of the families have been moved to a different location which leaves fewer women to interact with. However, we do know that there are many French-speaking Africans at the camp, so Jordan will likely have lots of opportunities to talk with men and even translate for our friend.
Our friends have told us that many of the refugees are eager to know Jesus and study His Word; there are more people wanting to be discipled than they can possibly do on their own. French resources are scarce, but a new shipment has recently arrived including French Bibles to offer to these hungry souls.
Will you please pray with us?
Pray for an ideal space for a community center to become available quickly. It is illegal to have Bible studies in the camp, so the only options for discipleship are to meet at a place outside of the camp or at our friends' house. A community center would open so many doors for deeper spiritual conversations and relationships.
Pray that God would protect our health.
Pray that God would fill us with fresh energy to serve and a deep love to show the refugees who are in dire situations - as well as the tired and weary volunteers who serve selflessly week after week, month after month. May we be the hands and feet of Jesus!
I'll be happy to share about our experience when we return, but recently I came across this very insightful article, "Working in a Refugee Camp: The Truth." This girl served at the same camp where we will be (I believe).
Photo Credit: Top
Photo Credit: Middle
Comments
Post a Comment