Yet Another Crisis

When we agreed to move to Lesvos for 2 months, we were going to work with our dear friends, Josh and Melanie.  Unfortunately, while we were at our GEM Annual Conference they shared some difficult news with us; with an unexpected family crisis in the US, they will be returning to the States for 6+ months on September 14.  Rather than working alongside of them, we will not even cross paths in Lesvos; rather than living down the street from them, we will be living in their house - without them.

We are so sad!

And yet we believe that they are making the best decision for their family; we stand with them 100%.  They need to return to the US for a period of time, and we need to continue with our plans to serve in Lesvos for 2 months.

But here's the thing.  Jordan and I are team players.  And now, rather than working alongside of our friends, we will be the only GEM representatives on the island for 2 months.  And after we leave?  Well, there will be no GEM presence until Josh and Melanie return.

I read an article a few weeks ago entitled:  Why I Can't Care About Every Crisis (on the challenges of living in two worlds).  It resonated with me. Sometimes I become so overwhelmed by the crisis around the world, by the needs of even those I know, that I just stop paying attention altogether.

And yet, I add to the abundance of news and information.

I suppose I'll continue to do this - as will you.  We share about things that are close to our own hearts, with the hope of informing and connecting with others, and sometimes even persuading them to care about the same things.  I don't expect every person to care deeply about the refugee crisis, but I do expect people to be informed of the situation; I do expect those who are moved by it to do something...whatever it may be that the Lord lays on your heart.

So with these things in mind, I share the following...

Boats overflowing with refugees continue to arrive daily on the Greek shores of Lesvos.  Unfortunately, while the refugees continue to arrive, many of the relief agencies are losing funding and leaving the island.  Volunteers are are fewer and fewer, and those who are still there are being stretched past their limits, exhausted as they continue to run the largest refugee camp in Lesvos.

This is what Jordan and I are about to step into.  With a 16 month old.



We are seriously praying that God would send more people to partner with us for November and December - as well as to continue the ministry after we leave and before Josh and Melanie return.

Pray with us.  Pray for us.

And if God so prompts you, join us?