Myths about refugees...

I'm reading this article from the Washington Post as I am finalizing travel in Europe in a few days. I will primarily be in and out of the areas where these dear people are traveling. It is humbling to understand the freedom that I have to live in a city that is not being destroyed and in a nation where I do not fear for my life. It is also humbling to comprehend that I can travel in & out of nations like Croatia without fear of the cold, land mines, separation from my family, or the rejection by a government. I simply show my passport, step on a plane, and return to the safety of my home country. So as I sort through travel arrangements, I am praying for ways that I can be involved in sharing God's love during this trip. 

If we find ourselves complaining about being "persecuted" or fearing what an influx of refugees will mean for our nation, or for Europe, please remember that each person that gets on a boat, swims, walks, or rides in a train or bus has a story. They have a family. They had a job, a home, a daily routine that has now been disrupted and they are on a quest to live in peace. They are not out to get us. Islam is not taking over. God is bringing yet another nation to us, perhaps because we have not been willing to go to them. The Gospel is being preached. With words, with water, with blankets, with time, with care. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE REFUGEES. See the faces. Read their stories. Pray for those that are sharing God's love with them daily through compassion. And please, ask God how you can help be the love of Jesus in a time of crisis to someone that is suffering. 

If you want to be involved through giving, Convoy of Hope Europe​ is on the ground, planting churches, and loving people. You can give to them here: https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/600001-410946?Class=44&Comments=Europe%20Refugees


Here's a video from VOX about the History of the War in Syria: