I know you are all following the news and watching the influx of Syrian refugees coming across Europe's boarders. They are fleeing war and tyranny, and looking for hope.
They are members of a community. White collar, blue collar, professional, athletes, dads, moms, siblings, grandmas & grandpas. They have walked hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles.
Some have paid a lot of money to people who have made promises to get them into the European Union, only to be left on the side of the road to die. One van's back door was welded shut and the trafficker ran from police when they were stopped. Many are stopped at boarders to be registered, only to be held in detainment centers. They are kicked off of trains and buses. They sleep on the streets, or in a field, or outside of a station, hoping for something new to happen the next day.
Hoping.
It's quite amazing what hope can do for us. Especially when we are frightened.
It's quite amazing what fear will do to us, and we are willing to do anything to protect our families.
It causes people to take off in the middle of the night, gather their families, and set out for something better. There has to be more than war. There has to be more than cities being overtaken. There has to be acceptance. There has to be hope.
Europe is now at a crossroads: Offer hope or prolong fear.
As I watch my colleagues share love, compassion, and Jesus in the flesh across Europe, I am compelled to pray. I am also compelled to think that Jesus would respond in the same way. He would not see them as a nuisance. He would not reject them. He would not deny their value.
Jesus would walk with them along the road.
Jesus would sleep next to them on the street.
Jesus would pick up trash in their camp.
Jesus would make a shelter for them to sleep under.
Jesus would offer water to wash their babies.
Jesus would fill their arms with food.
Jesus would hug them.
Jesus would give them the truth of His word to hold onto.
Jesus would love them.
Would you join me in praying for Europe?
Join me in praying for these refugees.
Join me in praying for governments and leaders to respond appropriately.
Join me in praying that the church rise up & be Jesus.
Join me in praying for church leaders, missionaries, and Christians to do what is right.
Join me in offering hope to a displaced people.
Join me, and Jesus, and love them.
Here's a video taken by Europe Missions workers on the Macedonia/Greece border to give you an idea of what is happening in one area of Europe.
This week the face of Europe has changed. May we change too.
This is not a "please give" post, but most of you will not be able to go to Europe to help. If you want to give, CLICK THIS LINK TO AG GIVING and all funds will go directly to the efforts to share compassion with these refugees via Europe Missions.
