So which is it – give them food and shelter or tell them the gospel of Jesus? Frankly I think that is a stupid question. How could anyone support doing only one of those and not both?
For the Muslim family getting help out of one of those rubber rafts, they arrive with physical hunger and spiritual fear.
The ministries that we have seen do not have any hesitation with how to answer the opening question. Many respond to the physical hunger of the refugees. Some provide housing, others legal assistance, warm showers, still others a change of clothes and daily food.
In addition as they interact with the families, They show a deep integrity of sincerity, understanding, a listening ear, patience, and all devoid of any sense obligation from the refugees.
Many times – over and over, in fact—the classic set up was in place. The refugees would ask those serving them, “Why are you doing this?”
Explaining the answer takes more time than handing out clothing, but the refugees want to go where they can be loved. The God of their religion is not a God who says, “My peace will cast out your fear.” They know they are with people whose God is a God whose love includes even them. And so many of them become followers of Jesus.
The knot that ties together the Great Commandment—“Love your neighbor as your self— and the Great Commission— Make disciples of all nations—That is God‘s mighty witness.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
Saving Syrians IV. Their needs
There humanitarian needs are so very evident. The trauma that lies beneath is also evident but harder to reach. The clothing, the food, And a shelter for the wife and child – – those can be provided in fairly quick time. The fear for the family left behind and the memories of the desperate narrow escapes linger. Those take time and skilled understanding.
There are deeper essentials that are missing. These can only be filled by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
The workers make it very clear that they do not encourage Muslims to change religions. What they do try to show as what it means to follow Jesus As they draw closer to him, they discover unexpected and almost unbelievable things that Jesus gives them.
This begins with God as father. This is not in the list of 99 names of Allah. This truth makes them children of God, dear children of God the father.
They learn about Jesus has Shepherd. They know what it is to be a lost sheep, but they don’t know of a God who pursues them, finds them, clothes then, and brings them home.
Then they learn how the good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. The sacrificial death of Christ for the sins of the world has no place in the Qur’an. In fact it is explicitly denied.
They find a heart that has been born again with all sin forgiven, with a peace that is inconceivable apart from the Holy Spirit.
There is no debate or argument about whether the God of Islam andthe God and father of Jesus Christ are the same, no claims that there are no differences between the two faiths. If someone doesn’t see it, debate won’t open their eyes. So why bother?
The great discovery and the truth that they want is all found as they follow Jesus.
There are deeper essentials that are missing. These can only be filled by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
The workers make it very clear that they do not encourage Muslims to change religions. What they do try to show as what it means to follow Jesus As they draw closer to him, they discover unexpected and almost unbelievable things that Jesus gives them.
This begins with God as father. This is not in the list of 99 names of Allah. This truth makes them children of God, dear children of God the father.
They learn about Jesus has Shepherd. They know what it is to be a lost sheep, but they don’t know of a God who pursues them, finds them, clothes then, and brings them home.
Then they learn how the good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. The sacrificial death of Christ for the sins of the world has no place in the Qur’an. In fact it is explicitly denied.
They find a heart that has been born again with all sin forgiven, with a peace that is inconceivable apart from the Holy Spirit.
There is no debate or argument about whether the God of Islam andthe God and father of Jesus Christ are the same, no claims that there are no differences between the two faiths. If someone doesn’t see it, debate won’t open their eyes. So why bother?
The great discovery and the truth that they want is all found as they follow Jesus.
Saving Syrians III. God’s Mighty Work
A clear theme emerged from our first worker we interviewed, and all the way through. A wise worker summed it up this way:We are not here to show Christ to these people. Christ is here to take over more of me and then show himself through me.
One woman said it this way: I soon learned that if I was going to see these people change through Christ, then Christ had to change me first.
Another, one working side-by-side in the mist of anarchists said it this way: the hardest part of this work is to get over one self first.
When he said that to the four of us, it really became clear. The internal scrutiny, deep confession, clear dependence, broken ego, purified goals – all of that would be hard to avoid living in the multi layered demands of the anarchist environment. I even pointed to my friend, the psychologist, and said he could not get nearly as much stuff out of me in the easy environment of Richmond as a year there would do. I also knew that to take shortcuts around any of these would leave me vulnerable and several and in unexpected ways.
Another sais that she made a very difficult but successful application for a permit, something others would have charged $3000 to do. She submitted it proudly—and was turned down. She knew. God had to work on her first. That was the mighty work of God— to prepare her for a telephone call from a man she barely knew who volunteered his legal skills cor anyway that would help her work.
No, God does it need these people but he has chosen to work through them. His first mighty work is to work in them.
One woman said it this way: I soon learned that if I was going to see these people change through Christ, then Christ had to change me first.
Another, one working side-by-side in the mist of anarchists said it this way: the hardest part of this work is to get over one self first.
When he said that to the four of us, it really became clear. The internal scrutiny, deep confession, clear dependence, broken ego, purified goals – all of that would be hard to avoid living in the multi layered demands of the anarchist environment. I even pointed to my friend, the psychologist, and said he could not get nearly as much stuff out of me in the easy environment of Richmond as a year there would do. I also knew that to take shortcuts around any of these would leave me vulnerable and several and in unexpected ways.
Another sais that she made a very difficult but successful application for a permit, something others would have charged $3000 to do. She submitted it proudly—and was turned down. She knew. God had to work on her first. That was the mighty work of God— to prepare her for a telephone call from a man she barely knew who volunteered his legal skills cor anyway that would help her work.
No, God does it need these people but he has chosen to work through them. His first mighty work is to work in them.
Saving Syrians II. Today’s Cyrus
Bashar Al-Assadr isn’t the kind of rescuer that Cyrus was. In fact in an opposite way, he has driven the Syrians away, while Cyrus kept the Jews in their homeland. But he could be the means of the Syrians hearing the gospel.
The number of Syrians to have left their homeland since 2014 is staggering. There were some days when more than 10,000 Syrians went ashore on Greek lands. Also staggering is the number of Syrians who have been killed in the Civil War. And for all who choose to leave, President Assad and his government are the reasons.
That has been a twofold development: 1) hundreds of thousands of Syrians are in territories where Christianity can be openly believed and taught; 2) those Syrians have reasons to be disillusioned with Islam.
The scene is set for a mighty working of God. And that is going on.
The number of Syrians to have left their homeland since 2014 is staggering. There were some days when more than 10,000 Syrians went ashore on Greek lands. Also staggering is the number of Syrians who have been killed in the Civil War. And for all who choose to leave, President Assad and his government are the reasons.
That has been a twofold development: 1) hundreds of thousands of Syrians are in territories where Christianity can be openly believed and taught; 2) those Syrians have reasons to be disillusioned with Islam.
The scene is set for a mighty working of God. And that is going on.
Saving Syrians I. The Barrier
That’s the dilemma, isn’t it? A nation of Muslims, a nation torn apart by Muslim dictator, and nation of people who would be open to hearing of the Prince of Peace.
But there is no way in to meet the neighbors and to have coffee at their shops. Blocked by visas, blocked by the results of bombing.
And blocked by perceptions of Christians as immoral people who worship three Gods. Their New testament has been changed. Those hristians have nothing to tell us that could improve on Islam.
That’s a dilemma, isn’t it? How could the Syrians hear about Jesus?
But there is no way in to meet the neighbors and to have coffee at their shops. Blocked by visas, blocked by the results of bombing.
And blocked by perceptions of Christians as immoral people who worship three Gods. Their New testament has been changed. Those hristians have nothing to tell us that could improve on Islam.
That’s a dilemma, isn’t it? How could the Syrians hear about Jesus?
My link to Stuttgart
About a year ago in a used book store I saw a book of sermons by someone whose work I remembered from seminary. For 99 cents I acquired “Our Heavenly Father,” sermons by Helmut Thielicke.
They are brilliant, full of encouragement, and absolutely profound.
But what gave even more depth to his insights were the occasional footnote saying something like, “This sermon was interrupted by the bombing and had to continue in the shelter.” Or, “The Lutheran Church where the congregation met was no longer fit for meetings.”
Thielicke preached this series in late 1944 and early 1945. Allied bombing of Stuttgart was devastating to the city and its population.
Thielicke’s counsel and perspective have a place beside Augustine’s City of God for God’s Fatherly love and sovereignty when chaos and evil reign He squarely faces the evils of the Nazi regime and gives pastoral wisdom in the midst of the daily pain and fear of his congregants. He still speaks—in those times and these.
Tomorrow we meet with an elder leader to learn about Christians in the Middle East. I hope to hear about Thielicke from him.
They are brilliant, full of encouragement, and absolutely profound.
But what gave even more depth to his insights were the occasional footnote saying something like, “This sermon was interrupted by the bombing and had to continue in the shelter.” Or, “The Lutheran Church where the congregation met was no longer fit for meetings.”
Thielicke preached this series in late 1944 and early 1945. Allied bombing of Stuttgart was devastating to the city and its population.
Thielicke’s counsel and perspective have a place beside Augustine’s City of God for God’s Fatherly love and sovereignty when chaos and evil reign He squarely faces the evils of the Nazi regime and gives pastoral wisdom in the midst of the daily pain and fear of his congregants. He still speaks—in those times and these.
Tomorrow we meet with an elder leader to learn about Christians in the Middle East. I hope to hear about Thielicke from him.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Coming up —-
Humorous interactions with the four of us
A Baptism this morning
Visiting a German concentration camp
An evening service — during the World Cup🙃
Stuttgart tomorrow with a tale of how I know that city.
It got light here hours ago. We are above Montreal. The wait for breakfast is over.
A Baptism this morning
Visiting a German concentration camp
An evening service — during the World Cup🙃
Stuttgart tomorrow with a tale of how I know that city.
It got light here hours ago. We are above Montreal. The wait for breakfast is over.
Showing Jesus and His love—5
Jesus in the midst of anarchists
Athens has a very large and well defined area that is run by anarchists. To give an idea of life in this area, and average of one or two cars is torched every day
In 2013 two clergy began to start a church in that area of Athens. Yes, this is no ordinary church plant.
They have attended meetings with Anarchists, gotten to know them, gained their respect, and have been told that the leaders of the anarchists have given them permission to stay.
The church has a building with four or five houses of hope. But about a block away is a building they were able to purchase which they call Integration. We walked through this building being careful to miss the holes in the floor. Let’s just say this is an Athenianfixer upper. This building will hold at least four houses of hope, a community room, and the room where they will worship.
This began in 2013 under the providence of the One who knew what was coming. In 2015 waves of refugees begin arriving on last bus, some days as many as 10,000.
So this group in the midst of the anarchists was set up by God. The anarchist know they are not typical questions but are radically following Jesus the son of God. When they attend meetings at somebody gives a disparaging statement about Christians often Someone nearby will lean over and say that they don’t mean these guys.
An unusual enterprise, but the leaders are clearly following the path God has laid out for them.
Athens has a very large and well defined area that is run by anarchists. To give an idea of life in this area, and average of one or two cars is torched every day
In 2013 two clergy began to start a church in that area of Athens. Yes, this is no ordinary church plant.
They have attended meetings with Anarchists, gotten to know them, gained their respect, and have been told that the leaders of the anarchists have given them permission to stay.
The church has a building with four or five houses of hope. But about a block away is a building they were able to purchase which they call Integration. We walked through this building being careful to miss the holes in the floor. Let’s just say this is an Athenianfixer upper. This building will hold at least four houses of hope, a community room, and the room where they will worship.
This began in 2013 under the providence of the One who knew what was coming. In 2015 waves of refugees begin arriving on last bus, some days as many as 10,000.
So this group in the midst of the anarchists was set up by God. The anarchist know they are not typical questions but are radically following Jesus the son of God. When they attend meetings at somebody gives a disparaging statement about Christians often Someone nearby will lean over and say that they don’t mean these guys.
An unusual enterprise, but the leaders are clearly following the path God has laid out for them.
Showing Jesus and His love—4
We have an apartment for you!
One of the most effective outreaches to Muslims is to help them find an apartment and assistance in getting papers We have visited several of these apartments in Athens. These are called “houses of hope.” Christian organizations have been able to purchase large houses with multiple apartments. Most of the tenants are Muslim.
One family made we met was from Syria and were Muslim. The Christian worker who has helped them brings their children to his church to help with sports and other jobs. other Christians connected with the church reach out to them and pray for them.
Next door to them was a family of Iranian Christians. Their stories are hard to hear. One of the daughters got to Serbia and had to walk for two days to get to Greece, lost and without food and water. She now has to report to the police every week as if she is a common criminal.
Her mother was put in jail for several weeks. They and rainy and Pastor who looks after them went to see her once and had to tell her that God had a purpose for her there behind bars. When he told us that story the mother just being rude. She is a witness for the love of Jesus
One of the most effective outreaches to Muslims is to help them find an apartment and assistance in getting papers We have visited several of these apartments in Athens. These are called “houses of hope.” Christian organizations have been able to purchase large houses with multiple apartments. Most of the tenants are Muslim.
One family made we met was from Syria and were Muslim. The Christian worker who has helped them brings their children to his church to help with sports and other jobs. other Christians connected with the church reach out to them and pray for them.
Next door to them was a family of Iranian Christians. Their stories are hard to hear. One of the daughters got to Serbia and had to walk for two days to get to Greece, lost and without food and water. She now has to report to the police every week as if she is a common criminal.
Her mother was put in jail for several weeks. They and rainy and Pastor who looks after them went to see her once and had to tell her that God had a purpose for her there behind bars. When he told us that story the mother just being rude. She is a witness for the love of Jesus
Showing Jesus and His love—3
Tell me your story.
Bridges is A large structure in Athens that is well known by word-of-mouth. Muslims know that they can go there and be loved. Bauda, the woman who runs it with her husband, is a gifted listener. Each Muslim Who has made the journey to Grace has a story – hardships, persecutions, theft, danger, and much more. About a listens to them and dries them out.
Often she will say to them, “may I pray for you in the name of Jesus? No one has ever turned her down.
She clearly has the gift of mighty prayer and discernment. One emotionally broken person went to see her and could barely talk he was so depressed. Bauda prayed for him to receive a blanket of joy from the Lord. A couple days later he came back. Through an interpreter he said that when bow to pray for him it was like a shower of Joy came over him.
Stacked around the walls and bookcases bridges are many tracks Bible books, and full Bibles in the languages of those who show up.
Bridges is A large structure in Athens that is well known by word-of-mouth. Muslims know that they can go there and be loved. Bauda, the woman who runs it with her husband, is a gifted listener. Each Muslim Who has made the journey to Grace has a story – hardships, persecutions, theft, danger, and much more. About a listens to them and dries them out.
Often she will say to them, “may I pray for you in the name of Jesus? No one has ever turned her down.
She clearly has the gift of mighty prayer and discernment. One emotionally broken person went to see her and could barely talk he was so depressed. Bauda prayed for him to receive a blanket of joy from the Lord. A couple days later he came back. Through an interpreter he said that when bow to pray for him it was like a shower of Joy came over him.
Stacked around the walls and bookcases bridges are many tracks Bible books, and full Bibles in the languages of those who show up.
Showing Jesus and his love – 2
SHOWERS
This community center is designed to give women a safe place for a shower, supervision with her children, and a place for they can sit and talk. The center is an easy walk from the major camp
Once again, the man who runs the Center wisely sees no merit in handing out Christian literature. As with a Moria, however the Muslim women and children know these are the hands the eyes and the hearts of Christian people loving them.
This community center is designed to give women a safe place for a shower, supervision with her children, and a place for they can sit and talk. The center is an easy walk from the major camp
Once again, the man who runs the Center wisely sees no merit in handing out Christian literature. As with a Moria, however the Muslim women and children know these are the hands the eyes and the hearts of Christian people loving them.
Showing Jesus and his love – 1
The first place refugees see on the island of lezbo is the huge camp called MOria. This is the place designed for 1800 people and has 8000 stashed here and there. What keeps it from total chaos is the wise infrastructure of a Christian organization called euro relief.
Knowing that these refugees are less than 12 hours from the boat and the water, the staff at the camp during reassurance at the most vulnerable needs — registration, a tent, and food.
We were there for the morning orientation and heard the rules. They are designed to reflect stability. They are not permitted to give Christian literature. In the Muslim environment Maura, that would be dangerous for the recipients.
So the first step and shine Jesus and his love is simply to love them.
Knowing that these refugees are less than 12 hours from the boat and the water, the staff at the camp during reassurance at the most vulnerable needs — registration, a tent, and food.
We were there for the morning orientation and heard the rules. They are designed to reflect stability. They are not permitted to give Christian literature. In the Muslim environment Maura, that would be dangerous for the recipients.
So the first step and shine Jesus and his love is simply to love them.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
From before arrival to a warm shower
On a driving tour of the northern part of Lesbos we came upon for people standing around a telescope Burgers that we are, my first thought was a rare sure bird inside.
But no. This team from Spain was focusing their view on boats of refugees.
But no. This team from Spain was focusing their view on boats of refugees. The protocol is to wait until the boat has left Turkish waters and is near the Greek sure. Then they call the rescue operations, and the boats go out to receive the new arrivals.
From there they are taking to Moris why they are documented and give them shelter.
Down the road from the camp is a center where they can have their children entertained and get a warm shower.
Four people arriving with fear, anxiety, and despair, the body of Christ is welcoming them to a secure landing.
But no. This team from Spain was focusing their view on boats of refugees.
But no. This team from Spain was focusing their view on boats of refugees. The protocol is to wait until the boat has left Turkish waters and is near the Greek sure. Then they call the rescue operations, and the boats go out to receive the new arrivals.
From there they are taking to Moris why they are documented and give them shelter.
Down the road from the camp is a center where they can have their children entertained and get a warm shower.
Four people arriving with fear, anxiety, and despair, the body of Christ is welcoming them to a secure landing.
16,000 diapers a week...
Yesterday we had a thorough tour of the refugee camp at Moria. It is largely run by a Christian organization called euro relief. We were present at the orientation for the first shift, which had about 30 volunteers. They cover just about every part of the infrastructure.
The camp is designed to hold 1800 people, but at today’s estimate there are no fewer you The camp is designed to hold 1800 people, but at today’s estimate there are no fewer than 7000 people
16 new arrivals had just come to the camp and euro relief was scrounging around for housing for them. Most refugees stay at Maria for about six months though some have stayed as much as two years.
.
More to come about the arm of Christian compassion from arrival to departure.
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Life on Lesbos
A few pieces of news:
Arrivals continue. Five boats today, twelve over the weekend.
Met a man whose wife was “at the beach, said she got wet.” She assisted a boat that had 57 people, 21 children.
Another guy runs a center that offers safe showers for women. Showers in the camp are definitely not safe.
One guy says it’s hard to like some of the refugees. Some can be downright have noxious. But he finds the love of Christ and his heart for them.
A camp for refugees is designed for 1800 and is now housing around 8000. Outside the boundaries of the camp is an unofficial camp with about 6000
Refugees here or at the initial stages of finding asylum. The best form of evangelism seems to be compassion and humanitarian aid showing Christ’s love to a people that have a negative view Christians.
Arrivals continue. Five boats today, twelve over the weekend.
Met a man whose wife was “at the beach, said she got wet.” She assisted a boat that had 57 people, 21 children.
Another guy runs a center that offers safe showers for women. Showers in the camp are definitely not safe.
One guy says it’s hard to like some of the refugees. Some can be downright have noxious. But he finds the love of Christ and his heart for them.
A camp for refugees is designed for 1800 and is now housing around 8000. Outside the boundaries of the camp is an unofficial camp with about 6000
Refugees here or at the initial stages of finding asylum. The best form of evangelism seems to be compassion and humanitarian aid showing Christ’s love to a people that have a negative view Christians.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Every seasoned traveler as malaria and…
I I was with Julian Linnell and Makurdi Nigeria when he came down with malaria the morning he was to leave. Bishop Inyom‘s daughter is a doctor and diagnosed his condition. Being the good doctor that she is she had a pill that quickly right to an end the symptoms.
The other experience for seasoned travelers is being on the wrong side of a pick pocket. That’s what happened to us yesterday. Constance had her bag zipped when we walked out of the hotel. We don’t remember passing anybody when we got to the metro. But there her bag was unzipped and her money bag missing.
Finding a remedy it was almost as easy as Julian’s pill. Within an hour the credit cards were blocked and new ones were being issued. A trip to the embassy today, a new password, and we’re on our way. But it’s a heavy hat to deal with. And taking the necessary steps I realize that going through my head Wednesday him, he leaders me.
His faithful followers we will be. By His own hand He leadeth me.
The other experience for seasoned travelers is being on the wrong side of a pick pocket. That’s what happened to us yesterday. Constance had her bag zipped when we walked out of the hotel. We don’t remember passing anybody when we got to the metro. But there her bag was unzipped and her money bag missing.
Finding a remedy it was almost as easy as Julian’s pill. Within an hour the credit cards were blocked and new ones were being issued. A trip to the embassy today, a new password, and we’re on our way. But it’s a heavy hat to deal with. And taking the necessary steps I realize that going through my head Wednesday him, he leaders me.
His faithful followers we will be. By His own hand He leadeth me.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Out of our depths, and needing prayer!
This is not our usual jaunt. I started to write what we might anticipate and then erased it. We just have no clue. We have seen and read some of the refugee stories, and we have an idea of what the workers face all day. But not really.
What we really want is to hear the Lord's voice, His leading, His purposes for us this trip.
Safety, yes; flight connections, of course; but first of all, we will be trodding where the Lord is dealing with people. We want to hear and see what He wants us to hear and see.
Along the way, of course, there are the usual matters of getting along with everyone, dealing wisely with crises, handling weariness, and handling our stomachs when we have eaten bad stuff.
We will be in the company of angels. Something to look forward to!
Thanks.
Tad and Constance
What we really want is to hear the Lord's voice, His leading, His purposes for us this trip.
Safety, yes; flight connections, of course; but first of all, we will be trodding where the Lord is dealing with people. We want to hear and see what He wants us to hear and see.
Along the way, of course, there are the usual matters of getting along with everyone, dealing wisely with crises, handling weariness, and handling our stomachs when we have eaten bad stuff.
We will be in the company of angels. Something to look forward to!
Thanks.
Tad and Constance
The Lightless Sky--A refugee's tale
That is the title of a book that tells the story of a 12 year-old boy who was told by his mother, "Leave now and don't come back." The story explains why she had to take that drastic step to save his life.
It took over a year for Galwali to leave his village in Afghanistan and make it to France. His journey included several times running through rocky valleys at night, spending time in four prisons, going without food and water for countless days, making and leaving friends, and becoming resilient and savvy about the refugee life.
I recommend it for insight into the way of life of the refugee.
One thing that stands out is how organized the system is that took him from his village in Afghanistan to France. The fee was $8,000 paid to a man in Kabul. Along the way Gulwali was passed from agent to agent in a very well established network, all of whom were directed from Kabul. Payment, pickups and deliveries, meals, tickets, and much more was all done with remarkable efficiency. There were gaps, to be sure--thugs, thieves, and unscrupulous people. Overall, however, there was a sense of honor to carry out the contract with his mother and provide the necessities for Galwali to make it.
A very enlightening read. The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay
It took over a year for Galwali to leave his village in Afghanistan and make it to France. His journey included several times running through rocky valleys at night, spending time in four prisons, going without food and water for countless days, making and leaving friends, and becoming resilient and savvy about the refugee life.
I recommend it for insight into the way of life of the refugee.
One thing that stands out is how organized the system is that took him from his village in Afghanistan to France. The fee was $8,000 paid to a man in Kabul. Along the way Gulwali was passed from agent to agent in a very well established network, all of whom were directed from Kabul. Payment, pickups and deliveries, meals, tickets, and much more was all done with remarkable efficiency. There were gaps, to be sure--thugs, thieves, and unscrupulous people. Overall, however, there was a sense of honor to carry out the contract with his mother and provide the necessities for Galwali to make it.
A very enlightening read. The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay
Deuteronomy and God's people
God has His eye on the refugees. And He wants us to do the same. Here are verses from Deuteronomy 24:17 where God definitely sees us and them:
“You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow's garment in pledge, but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall befor the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes ofyour vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall befor the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.
We may not have any fields or olive trees, so we have to use our imagination about our circumstances and find ways to understand and support today's sojourners.
Jeremiah and the refugees
We know the great verse in Lamentations, "Great is thy faithfulness..."
But this book is a lamentation, a deep cry of despair. Check out the first couple of chapters and see if you can hear the refugees today.
https://www.esv.org/Lamentations+1/
But this book is a lamentation, a deep cry of despair. Check out the first couple of chapters and see if you can hear the refugees today.
https://www.esv.org/Lamentations+1/
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Fashions for Greece in July
The list includes these advisories:
Women - Cover your arms and most of your legs.
Most refugees will be Muslim, and their dress is conservative. Extremely so.
Pants - with lots of zippers.
Pickpockets abound and will unzip bags while we are looking elsewhere.
RIFD for credit cards.
Yes, stealing credit card info is alive ind well in most European cities.
Cotton underwear.
Dale recommends that if you like cold and wet underwear. Otherwise, nylon.
Hats.
Sunshine is brilliant. Prepare for rain.
High protein bars.
Dale says we may go without meals. He can be sure I ain't sharing mine with him!
Handles.
On the Appalachian Trail, where Dale has hung out, through trekkers have trail names. A 100 year-old friend in Heathsville has given me mine--"Bread."
Backpacks.
Pulling two-wheeled suitcases over the ancient streets of Athens is a bad joke.
Imodium.
'Nuf said.
Campsuds.
Good for shaving and washing. Haven't used them since traveling with Dale in Nepal. On one of those trips we used iodine for water purifying along with powdered Gatorade--for brushing our teeth. Nasty. Still remember.
Women - Cover your arms and most of your legs.
Most refugees will be Muslim, and their dress is conservative. Extremely so.
Pants - with lots of zippers.
Pickpockets abound and will unzip bags while we are looking elsewhere.
RIFD for credit cards.
Yes, stealing credit card info is alive ind well in most European cities.
Cotton underwear.
Dale recommends that if you like cold and wet underwear. Otherwise, nylon.
Hats.
Sunshine is brilliant. Prepare for rain.
High protein bars.
Dale says we may go without meals. He can be sure I ain't sharing mine with him!
Handles.
On the Appalachian Trail, where Dale has hung out, through trekkers have trail names. A 100 year-old friend in Heathsville has given me mine--"Bread."
Backpacks.
Pulling two-wheeled suitcases over the ancient streets of Athens is a bad joke.
Imodium.
'Nuf said.
Campsuds.
Good for shaving and washing. Haven't used them since traveling with Dale in Nepal. On one of those trips we used iodine for water purifying along with powdered Gatorade--for brushing our teeth. Nasty. Still remember.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Lesbos
Our first site of refugees will be the island of Lesbos. (I think the locals spell it Lesvos. Whatever.)
It is a beautiful island. Recently we bought some olive oil from Greeks here in Richmond. The wife of one of them is from one of the cities on the island. He spoke of the beauty of the island but also of the impact of the invasion of refugees.
This island is 4.1 miles from the shores of Turkey and is the closest access point for refugees escaping to Europe. Those landing there number in the hundreds of thousands. Here is a link to an Oscar-nominated documentary on the island and its refuge:
http://www.pappaspost.com/watch-complete-documentary-4-1-miles-coast-guard-captain-small-greek-island-suddenly-charged-saving-thousands-lives/
Our first refugee site visit will be there on Lesbos, visiting the workers with Bridges. The conditions for the refugees have become deplorable with violence and unsanitary conditions. Dale tells us that Bridges has been able to secure separate housing for the two groups that have been causing violence at the camp.
One of the paintings that Constance has done is of a boat landing at Lesbos.
ArtByCdeb.com
Next -- Packing instructions from Dale. (Hint - It will be hot in Greece, but refugees will not be wearing US-style shorts...)
Full disclosure--Actually Lesbos will be our second site. The first will be a few days for the two of us in Athens where the artist of us will have a couple of days to appreciate the art of the Golden Age of Athens. The legacy of that era of art, theatre, and philosophy continues today. So I am told.
It is a beautiful island. Recently we bought some olive oil from Greeks here in Richmond. The wife of one of them is from one of the cities on the island. He spoke of the beauty of the island but also of the impact of the invasion of refugees.
This island is 4.1 miles from the shores of Turkey and is the closest access point for refugees escaping to Europe. Those landing there number in the hundreds of thousands. Here is a link to an Oscar-nominated documentary on the island and its refuge:
http://www.pappaspost.com/watch-complete-documentary-4-1-miles-coast-guard-captain-small-greek-island-suddenly-charged-saving-thousands-lives/
Our first refugee site visit will be there on Lesbos, visiting the workers with Bridges. The conditions for the refugees have become deplorable with violence and unsanitary conditions. Dale tells us that Bridges has been able to secure separate housing for the two groups that have been causing violence at the camp.
One of the paintings that Constance has done is of a boat landing at Lesbos.
ArtByCdeb.com
Next -- Packing instructions from Dale. (Hint - It will be hot in Greece, but refugees will not be wearing US-style shorts...)
Full disclosure--Actually Lesbos will be our second site. The first will be a few days for the two of us in Athens where the artist of us will have a couple of days to appreciate the art of the Golden Age of Athens. The legacy of that era of art, theatre, and philosophy continues today. So I am told.
Our immigration policy
After consulting the Republicans and the Democrats, Federal policies and think tank papers, we have finally settled on our policy towards the refugees we will meet:
If they are hungry, we will feed them.
If they are thirsty, we will give them water.
If they are in jail, we will visit them.
If they are naked, we will find them clothes.
And as we have opportunity:
We will also feed them the Bread of Life.
We will point them to the Living Water.
We will declare to them that "their sad days are over and their sins are pardoned" (Isa. 40:1).
We will show them how to be clothed with Christ's righteousness.
If they are hungry, we will feed them.
If they are thirsty, we will give them water.
If they are in jail, we will visit them.
If they are naked, we will find them clothes.
And as we have opportunity:
We will also feed them the Bread of Life.
We will point them to the Living Water.
We will declare to them that "their sad days are over and their sins are pardoned" (Isa. 40:1).
We will show them how to be clothed with Christ's righteousness.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
All about Dale, our guide
Let me introduce Dale Berry, our inspiration for this trip, our guide, our travel consultant, our contact for the sites we will visit, and our friend for over 30 years and for travels to three countries.
Dale came to Richmond with this wife, Mary Beth, and three children in about 1985. He was here to earn his PhD--which he did get--in counseling. I don't know if he is any good at that or not.
He does like to hike, and of that he is pretty good.
Dale used to take moms and kids and dads and kids for weekend hike in the Appalachian Trail. One time on a hike with me and Channing, we needed water. We were on Old Rag and needed water. Our map showed a tiny little squiggle that indicated a spring near the summit. Sure enough, Dale triangulated, walked over to the spot, and found water. Not bad.
More stories about Dale. He went with me to Nepal one time to meet some missionaries. On our way back we swung by Thailand. Dale, who went to the caving capital of the East, Sewanee, wanted to go into some caves. I went along. We were not permitted to the king of all caves. No persuasion, no bribes, no running past the guards--no admittance. Finally they told us why: Cobras. Dens of cobras.
So, spotting a waterfall Dale said that we could climb that. No problem. Up we went, crawling, sludging, hand over hand, through the waterfall and around it. When it came time to descend, Dale looked very severe and said to me, "Tad, I cannot go on with you in those filthy pants you are wearing!" Such fastidiousness shocked me, especially in the circumstance. Nothing would do but for me to get into and under the waterfall and get my Royal Robbins shorts so the blue would show through.
Dale and family have moved to Knoxville where he has a counseling center. In the past couple of years he has become an advocate for Bridges, a network of Christian workers in Europe who assist refugees. This assistance covers food, welcome, and shelter when they get off the boats; making contacts for papers; finding transport to cities further inside Europe; prayer and Bible studies; discipleship times; and even for some, baptism.
It is to give counsel, encouragement, and prayer for the workers.
Next--itinerary and schedule.
Dale came to Richmond with this wife, Mary Beth, and three children in about 1985. He was here to earn his PhD--which he did get--in counseling. I don't know if he is any good at that or not.
He does like to hike, and of that he is pretty good.
Dale used to take moms and kids and dads and kids for weekend hike in the Appalachian Trail. One time on a hike with me and Channing, we needed water. We were on Old Rag and needed water. Our map showed a tiny little squiggle that indicated a spring near the summit. Sure enough, Dale triangulated, walked over to the spot, and found water. Not bad.
More stories about Dale. He went with me to Nepal one time to meet some missionaries. On our way back we swung by Thailand. Dale, who went to the caving capital of the East, Sewanee, wanted to go into some caves. I went along. We were not permitted to the king of all caves. No persuasion, no bribes, no running past the guards--no admittance. Finally they told us why: Cobras. Dens of cobras.
So, spotting a waterfall Dale said that we could climb that. No problem. Up we went, crawling, sludging, hand over hand, through the waterfall and around it. When it came time to descend, Dale looked very severe and said to me, "Tad, I cannot go on with you in those filthy pants you are wearing!" Such fastidiousness shocked me, especially in the circumstance. Nothing would do but for me to get into and under the waterfall and get my Royal Robbins shorts so the blue would show through.
Dale and family have moved to Knoxville where he has a counseling center. In the past couple of years he has become an advocate for Bridges, a network of Christian workers in Europe who assist refugees. This assistance covers food, welcome, and shelter when they get off the boats; making contacts for papers; finding transport to cities further inside Europe; prayer and Bible studies; discipleship times; and even for some, baptism.
It is to give counsel, encouragement, and prayer for the workers.
Next--itinerary and schedule.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Don't go away!
You have come to the right place if you want to trace Connie and Tad as they meander around Europe with their sidekicks, Dale and Mary Beth Berry.
As you may have read, I haven't posted here in five years, and it has taken me a lot of tweaking to get to this screen.
But more to come!
Here are the topics I will be adding in a week from today:
As you may have read, I haven't posted here in five years, and it has taken me a lot of tweaking to get to this screen.
But more to come!
Here are the topics I will be adding in a week from today:
- CW's art. That CW would be Constance Williams, and you can get a preview of her art at www.ArtByCdeb.com
- Pictures and stories about Dale Berry. His slogan used to be "High adventure, low risk." I will post some stories that will challenge that slogan.
- Bridges. That is the network of Christian workers with refugees throughout Europe. Dale has sent some stories that I will post. These tell insights about refugees and also ways God is deeply involved in the lives of many of them. The love and prayers of the workers have been heard!
- Our itinerary, naturally. The short version is Athens, Lesbos, Athens, Prague, Stuttgart, and Berlin. Details will be added. (We leave on July 5th and return on the 20th. I preach at St. Matthew's on the 22nd. If I don't have illustrations for that sermon, I am a real dunce!
- What I anticipate on the trip. (Laughter comes later.)
- Some references in the Bible about refugees, the poor, and Mother Theresa.
- Some sweet and censored thoughts on this trip on the occasion of our 50th anniversary.
I see that I can add pictures. we'll see about that. Just went to REI. bought Campsuds, high protein bars, and a first aid kit. Oh, and Dale's recommendation of nylon underwear. Really!
So don't go away! I'll be back on Saturday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
