Saving Syrians V. God’s Mighty Witness

 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.