from the mountain to the valley

Prayer moves mountains. Anyone who has grown up in a Christian environment will know this phrase. But how often do we really believe it and life according to this reality?

Two weeks ago, I was standing on a mountain top overlooking a city that is very dear to my heart. We stood with 21 young people, praising the name of Jesus. While people in the valley were going about their lives, we prayed for peace, life, joy and revelation. We did not shout or chant, but there was power in our quiet acknowledgment of the Lord of our lives. We came from different nations and life experiences, but we stood there united by our love for Jesus and a desire to see this love spread across the city in the valley. It really was not a very impressive event, but there was such determination, such desire to see God's Kingdom come, that each word was prayed with such sincerity and gravity. That day we took ownership of the city in our hearts, because we were able to see far beyond the panoramic view. We caught the vision of God's heart for the people in that valley. It is so beautiful and abundant that our only response can be the words of the prophet Isaiah: Here I am, send me.

near to the broken-hearted

We were sitting in the tent of a family that had been through a lot. Almost to the day four years ago their village was disrupted by the evil of a group of militants that claimed to establish what is right. Men and boys were rounded up to be executed. Women and girls were taken to gratify the militants’ lust and perversity... I wish my words were an exaggeration, but I cannot count anymore how many different people have told me the exact same story.

Those who lived to share the stories were able to escape to the mountain. For 10 days they were trapped. Water and food was scarce with thousands of men, women and children fighting for their lives. After another militant group created a passage, they were able to escape the mountain and settle in camps. Four years later, they still live in the same tents. Almost forgotten by everyone. They have lost friends and family. Those who are left band together for support, yet the trauma and loss is written in their faces.

As we sat and listened, our hearts were moved with compassion. But there was more. There was hope. How can a story like this result in hope? One of us spoke up first: “I am reminded of a verse from the Bible that says that God is near to the broken-hearted.” As soon as he had said this several of us responded in amazement. “I thought of the exact same scripture!” The Holy Spirit was reminding all of us: God is near. He is Emanuel, God with us. He has not forgotten these people and He wants to heal their broken hearts. The gravity of the trauma is too heavy for them alone. But Jesus has taken that burden on Himself and He wants them to know. We shared the hope that was stirring up in our hearts and prayed a blessing over the family. After dinner we left, knowing that God was in control and He would take care of them. And hopefully we will be able to see them again and hear that story of redemption firsthand.

serving internally displaced families

The Middle East has more than 11 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and more than 9 million refugees (UN and IDMC, 2017). They have had to flee their homes because of war, extremism and economic challenges. Out of all of them 6.9 million are refugees from Syria alone. Many refugees and IDPs live in camps and informal settlements, some for more than 7 years. Often they have limited rights in their host nations and cannot work. Many displaced communities struggle with the consequences of trauma. Yet, the Lord has not forgotten, He is near to the broken-hearted. And this is a message they need to hear now more than ever.

Thanks to the financial support of many individuals who have given to the YWAM Refugee Circle, we were able to bless 41 families in a community of displaced people in the Middle East. In July they received food bags with a months-worth of food!

During our first visit to this settlement our team ran a fun program for the kids and through that got connected to the parents. While the children had fun drawing with chalk and playing games, the parents shared they stories and grievances with us. Because of the finances we had available, we were able to respond to their trust in a very practical way. Two days later every family was given a bag of food (rice, oil, tomato paste, sugar, beans, pasta and more) which they received with gratitude. In their generosity and hospitality they invited us to their homes for tea and snacks. True happiness came from the fellowship we shared. The trust and kindness we extended towards each other spoke louder than any material gift ever could.

Osman

food bags

This particular community was blessed in the name Jesus that day and we keep praying that they will come to know the Giver of every good gift, the Creator and Saviour of the world.