One Week to Go

It is now Sunday and I am leaving on Saturday.  It will be a busy week at work, getting ready packing, plus all the other normal weekly activities.   So probably won't be able to post again before I leave.

The amount of support I have had has been overwhelming.  I have all the financial support I need for the trip.  This has been a blessing beyond my expectations.  Many have given very sacrificial lay to this trip.  I am using some of the extra money to pick up first aide supplies,  extra work gloves to share with other workers and possibly rent a vehicle.   I am checking with the coordinators to see if that is helpful.

I brought a very large duffle bag to church a couple of weeks ago, so that folks could donate clothing items and shoes.   Just like God's blessing they filled the bag to overflowing.  My daughter is going to help repack it so everything might fit.  I don't think she will be able to do anything to make it lighter.  I am so thankful for my church family and their generosity.

I have saved for last what I am most thankful for is the commitment to be praying for my trip.  When people have asked me if I am going with somebody I know, I have been answering incorrectly saying I am going by myself.   I will be working with a group of people I have not met yet.  However after all the people from church, work, family, friends and missionaries in Brazil and Bolivia have told me they will pray for my trip.  I feel like 100s of people I know are going with me.

Several family members and friends have expressed concern for my safety and are worried that the refugees represent a danger because of their culture and religion.  I understand their concern and would not want to appear cavalier about the danger.   However living in this world presents dangers everywhere because of mans rebellion against God.  It's possible that some of the refugees are criminals, terrorists or fanatics with resentment of western culture.

 But they are far outnumbered by those who are persecuted for their moderate views in Afghanistan, have their villages destroyed by war in Syria or have been driven from their homes in Iraq by ISIS.  We do not want their impression of the Christian west to be one of hate, but of compassion.

I think of the feelings of the Jews toward the Samaritans during Jesus time. I won't go into all the historical, political and religious reasons, but the hatred of the Jews for the Samaritans even effected Jesus disciples.  In this passage the disciples weren't just suggesting avoiding the Samaritans but wanted the village destroyed by fire.

Luke 9:51-56 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

The Samaritans did not receive Jesus because he was going to Jerusalem.  So the Samaritans weren't big fans for the Jews due to the resentment of the temple in Jerusalem.  Not a pretty picture on either side.  As you can see from the last verse in this passage, Jesus emphasized that he came to save, not to destroy men.  Shouldn't we as his followers do the same?  Our compassion will lead others to salvation through Jesus Christ, not our distrust and hatred.

Next time I post we will look at in detail the incident of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.

I can't say it enough your support and prayers give me the confidence to know I am doing the right thing and have confidence that God will give me strength and wisdom.

Pastor Keith