How can we put into words the sights and smells, the tangible feeling of hopelessness, that we witnessed this past month while visiting friends at a refugee camp? Circumstances no one should have to endure, yet people are arriving every day in search of a life better than the one they left behind. In a camp made for 3,000 people, close to 20,000 now temporarily call this place home, waiting for their chance to be settled in a country where they can begin to rebuild their shattered lives.

However, amidst the brokenness and poverty, Jesus is working! He is drawing people to Himself and is meeting them in their desperation and despair. There is an openness to hear about Him and many in search of a better life are finding THE LIFE.

Our friend, now living at this camp with her family, is a bright light in an otherwise dismal environment. Although her circumstances are deplorable, she smiles easily and is quick to share the little that she has with those who have even less. We brought clothes and food for this family and as soon as the food was open, instead of hoarding it to keep the hunger at bay a little longer, she made up plates to share with her neighbours. We came to serve and to bless, but instead were witnesses to abundant generosity and joy in the midst of heartache.

While visiting the camp, our friend expressed her desire to “take the dip”, something we had talked about when she was part of our home group, but hadn’t been able to do while she was with us. We were excited for her to take this next step in her faith journey and were able to find a bathtub in the home of a local leader. What an honour and privilege to support our sister, who among unbelievable suffering and hardship, said “I wouldn’t take this dip for anyone, not even for my father or mother, but for Jesus, it’s all worth it! I will do it no matter the cost!” The joy on her face and the huge smile that wouldn’t go away were but a glimpse of how much this decision meant to her.

Our sister returned to her tent home with no electricity, shared with 3 other families, and continues to wait for the day when they will be moved to a better place. Until then, she rests confident in her Father, knowing that He has never left her and never will. The phrase that is never far from her lips is “Jesus loves me; He keeps showing me that He’s always with me. What a good Father He is!”

We saw so much of The Beatitudes lived through the life of our sister, an example of what it means to follow Him no matter the cost. We leave you with the words from Matthew 5:3-12 and a challenge to examine our own lives and ask if we too can call ourselves blessed.

The Beatitudes
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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