Iranians in Diaspora #2: You Are Not Abandoned
you are not abandoned!
By Rev. Doug Stewart
GRACE Church, Bethlehem, PA
The Outreach Foundation is on a week-long visit with our Persian friends in Europe. Our first leg has taken us to The Netherlands where we are visiting with Dariush and the people within his expansive ministry, Safehouse.
What an inspiring and fulfilling day it was. We were welcomed warmly by a vibrant group who opened their home to us at the refugee camp. The group was a mix of those that have been at the camp for a lengthy time, along with some who more recently have arrived. We immediately sensed a strong sense of community that we were privileged to become a part of for the afternoon. We squeezed as many friends and neighbors into the living room as we could and, thankfully, it was a beautiful day so we could open the patio doors for others to hear and participate.
After Iranian tea and candy, we joined as one in the spirit even as we sang familiar songs in different languages. Deep concern for loved ones amidst the oppression and protests at this critical time in Iran was discussed and specific prayers of hope for deliverance were spoken. A word of how God delivered his people to the promised land after 40 years without a home was shared as a source of encouragement. A reading from Joshua chapter 1 assured all of us that God will never leave us and never forsake us, particularly during a time of transition.
Several stories and testimonies were shared. It can take several years for new arrivals to receive a “positive” note from the immigration courts that they are accepted into the country, which then paves the way for employment and more permanent housing as availability allows. During this lengthy time of transition, Bible studies and house church services help their faith in Jesus deepen as they hold on to each other.
The refugee camp is a former military facility where barracks have been converted to small bungalows that are the current home of multiple families, groups of men or groups of women, during their lengthy transitional period. There is also a school, recreational area, computer center and other support services to aid in the many needs of a few thousand displaced refugees from many countries. As we walked back to our van, it was a joy to see the children playing and waving at us as school let out for the day. Our prayers will continue for all the families as they patiently wait and faithfully support each other until they one day have a home of their own again.
Our day ended with dinner and a rich conversation on the local ministry context in the home of Theo and Heti, a Danish couple who have embraced as family those whom we have just met. As God promised His people, they are not alone, and neither are we.
