Christadelphian Refugee Updates
by Sister Esther Worrell
OUR REFUGEE BRETHREN –“..WE ARE WELL ABLE TO OVERCOME”(Numbers 13: 30) - August, 2010
I was sent an article some weeks ago, which captured my attention, about a number of refugees of war, famine and genocide from various countries, trained in modern farming to help them integrate into American life in a part of the US, the results of which turned out to be very positive for both the refugees and the region. The person who initiated this intensive programme, freely offered the use of his own land, and also became the tutor, who counseled and guided the participants, training them on the appropriate effective techniques that would help them to develop the necessary skills to carry on the project, even improving themselves in the process.
It is certain that the introduction of this programme was given very much thought, research and other related input, before being launched, hence its success. This reveals the interest and active follow-up by the initiator, with the positive results this move has generated. This man’s action is indeed a living and workable example of the principle of the 2nd great commandment - 37 “Jesus said unto him, ……39 ‘….. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Many of us are aware of the suffering of our brethren as repeatedly brought out in these series – “Our brethren are dwelling in refugee camps under conditions that we would not want for ourselves. There is shortage of food, and terrible diseases are a continuous threat, our sisters and young children exposed to any kind of horrible abuse, the young adults living in the corrupt environment which these conditions breed. Day by day this is their life, with parents grieving at their inability to provide for their children, some looking on helplessly as they see their offspring most likely being drawn away – their future, hopelessly uncertain.” Now consider the following statement from one brother, who, with his family was able to get out of this situation, after many years experience - “I think the best way to help brethren should be to work out a durable solution so that they can resettle somewhere and work for their living. My case is a good ullistration; like a
troubled sea , I went from country to country witout rest but now, I am settled and my children can go to school and I can save my Lord.” Even though in his present position, he is still struggling to maintain himself and a family of five, there is that freedom and opportunity to check out possibilities for personal advancement, and they have made amazing progress with God’s blessing.
We have brethren with similar capabilities as the person who started the programme mentioned above – some of whom are actually in touch with our refugee brethren in the camps, and in a position to provide helpful information. Moreso, we have the power of the support of our Heavenly Father, who is even more concerned about his distressed children, also numerous examples he has provided us in the scriptures of his miraculous operation with his children, working through people like ourselves, encouraging to us to do our part on their behalf, emphasizing by his oft repeated assurances that he is with us. With this in view, we should not be deterred by what appears to us to be insurmountable difficulties, but dare to start in the faith that he will see us through –
“Things deemed impossible I dare, thine is the call, and thine the care, thy wisdom shall the way prepare…..Thine is the power around me now, faithful I stand in will and vow: I conquer, yet not I, but thou. Thy will be done” (extract from hymn 156)
Thinking of their grievous situation continuously and sympathetically would serve to stir us into starting some kind of action to free them from this, seeking God’s help in the steps we take.
Great Effort Required In Doing God’s Work: Vs. 8 “ Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.” Admittedly, it will require a great amount of effort, but this is what God told the exiles, after urging them - 3 “Then spake Haggai the LORD’S messenger in the LORD’S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD. 14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God……”. Haggai 2: 4 “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: 5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.” The same is true for us, if rather than dwelling on the enormity of the task ahead of us, we focus on what God requires of us, ultimately pleasing and glorifying him, as we take that leap of faith and prayerfully arise to rebuild the lives of our brethren.
NYC preaching outreach is an
organization operated by the three Christadelphian
ecclesias in New York City- Brooklyn, Manhattan
and South Ozone Park. We operate Bible seminars,
special Gospel talks, deeper Bible studies; and
also operate the This Is Your Bible Public
Access TV program. This website tells you about
our activities, and also a bit more about us.
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