As unrest in the region spreads like wildfire, it's God's most vulnerable children that are likely to be caught in the blaze. Tens of thousands of displaced African refugees have fled to the safety and security of Israel over the past few years to escape the ongoing violence and turmoil in countries such as Sudan, Eritrea, and the Congo. Many of these refugees are children or vulnerable women who lack education and resources.
These poor souls who have been victimized over and over again in their home countries have made the trek to Israel. Those who survive the journey often have nothing to their name. No money, no contacts, no prospects. They are dependent on the kindness of strangers to survive.
In these days of ongoing strife, terrorist attacks, and
flat out war against Christianity, it is all too easy to harden our hearts. To think of strangers from another
land not as people, but potential threats. To get frustrated with the
never ending cycle of violence and displacement that seems to go on-and-on and honestly, get tired of helping what can be seen as a hopeless cause.
But this isn't the way of the Lord. God would never look down at any of his children as a "hopeless cause.” As was written in Deuteronomy, the Jewish people (and by extension, those of us who support the Jewish people) have an extra obligation to help the suffering, "…Love the Stranger for you were Strangers in the Land of Egypt… "
The Jewish people know what it is to be dispossessed, on the run, and with no home to call their own. From Egypt to Germany, the Jewish people have had to suffer similar circumstances and trials. But rather than become bitter or resentful, they learned from the experiences. Israel has a proud tradition of charity and kindness in its history, even as tensions mount today.
While there are certainly real difficulties facing the question of what to do with long-term refugees in Israel, and how to prevent such migration from being necessary in the first place, it is important that we don't lose sight of the here-and-now. These people need our help, and as followers of
Christ it is our duty to assist them however we can.
When we place compassion first, real results are possible. Look at the story of Nancy, a migrant from Sudan who had been working since she was eleven years old. Fearing conditions in their home (where they faced mounting pressure to convert to Islam), her family made the journey to Israel in hopes of a better life. Sadly, they were soon separated and Nancy was left to fend for herself.
Her story could have very well ended tragically. But, thanks to the compassion and hard work of the Christians at the Camel Shelter, her family was reunited, Nancy was able to complete a high school education, and together they actually have hope for a future free from poverty and free to proudly live as Christians without fear of violence or retribution. That is the true impact of charity and compassion – better lives for the most vulnerable.
The world is troubled and it is easy to get discouraged. But we must never let the evil of others make us forget our own priorities and beliefs as Christians.
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