Refugees

As we think about refugees, let's not confuse the role of government with the role of the church. The primary role of the church is to bring God glory by making disciples of all nations, including the 7 countries listed in the recent executive order (Matthew 28:19-20). Biblically, the primary role of government is to protect people by punishing the evildoer (Romans 13:1-5, 1 Peter 2:14). I'm persuaded that the executive order is excessive and unnecessary. However, my opinion is irrelevant. More important is the fact that each of us as followers of Christ has a role to play regarding the refugee crisis in our world today. In no particular order, I would like to highlight 4 ministries for your prayerful and financial consideration.  Click either 1, 2, 3, or 4. If you would like to receive more information about any of these ministries, email me.

For the past several months I've been visiting a refugee family from Mosel, Iraq each Sunday. They have one son. Initially we talked about parenting but lately, our conversations have moved to other areas of discipleship. The husband is a young believer. He recently found out that ISIS completely ransacked the interior of his home before leaving. He was also discouraged about the executive order, saying that it is difficult for him to discern whether he should go back to Mosel or wait for relocation in the West. I showed him from 1 Thess. 4 that God's will for us is more about "who" we are (joyful, faithful, thankful) than "where" we live or "when" we move. We also talked about the need for Arab believers to return to Iraq to strengthen the church. Please ask God to give believing refugee families like his courage to make decisions based on God's glory more than personal happiness.

Also, pray for my 10 day trip to Egypt next week as I meet with others involved in ministry to Arab families, as well as visit many of the families I used to visit when we lived there in 2010.