As an American citizen I never realized how easy and comfortable we have it. We can go to almost any place in the world and someone somewhere will speak or at least understand a little bit of English. We can choose whatever religion or none at all to follow. If we want to pack up and sell everything and move to a foreign land we can do just that, with some limitations!
Living in a foreign place I have discovered this reality. It makes me praise God for putting me in this situation and pray for those who do not have these freedoms I was born into. At the same time it also makes me realize that although I have this comfort now, it can be taken away at any moment. What would I do without this freedom? I have never been put into a situation where I had to choose my faith or comfort.
I praise GOD for this grace He has bestowed on me and my family and friends in America. I now pray for the many people I meet here so far away that do not have these same rights. So many of them have fled their homes in search of freedom and lost everything material on the way. It is a challenge to me in my faith to be willing to be uncomfortable in situations in order to serve and love the people I am blessed with meeting and share God's love.
Please pray for the people in Istanbul who are refugees and are living a life that lacks comfort, safety and freedom. I pray that the truth of God's word would be brought to them and that they will realize that this life here is temporary and if they should choose to believe and follow Jesus Christ, they can share in a life of hope of a future in the presence of the Almighty.
I pray for you all back home and hope that you are having a great summer. I miss everyone terribly and can't wait to finalize a job for the fall in order that I can come home for a short visit in September. Love you all!
Ahhhh! I need to talk to you. I know. we need Skype. You need a phone I can call. I just think about you so often and wonder how and what youa re doing. I need to get your mother's phone number. I think I'll cal Moody today and try to connect.
ReplyDeleteRachel, that is such a good reminder. Sean and I have been challenged a lot recently with the comforts of our lives, and if we would really be willing to give them up for Christ. We listen to Francis Chan a lot and he is very challenging.
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