Planting Seeds for the Stranger Day 1: Austria

This is the kind of fasting God wants. He says: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned and lighten the burden of those who work for you. Do what you need to help the oppressed go free and remove all the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless poor, the stranger and the refugee. Give clothes to those who need them and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Isaiah 58: 6 – 7

I went through orientation at the Christian refugee center where I am staying outside of Vienna, Austria and read these much-loved words from Isaiah in their booklet. I feel such joy to be involved with this ministry that reflects my own heart!

I have been here one week and have already made friends with some refugees who sought us out. Today we greeted each other with a hug and a kiss. What a privilege to plant seeds of God’s love and truth.

The refugees come from many nations and I have met people from each of these: Afghanistan, Turkey, Mongolia, Syria, Armenia, Iran, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and Pakistan. Their journey has been tough and they arrive as strangers in a strange land. My hope is to help ease their transition by being God’s love to them, and when asked, to share God’s truth.

We offer free clothing and other needed items four days every month. Weekly we have four fun programs for women, for women and children together, and for families. This helps fill their time while they are waiting for assignment to a more permanent home. We have crafts for the children and women. We have a coffee bar night where we play games together. Films about Jesus are always available to be watched on our premises, upon request. We present the gospel each week for those who want to learn more. We offer German classes twice a week (which I have also enjoyed!). We have many materials in almost 40 languages available free. Every other week we bring books and Bibles to them by setting up a book table outside.

As you can tell, I am busy! But as Jesus loves these strangers through me, some of them have become strangers no longer.

Dear Jesus, whenever and wherever I am, give me the courage to actively love those people who haven’t met You yet. I want to plant seeds where You lead. I know You will grow my smallest efforts. Amen.