A highly valued servant was sick and about to die. So the Roman officer, who had built a synagogue for the Jewish people he loved, sent a message to Jesus to come and heal his servant. Jesus went, but just before He arrived at the house, the officer sent a message, “Lord, don’t bother coming to my home, for I am not worthy of the honor to even meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed, because you have the authority to do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” And when the messenger returned to the house, he found the slave completely healed. From Luke 7 : 2-10
A woman suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had seen many doctors, and spent everything she had but had gotten even worse. She heard about Jesus and touched his robe as He went by because she thought, “His touch alone will heal me!” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she knew she was healed. Jesus realized this at once and asked, “Who touched my robe?” Then the trembling woman fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” From Mark 5 : 25-34
A woman came to draw water at a well, and Jesus asked, “Please give me a drink.” She was surprised, and said, “You are a Jew, and I am an outsider to your faith, for I am a Samaritan. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you really knew Me and asked, I would give you living water.” She said, “But how could you get this living water without a bucket? Jesus said, “If you drink this water you will be thirsty again. But if you drink the water I give you will never be thirsty again. It will become a fresh, bubbling spring within you and give you eternal life. “Please,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again.” From John 4 : 7 – 15
These three people were outsiders. The Roman officer was not a Jew and not welcomed in the synagogue. The bleeding woman was declared unclean and not allowed to worship in the synagogue for twelve years. The Samaritan woman had lived with six different men and was an outcast in her community and because she was a Samaritan, she was an outsider to the Jewish faith.
But, against the rules of the day, Jesus praised their faith and welcomed them into His community and His kingdom. One at a time.
The refugees that God has placed in my path this month have become outsiders to their own country, as asylum-seekers. And in many cases, this has made them outsiders to the religion they grew up with, whether outwardly or inwardly. When they arrive in Austria, they also find they are outsiders to their new country.
Because of the faith of the volunteers and team members at Oasis, we believe that the seeds of love and care that we have the privilege to plant into their new lives will eventually blossom into new faith! Whether we see the harvest ourselves, we know that Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest and as their journey continues into the small towns of Austria and maybe other European countries, He is with them. And there are more divine friendships awaiting them.
He has placed in my heart a love and concern for many here, but increasingly for one refugee I have gotten to know.
When Jesus traveled around, teaching and announcing the Good News about His Kingdom, He really saw the people. He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd and He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” From Matthew 9 : 35 – 38
There are many outsiders to the love and truth of God in your own town. Many people are confused and helpless and need a shepherd. The workers are few. But as you pray to the Lord of the Harvest for more workers, as He asks, consider that He may send you. Maybe overseas on a mission trip. Maybe to volunteer with a local mission in your town, or start one. Maybe to one friend who feels outcast for some reason. Ask God to point you towards some need or someone who is confused and helpless.
Pray. Act. Plant seeds of love. Earn the right to share the truth that sustains you.
God cares about the one lost lamb, even if He has 99 sheep who know His name (Matthew 18:12).
Who might be the “one” that God is leading you towards this year?
What is one thing you can do to engage and help that person?
When might you fit it into your schedule, or wipe your schedule for a time, to follow-through?
If you are feeling led to volunteer for a mission trip or a local mission, when could you set aside some consistent time to pray and research that? Who in your life could you ask to go with you? (Jesus sent out the disciples two-by-two!)
Lord of the Harvest, I pray for the same compassion and urgency for my one that You feel toward Your lost lambs. Place an opportunity in my life to act in a way that shapes eternity. I know You will be with me, Amen.
happy hunger 
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