Why Germany? Why me?

Why Germany?

              

               As I hope you are aware, there is a huge refugee crisis happening in the world.  Millions of displaced people are fleeing warfare in the Middle East and escaping into neighboring countries, and some making their way into Europe.  Germany has processed over 1 million refugees in the last year and a half.

                The vision of “The Engage the Crisis” mission, an organization created by The Antioch Network, is to bring Love, Peace, and Hope to those in crisis.  Through partnering with long-term relief workers and missionaries, over the next few months thousands of Christians will be traveling to various locations in Germany and other countries where refugees are settling.  Part of the central motivation of this mission is recognizing the unique moment in time and history when there is an open opportunity for Christians to meet Muslims.  And possibly, through organic relationships, Muslims will meet Jesus. 

                There is a lot of ugly stuff happening in the world, and a lot of hopelessness because of that.  I don’t know about you, but at the end of the day, I find hope in Jesus.  In the midst of the crises our world faces, we need Jesus.

                So my hope, and the hope of The Engage the Crisis mission, is to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  To be a shoulder to cry on. To weep with those who weep.  To share in the pain, and sit in the midst of suffering.  To be a presence of comfort by means of the One who is my only comfort.  And maybe, in the midst of the absurdity of an American girl sitting in the middle of Dusseldorf, Germany, talking with displaced Muslim peoples from Afghanistan and Syria, someone will see and feel a Light that speaks louder than words in the midst of great darkness. 

“The people walking in darkness

Have seen a great light;

On those living in the land of the shadow of death

A light has dawned….”

               

Why me?

                When my friend first encouraged me to sign up for the trip to Germany I floated through a series of emotions.  Fear of stepping out into a new context with not one, but two people groups I am unfamiliar with.  Fear of falling in love with these people.  Can my heart possibly hold the pain of more people? And aren’t I cheating on Zambia, on the people I love, by spending time, energy, and money serving in another place?

                Well, lots of conversations and lots of prayer, and clearly I am being led to go.  I still go with these fears, but the Lord is comforting and guiding me. He is growing me, and holding me; reassuring me that he is the one holding my heart and that, because he loves these people, he will make me strong enough to love them too.

                 I’m going to learn a lot.  A lot about two cultures I know only a little bit about.  Encounter at least two languages.  (Hopefully learn to say more than “es gibt eine kleine ente in der badevanne”) I will learn about a new style of missions.  I will participate on this trip under the leadership of a church that does short-term missions really well. (We are going through 16 hours of team training before departure!) So for all these very practical reasons, this will be an excellent addition to my apprenticeship experience. 

Will you pray with/for me?

Please pray especially for:

• The ability to see and hear clearly what God is doing (John 5:19)
• The refugees to find hope and life in Jesus (Romans 5:1-11)
• Divine appointments with key people (Psalm 37:23)
• Unity among our team (Psalm 133:1)
• The war in Syria to end (Psalm 46:9)
• For relief efforts in Germany and throughout the world

Will you support me financially?

I need to raise $2,500 to participate.  This covers airfare, training and debrief (4 days in Amsterdam), lodging, and food.

If you are feeling led to give, here are the ways to do that:

1) Follow this GIVING LINK  find my name by clicking on the arrow next to the label: "Refugees in Europe."   If you do this, please also send me an email so I can keep a record and send you a thank you!!

2) If you prefer to not give digitally, you can write a check to Lake Avenue Church with my name in the memo.  However, we are asking that checks not be mailed directly to the church as this might get lost in the shuffle.  So, please send me an email at Laureninzambia@gmail.com and I can give you my home address J

Thank you!!

Once again, I am overwhelmed by your love and support.  I can’t imagine doing this journey without you, and also can’t imagine sharing it with anyone better.  Thank you for the many ways you minister to me and encourage my steps along the way!!