Refugee Ministry

We had the opportunity recently to take part in the relief effort with the local church we attend here in Skopje. Here is what our day looked like:

We arrived at the makeshift village close to the Serbian border at about 11 am on a rainy, cool Tuesday morning. As we backed several cars up close to the train tracks, people of all ages, mostly from Syria and Afghanistan, flocked the vehicles for bananas, bottled water, and rain ponchos. Many of the migrants had already begun the short walk north toward the border, where they would be picked up and carried further. 

After everyone received what they wanted, we proceeded to a tent where we could set up our official distribution area. Before long, another busload came through. The people seemed to have almost nothing -- many of them only had the clothes on their backs. We saw many mothers with little children, teens, and young men. Despite having traveled hundreds of miles and paying what little money they had on transportation, they still managed to smile and say "thank you" as they were given, clothes, toys, and care packages with food. 

I noticed several backpacks with Samaritan's Purse printed on them, and remembered that even on a cold and soggy day, the love of Christ was still shining on these people. 

Pray that these people can find places where they can live in peace. But even more critically, pray for opportunities for the gospel to be presented to these people in a clear way!