Missions Blog

Hope Lost

November 13, 2015
Ashley Ross
This article was imported from our previous website, which many have broken some of the content. We apologize in advance for any strange formatting or broken links you may find.

The door swings open, we are greeted with broad smiles, kisses on each cheek and "peace be upon you."

We enter the almost bare room with a few mattresses along the walls and a large rug in the middle, but not much else. After a few minutes the sweet aromatic tea arrives and we are each presented a cup. (Some homes we visit also bring out thick dark coffee with a hint of cardamon, and if you stay long enough delicious Syrian food.)

On this particular day we spend time with a family with two daughters: 6 and 4 years old. They have applied to go to any country that would take them. They were recently told they have a 10% chance to be accepted in Australia. As the father dotes on his daughters, he tells us that since the chance to emigrate legally isn’t that great, he is thinking about heading north on the arduous road to Europe through Turkey – initially without his family!

He and his wife see no other way. They do not believe this war will end soon, and the Jordanian government will not allow them to work. There is nothing for men to do but sit at home, watching TV with all hope lost.

The father saw the Syrian government kill friends and family members, and he has a hatred toward them. After listening to his story, we ask him to read the story of the Good Samaritan. After the reading, our translator told him to place himself in the story – think of himself as the guy who was beaten up and a Syrian government soldier as the one who took care of him. The man looked down, looked at his wife and then the translator, then shook his head in a state of humility. At that point, we prayed with him and his family – in Jesus’ name.

Praying God continues to open doors and hearts. Thank you for your prayers and support! We know God is working in this beautiful land.

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