After graduating from college, I backpacked through Europe for two months. I had never traveled internationally and was so unfamiliar with train travel and how it all worked. On my very first train ride headed from Germany to Austria, they split the train in the middle of the night, sending the front half, which I was not on, to my destination in Austria. The back half of the train, which I was on, was then directed toward Budapest, Hungary. Very confusing. I did not speak German. I had no idea how far away Hungary was or what kind of currency I would need or where I would stay.  I was lost.  Long story short, I was able to get off at the next stop and through some kind, moderate English-speaking strangers, they got me back on track toward Austria. Crisis averted.

The reason I share this story is that it can be very disorienting being in a foreign country. You can quickly find yourself in need of a helping hand. Now imagine you were forced from your country through war or the threat of violence and had little choice where you ended up.  Your world would be turned upside down. 

Over the last six months, we have had the opportunity to get to know and serve the needs of Afghan refugee families who fled their homeland last year in the wake of the US military pulling out of Afghanistan. Whether that was the right decision or not is not the point but through this crisis, we have had the opportunity to come alongside these families in their time of need and provide love, care, and hope. We anticipate many more opportunities to serve refugee families from Afghanistan and Ukraine in the months and years to come. It is wonderful to know that we serve a compassionate God who cares for the needs of the foreigner, and He asks us to do the same. 

Through which lens do you view those who are foreigners among us?  Do we treat them as if they were our native-born?  Ask God to give you fresh eyes for opportunities to serve those who may be trying to build a new home away from home.