Lesvos March 2020
My friend Isa is one of the most special and wonderful people I know. She has been ministering to refugees full time for many years now. She moved to Lesvos, Greece because one of the largest refugee camps in Europe is located there. Many people flee their countries to escape persecution, poverty, and war. They try to make their way into Europe by taking a treacherous journey through the sea on small rubber boats to make it to the island of Lesvos, Greece. The UN and other organizations have a camp set up with tents for refugees to live in. The conditions are incredibly challenging for those in the camps. The tents are hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and flooded when rain storms come. There aren’t even proper bathroom facilities for people to take showers. They stand in long lines to receive daily meals.
Isa invited me to come for a visit and work with her. Several young women lived with her in her flat so she could disciple them and offer them safety from the dangers of the camp. For young, single women, the camp can be a very scary place. They are very vulnerable to physical and sexual violence. I got to spend a lot of time with these amazing young ladies talking, praying, and enjoying delicious meals. They all love to cook. Many other families came to Isa’s flat to do laundry and take showers, since they don’t have laundry or showers in the refugee camps. It was challenging to hear their stories and learn about everything they went through to get their families to safety. They still need to complete complicated legal processes to get official refugee status and move on from the camp. This can take months or even years.
Just before I came to Lesvos, violent Neo-Nazis also came. They were people from Europe who did not want any more refugees to be allowed into Europe. They came to Lesvos to attack aid workers who were working at the camps so that the refugees wouldn’t have anyone to help them. They also attacked news reporters who were reporting on the situation in the camp. They slashed car tires, smashed car windows with rocks, and even physically assaulted some aid workers and reporters. It was a hectic situation. Many aid workers and reporters left the island for their own safety. As they were flying out, I was flying in….
Isa and I prayed each day about whether to go to the camps. When we went in, we visited different families in their tents. They loved to spend time with us and share their hearts. We told them how much Jesus loves them and prayed with them. They often fed us too, which is their culture of hospitality. Even though they lived in tents and had to cook on little stoves outside and didn’t have running water, they still managed to host us well. Isa distributed much needed medicine and other supplies. She invited some families to her house to do laundry, cook, and spend more time together.
One day we strongly felt not to go to the camps. It was the weekend, and we heard rumors that the Neo-Nazis would attack again. We went to another city on the island. Sure enough, there were attacks outside the camp, and they even burned down one of the aid organization facilities. In these situations, we must be led by the Holy Spirit. He will show us where to go when.
It was such a privilege to pray with the beautiful families and young ladies at the house. We worshipped together and shared hearts. I learned so much about their journeys and hopes and dreams. Their faith in Jesus and the ways He encountered them were astounding. Jesus truly brings hope where there is no reason to hope. He transforms hearts and lives. Nothing is impossible for our God!