The Least of These

We had some friends over this weekend who are in our Life Group(small group) who are leaving in December to join up with a church plant. We were talking about missions, social injustice, etc and somehow the topic of refugees came up. I shared my experience working with many refugees at Lutheran Social Services in Sioux Falls. I am still amazed looking back at the unique situation in Sioux Falls. The nations are coming to Sioux Falls; Tanzania, Somalia, Myanmar, Nepal and so many other people groups. What a unique opportunity to impact the lives of people who's worlds have been scarred by war, racism, famine and more.

I was once again moved as I remembered one particular batch of students that had never even seen a pencil let alone knew how to use it. Basically they were assigned a new country, made the trip overseas and then stepped off an airplane with only the clothes on their backs. Being in another country, trying to learn another language, having no job, no money and some, no family.

I found a link I've attached that shows some pictures of refugee camps. Looking at those pictures it's amazing to think that some students were in those camps for 15-20 years. Here's something I was told at LSS and on this website as well, "Nearly 12 million people live as refugees in temporary camps worldwide. 80% are women and children. The average stay is now 17 years! That's up from an average of 9 years in 1994. At least 7.8 million have been housed in camps for over ten years."

http://www.17yearsandcounting.org/ (Look under Refugee Camps)

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:37-40