Tomorrow morning I will be joining a delegation of people from California as we travel throughout the middle east [spending the majority of or time in Jordan and Syria] and look into the current situation that Iraqi refugees are dealing with. Our stay here in this region will last 12 days and should be revealing, eye opening, unsettling, edifying, faith building and many other words ending in "ing!"
As I was flying out here, sandwiched between people and seats much too close together, I kept trying to figure out how I got to this point; how it came to be that I was invited to be a part of this delegation. The more I thought and prayed about it, the more I heard clearly God saying "relax and let the trip come to you; it will be revealed as you travel." To which I say..."OK."
- "For I know plans I have for you" says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you" declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
My hope is that this site will provide an outlet for me to process what I see, what I hear and what I learn throughout these next two weeks and in doing so give those who want to read an opportunity to travel these roads vicariously through me. To listen with me to the story of the refugee; to see with me hope in the midst of chaos; to feel with me strength in the face of uncertainty.
God has been doing incredible things at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church as we have opened our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our work with refugees coming into Santa Clara county. It has been an incredible journey...one that has now brought me and our church to the middle east. Glad to have you walking [and praying!!!] with me.
3 comments:
I'm so excited to be reading your own blog! I will be praying for you.
Amy W.
Hi Steve,
Glad to hear that you have arrived safely on your journey. Thank you for setting up a blog and letting us support you in thought and prayer while being a virtual witness to all you see.
We look forward to following along with you.
Best regards,
Christine and John "Diffensetti"
p.s. Since you are joining the 21st century of technology, I would also suggest that you set up SKYPE. You can connect live with loved ones for free with audio only or videoconferencing if you have a webcam. It works great and is pretty easy to set up.
Hi, Steve
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You and all you are with and meet are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings and Peace,
Cathey
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