Vietnam meets Pakistan
Not a day goes by in Bangkok that looks the same as the last. This past week I (on behalf of Life Raft) partnered with Generation Miracle to find a home for 3 refugee families. During that process, one of the families was kicked out of their apartment without notice and several members were held hostage in another apartment without food or water.
Initially we thought that we were going to have to go in Rambo-style to break them out, but after a series of phone calls throughout the evening it appeared as though they would be released in the morning. We just had to sneak them some necessities to get through the night. It was pretty bizarre to walk down a dark alley in the middle of the night to exchange food of all things.
The next afternoon the remaining family members were allowed to pack up and leave. It was great to see everyones faces as they unpacked and began settling into their new home. After living in fear in an area of town that was frequent to police raids, they were finally safe.
Generation Miracle brought a Vietnamese family, and Life Raft brought a Pakistani family. We are also looking at moving a third family from Sri Lanka into the home as well.
It is our desire to turn this house into a home. Since moving to Thailand they have been living like caged animals; cramming about 6 people at a time into tiny little rooms. This is the first time in months that they have known the luxury of walking around, sitting in their own living room, and cooking in a real kitchen. They are so excited to begin living like human beings again.
Even better yet are the relationships that are being deepened and developed through this whole process; relationships with God, self, and others.
One thing that I've learned is that regardless of how much or how little you have, life is void of meaning if you don't have meaningful relationships. Isolation is a huge problem faced by urban refugees.
But these families are coming into direct contact with their Father's heart as they experience Him meeting and providing for their needs. In that they realize how valuable they are to Him as children.
This whole process has also brought about new friendships with members of Newsong that are stepping into their lives and joining journeys with them.
I am so thankful for their safety. I am thankful for the people who support Life Raft, Generation Miracle, and the people who are supporting me to stay out here and do this work. And I am thankful for the people in this community who live the gospel.
What is happening in these lives would not be possible without all of us coming together.
{If this blog impacted you, please like, share, and re-tweet it. Thank you!}
Initially we thought that we were going to have to go in Rambo-style to break them out, but after a series of phone calls throughout the evening it appeared as though they would be released in the morning. We just had to sneak them some necessities to get through the night. It was pretty bizarre to walk down a dark alley in the middle of the night to exchange food of all things.
The next afternoon the remaining family members were allowed to pack up and leave. It was great to see everyones faces as they unpacked and began settling into their new home. After living in fear in an area of town that was frequent to police raids, they were finally safe.
Generation Miracle brought a Vietnamese family, and Life Raft brought a Pakistani family. We are also looking at moving a third family from Sri Lanka into the home as well.
It is our desire to turn this house into a home. Since moving to Thailand they have been living like caged animals; cramming about 6 people at a time into tiny little rooms. This is the first time in months that they have known the luxury of walking around, sitting in their own living room, and cooking in a real kitchen. They are so excited to begin living like human beings again.
Even better yet are the relationships that are being deepened and developed through this whole process; relationships with God, self, and others.
One thing that I've learned is that regardless of how much or how little you have, life is void of meaning if you don't have meaningful relationships. Isolation is a huge problem faced by urban refugees.
But these families are coming into direct contact with their Father's heart as they experience Him meeting and providing for their needs. In that they realize how valuable they are to Him as children.
This whole process has also brought about new friendships with members of Newsong that are stepping into their lives and joining journeys with them.
I am so thankful for their safety. I am thankful for the people who support Life Raft, Generation Miracle, and the people who are supporting me to stay out here and do this work. And I am thankful for the people in this community who live the gospel.
What is happening in these lives would not be possible without all of us coming together.
{If this blog impacted you, please like, share, and re-tweet it. Thank you!}
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