As we drove into the Refugee Camp last week, we had to pass by the camp directors tent. Next to that was another tent being used by another aid group doing a mobile medical clinic. This was their second visit to the camp. To be honest, I was a little jealous not being the first team there, but that would soon be a non-issue.
After unloading our bags and equipment off the bus, we began to set up our camp within the camp. I am sure that we looked very curious piling out of the bus and PURPOSELY setting up "home". I am sure that it looked like great foolishness. The refugees did not want to be there but they had no choice. We had a choice and we wanted to be there. What a curious and peculiar group of people these Americans are must have been the thought of many of the folks in the camp. I wondered as we set up our tents if the pervasive thought was "Why are they doing this?" And as the week progressed I learned that this was the exact thoughts many of the refugees had.
In fact, they sent a "spy" to figure out what was going on. There was a man in the camp named Lal. He spoke both of the major languages of Sri Lanka, Sinhalese and Tamil, as well as English. As he was also a refugee he wanted to help. He proved to be a respected man in the village in that he was one of them and he could talk to us. A perfect spy. But also a man God wanted to spend time with us.
As we got settled into camp, more of the refugees began to visit us. And they brought sicker and sicker patients. They began to trust us. And Lal began to ask more questions. One afternoon, he said, "We have had some aid groups come into camp and help. Some bring medicine. Some bring food. Some bring water. But they all come and go. They come for a few hours and then leave. But I have noticed that you have come and stayed. I have been trying to figure out why."
As he was telling me this, my mind was directed to John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us." I realized that we were only following the example of our Lord Jesus. I then contemplated Matthew 9:35-36 "Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."
I was able to share this with Lal. I told him that we were children of God and that we were only following His example. I shared that we were there to help with disease and sickness. I shared that we, like our brother Jesus, had compassion on them. And because of this, we were willing to live among the people so that we could build trust with them.
And this is exactly what happened. As we spent hour after hour, day after day, the people began to trust us. They came for the counseling that was offered. They were willing to tell their stories of being out in the water, or on the beach, or in the village when the tsunami came. They told us their trials and tribulations of almost dying or having a family member or friend drown in the tsunami. They came bringing their sick because they began to trust that we could make a difference. They were willing and open to hear us tell about our Father in heaven who loved them and wanted to call them His children.
I was amazed at how the simple fact of living among the people opened up so many doors to minister both word and deed. I was encouraged and had renewed strength that it was right for me to be dwelling among the people of Kenya. I was amazed again at the incredibly loving act that Jesus committed when He dwelt among us and had compassion on us.
Tim -
We have been praying for Sri Lanka, you, and the team. Thanks for the update. You did exactly what we are called to do. God will use this tragedy to bring Muslims to Christ - no doubt!
Rob
Posted by: Rob T | January 22, 2005 at 12:50 PM
I was amazed at how the simple fact of living among the people opened up so many doors to minister both word and deed.
This is crux of it, isn't it? This is what it's all about. Even us civilians should be living our lives this way. God bless you for your willingness to serve and comfort those in such great need.
cheers,
Feeble
Posted by: Feeble Knees | January 25, 2005 at 05:37 PM