The UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) recently reported that there are now 45 million people worldwide in situations of displacement - the highest figure in 14 years. Prior to a recent trip to the country of Turkey, these kind of statistics were like white noise, background information in a world I didn't see, feel, know or understand. But all that changed, coming to an abrupt halt, when the stats suddenly became faces in front of me in Ankara.
The faces belong to a beautiful Kurdish family that escaped the destruction of their village in Northern Iraq by the Islamic State. Right now they are being fed, housed, and helped temporarily in Ankara by the good people at Filipus, an outstanding non-profit organization that were also hosting us. Their older brother is already in the U.S. and is hoping to one day experience a safe and joyful reunion with his family. Here are the trending thoughts in my soul as I ponder what I saw last week.
1. Refuge or Refuse
In the 35th chapter of Numbers, God commanded Moses to grant towns to the Levites. In all, they were to receive 48 towns with 6 of them being designated as cities of refuge. Verse 15 says, "These six towns will be a place of refuge for Israelites, aliens and any other people living among them..." One of the functions of the Levitical priests was to advocate and care for the displaced - a function that, regrettably, has been rarely operational in my life. It is in God's nature to grant refuge not refusal to those whom, for whatever reason, have been forced away from their homes. The question I am asking myself right now is profound and overdue: "How might I do my part in cultivating refuge for displaced people for the glory of God?"
2. One is Better than None
I cannot help 45 million people but I can help one family now and then another and another and another. Our lives are to be responsible, thoughtful, and intentional with that which God places in front of us. Let's not allow the magnitude of the problem to rob us of the opportunity to help just one. Because when we do, it is never only one that is the benefactor of said help. Our acts of kindness set into motion responses and benefits in others that go far beyond our perceptions. In fact, we probably never actually see the ultimate fruit of goodness.
3. Political Implications
I have no background or training in the complexities that swirl around and thru the refugee problem in the world. My suspicion is that the volume of people right now that are in desperate need of immediate help is overloading the system. And it is simply not capable of responding in a timely, effective way. We need to pray for those whom hold offices that make decisions regarding this global problem. Let's pray for wisdom, unusual unity, fresh ideas, and an overall attitude of compassion to govern their meetings and deliberations. May a legal and efficient process emerge for migration and reestablishment that is owned by all of us. And may God's people be visible at that table of decision-making advocating for refuge not refuse.
4. The Friendly Side of Digital Technology
Digital technology is often fodder for debates regarding its benefits and/or detriments. We get upset when we see young people unable to look up from their smart devices - as we should. But we also see the incredible connectivity that has emerged as a result of the digital revolution. The process we have entered to help this Kurdish family has been greatly assisted by FB, Twitter, Google, email, mobile phones, and the world wide web in general. Digital technology is becoming a kind of global language that, if used correctly, is a unifying benefit not a detriment. These important tools can and should be maximized by us. Scripture shapes and informs our theology; digital technology gives us a way to connect and communicate. And in that order, we discover the friendly side of the e-world in which we live.
This blog is only one, small expression of my new desire to join others who seek to support refuge not refuse for those searching for a new home. If you have any desire to help us with this Kurdish family, please contact me @rjrhoden or rob@chapelRVA.com or share this blog. I am hopeful to hug their necks one day on U.S. soil, introducing them to our community, our people, and our version of a city of refuge that originates and flows from the heart of God.
Ex nihilo,
RJRhoden
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