Many Share and We Listen

Again we’ve seen how God’s hand touches everyone in this world. Yes, refugee stories are punctuated by oppression, abuse, self-centered political or military regimes, and religious persecution. But coming face-to-face and affecting the lives of individuals is gratifying and humbling. Given direction by our Creator, we become the instruments that make a big difference in a refugee’s life.

At the Oasis we engage in a special program on Thursday evenings we call the “coffee bar”. Here we gather to play checkers, chess, and numerous other board games. Some color pictures in creative and expressive ways. Others solve puzzles. Offered free refreshments, hospitality and good fellowship they come---the numerous people groups represented are endless. Before each meeting in prayer we just ask God to send us “hungry open hearts”. We pray having no knowledge of who will come. But come they do and their individual stories are nothing less than testimony to the emptiness of Satan’s work and the power of God’s love. They are seeking a new beginning and a sanctuary from oppression.

We welcomed a doctor whose family remained behind in the war-torn Balkans. He sought and finally was granted asylum to remain in Austria. Now he would be able to join an organizations such as Doctors Without Borders. And now he can apply to bring his wife and children to Austria. A young Afghan man and oriental woman seeking refuge found welcome here. Through a thirst for truth they heard the teachings of Jesus and other related messages. A teen-age boy whose family was persecuted became a victim of war’s terror. The insurgents killed family members before the boy finally escaped after 6 months in captivity in an underground cell.

A Southeast Asian refugee who visited the Oasis a year ago returned last Thursday. He had been imprisoned and beaten in another country while trying to gain asylum there. Somehow, he was able to get to Austria and the Oasis. We realized he wanted to hear the story of Jesus and we were able to show the “Jesus film” to him in his native language. After he finished viewing it we presented him with a copy of the Scriptures in his own language. Although he is a refugee in the camp, his beaming face showed he was revitalized and filled with joy.

Bob and Judy