A Harvest in the New Year

We realize that the rapid turnover of residents at the Traiskirchen refugee camp can stifle the momentum of building a relationship with individuals. We look for people to return to our Oasis' programs and many do. But more and more the opportunities to associate with the same people for several weeks seem to diminish as external forces and political pressures disrupt the plans that we make. Even the timing of Christmas' and New Year' holidays affected our weekly continuity this year. Add to that the religious holiday the first week of 2011 and some refugees began to ask what days we would be open.

Ours is not a ministry of numbers, but participation reflects interest. It is especially the case when the weather is rainy and cold, and there are unsettling rules changes in the camp. But scores of new faces appeared at the Oasis' programs this past week. It is gratifying to see the large numbers of refugees that turned out for the individual events: clothing day, the re-start of open house, and our Wednesday night service. The German class was filled on Thursday and there were enough participants at coffee bar to present the Jesus film in four full-room showings. This was very encouraging to our team.

People we met in a recent visit to the United Nations in Vienna are disturbed about the trends in the treatment of refugees in many countries. The world needs to understand and accept the Love of God more than ever before. It seems the lessons in Luke 18:1-8 or Isaiah 1:17 are often forgotten or ignored. But God is sovereign, this is HIS kingdom. The doors of the Oasis are open to all who seek the living water of the Gospel message and the seekers are coming in large numbers.

Bob and Judy