Wednesday, November 21, 2012

AFTER refugees LEAVE the Oasis...

What is Chapter 2 in the story of a refugee after he leaves Oasis?

Privileged we are when we really can be part of the ongoing struggles and joys of converted refugees after they are transferred.  Names changed and also country, but these stories are too great a joy to keep to ourselves.

IMES came to Oasis 3 years ago as a minor . He was a strong Muslim; a kind and sweet young man. Twice he took a bible, twice left it somewhere behind.  What was not left behind was the memory of our kindness, sincere love, and the story he heard about Jesus through the Thursday video night and also our Wednesday night biblical message and worship.  As with many of the refugees he was transferred far away.  We lost contact but in spirit we continue to pray for those that God lays on our heart.  

Two years has gone by and in the Spring on a Monday clothing room  IMES comes in to greet us. YES, we remembered him, and what a joy to hear the good news. He had asylum, learned German, had a job and was also looking soon to study at the university.  The bad news followed:  for the last 2 years the Jehovah's Witnesses have visited him weekly, had a deep hold on his heart, and told him everything he heard in Oasis was the same as what they believed, including the BOOK.  As he shared this, my heart dropped.  In the next 2 days I explained clearly the truth not found with the JWs. He was thankful as he was close to being baptized with them.  He lives 5 hours away and this was why he could never come to us. He tried in vain to call, but could not get the right number.  IMES and I knew this visit was a divine appointment by a loving GOD.  I quickly inquired of local Austrian believers and was put in touch with a servant that was caring for refugees in the same city where IMES lived.  Within days this man- a missionary from Germany was meeting with and reading the Bible with IMES. That was Chapter 2.

Now for Chapter 3 of the story 3 months later:   I invited both IMES and the  young man that was discipling him to come to Vienna for a Bible  seminar.  We rejoiced and prayed together for the work of God being done in their city for there were many new refugee believers.  I was so privileged to encourage them and oh, how they both blessed me.  

Chapter 4…         …in the hands of an Almighty loving Father.   PRAY for the many servants of God caring for refugees all over Austria.  We scatter the seed but the Shepherd cares for it and brings His Own into the FOLD. 

Julie Soltis


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