For the
third time I had the privilege of participating for a week at the Oasis
recently, a most unique ministry. Just a five minute walk away is a huge
holding barracks housing some 1000 refugees flowing into Austria from all over
the world - especially from the Muslim world. They have nothing. They have often
fled at great cost and danger from war, poverty, persecution and fear. When they visit the Oasis, the trauma on their faces
is evident. They have wandered into the Western World looking for a future, and
they are weary.
At the
Oasis coffee house, I sat with a table full of Algerians. Because I speak
French we were able to chat. They left with my testimony and Christian
literature in French as well as Bibles. The warm welcome of this unique
team and this attractive place as well as the reputation it has with the
refugees, is such that they feel free and safe coming in, looking for
friendship or a winter coat, or simply desiring a free cup of coffee or tea and a warm place to sit on a cold winter night.
It is
amazing to watch. They are mostly disappointed with Islam, lonely, and
surprised by the love of Jesus, which most encounter at the Oasis for the first time. This
is a true “Oasis” on the refugee trail. The need and opportunity are
overwhelming. The joy of this often exhausted ministry team speaks volumes
about how God is at work.
Being able
to speak Persian, I had come once again to help speak with the Afghan and
Iranians and was accompanied by Joseph Longenecker,
former missionary to Iran. Knowing the languages is a huge benefit. Joseph was
able to have some intense time with several responsive young men who were
full of questions. One can tell when hearts are hungry and open and they are
beginning to believe.
We left
with an intense awareness that the opportunity at the Oasis is a unique
work God is doing at a strategic place and time. "Those sitting in
darkness have seen a great light." JOY! In leaving, I had to tear my heart away…some of it is still there.
Len
Stewart
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