A huge highlight of my December was the opportunity to visit a local refugee camp for a Christmas party. My teammates regularly visit, but it was my first time. As a conscientious person, I tend to think about unexpected ways we can serve people and trying to become aware of ineffective ways of serving. There’s pros and cons to this, but in this situation, it was pretty much just going to cause me to overthink all of my actions.
Thank goodness for the sweet woman I was sitting next to on the drive over who revealed her attitude for the night. “Just do something”. It’s simple, it’s not the most hyper-politically correct solution, but it was something. At first I found myself wondering where I should go, who I should talk to, what I should help with. Given the huge amount of diversity in the situation, it was difficult to approach this situation carefully. I remembered those words from the car, prayed that God would show me what to do, and the night unfolded.
The program started with something along the lines of, “I know you don’t want to be here tonight…”, moderately horrified, I listened on, “…but I love you and I want to offer up any prayers you have. I pray you will be able to go home someday”. Some people laughed others listened quietly, after some thought I found the opening statement refreshing. It’s true- nobody wanted to be there, and our Christmas party presentation shouldn’t ignore that.
My favorite part was at the beginning of the night. We went around and introduced where everyone was from. An animated Hungarian man dressed as Santa shouted out country names and asked people to reveal where they’re from, then we would all clap to greet them. It brought tears to my eyes to see people from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America clapping for each other. Given all the political and social brokenness in this world, these warm greetings felt shockingly counter-culture.
We were from different places, we all live differently and have different stories. It was a bad situation, but God used the thing we all had in common. We’re all human. We’re all made in His image.
The vibrant spirit of the people who energetically danced to entertain the rest of the group amazed me. Out of the blue, a volunteer asked me if I spoke French and if I did, pointed out a Congolese woman I should speak with. I was thrilled to have the chance to use some of the French I remembered to meet this amazing woman and her friends. We ate and passed out gifts.
I thank God for giving us hearts that can extend compassion and care. I thank God that in Him we are able to do more than we would ever imagine.
Here is a part of a prayer I wrote when I got home from the Christmas party:
“God, you are so beautiful, it astounds me. Beauty is the wrong word- magnificent, sublime? I couldn’t be more honored to serve a God that is full of such goodness and wonder. Help me to express this. Your full glory is inexpressible. But help me to inspire others just by trying, and knowing that I’ll make a fool of myself for taking on such a task. Your Glory multiplies and grows, it is the present past and future. It is life, you are life, life is our God because life is found in you. You are not a spirit of fear, and you bring freedom. Pure, unburdened freedom. My mind doesn’t understand the counter intuitive nature of this freedom. You are backwards. When I think I understand I am flipped around, turned around like I’m playing pin the tail on the donkey and then I open my eyes and I see you and understand for a minute. Then I forget. I get distracted. Or life throws something my way that catches me off guard. God help me to not forget what you teach me. You are perfect and you don’t forget and I pray thanks that even if I forget, you don’t. You are my unforgetting guide. You’re Holy Spirit speaks to me and guides me. I am your creation with a living soul who gets amazed by your ultimate glory. And out of this, your glory expands even more. Show me, use me, help me to express your truth. Help me to unveil your love and most importantly- help me to give the glory to you and you alone because you are the resource. I am not.
Praise you God, who some how puts different circumstances together like an outstanding symphony. Your wonder and power is graceful and so mighty. It is overcoming, overwhelming, over my head and yet I can still see just a glimpse of it by your grace and say- thank you, amen, truly you are good.
Thank you for making hearts that sing and some how guiding our steps. Guide my steps where you want me and thank you for bringing me to the refugee camp today. God you are so good, thank you for the blessing of today.”
Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.