“I am so glad you taught us to feel others’ pain”
Nahariya is home to a large number of southern Lebanese refugees. They had no choice but to flee to Israel in May 2000 when the Israeli army withdrew from the security zone on the northern border.
Most of the men were professional soldiers in Lebanon, and were unprepared for life as civilians. They found themselves suddenly needing to support their families in a country where they lacked the knowledge of the language as well as basic work skills.
From the very first day they crossed over the border with their families and nothing but the clothes on their backs, my heart went out to them. For seven years I have been visiting them, listening to their troubles and trying to find creative ways to alleviate some of their pressing needs.
I began this ministry with no money, no supplies, but with a heart of compassion and fire in my bones. I still remember turning on the news and seeing the flood of people pouring across the border.
The thing that struck me the most was that there was no one to meet them, apart from Israeli soldiers. They were at a loss about what to do with all these people and were unprepared for such a large number of refugees.
At that time, I decided to knock on all my neighbors’ doors and tell them they needed to help me to help them. Soon my car was full of diapers, clothes and much more.
Seven years have passed and I am still driving north. Now I knock on the doors of Bridges for Peace and other ministries in Jerusalem, and they are the ones filling my car.
Just this week, I took my 17 year old daughter Mari on a trip delivering school supplies and food packages to needy families in the north. Truth be known, I actually conned my sweet daughter into going with me, as all my other eager volunteers fell by the wayside.
I was able to get a lot of school bags and food from Bridges. My car was packed to the brim with supplies. I thought I had more than enough for everyone, but once I started giving it out, I realized I was just scratching the surface.
Christine and daughter Mari The drive was long and it was so hot, but when these kids saw us unload the newschool bags and other items, their faces lit up like a Christmas tree.
The smiles on their faces was the best thanks I could have been given. Thenew supplies were just a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of these families, and yet they kept telling me I was an angel that God had given them in Israel.
On the way back home, 11 hours later, Mari turned to me and said, “Mum, that was a great day. I am so glad the way you and Abba have raised us. I am so glad you taught us to feel others’ pain.”
Can't tell you how great she made me feel, and how good it felt to be partnering with God in molding her character.
I received my reward from the day’s journey a hundred fold, and I know that as long as I have the passion for this work, God will keep filling up my car.
A wise man said to me years ago, “Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.”
**********************************
Most of the men were professional soldiers in Lebanon, and were unprepared for life as civilians. They found themselves suddenly needing to support their families in a country where they lacked the knowledge of the language as well as basic work skills.
From the very first day they crossed over the border with their families and nothing but the clothes on their backs, my heart went out to them. For seven years I have been visiting them, listening to their troubles and trying to find creative ways to alleviate some of their pressing needs.
I began this ministry with no money, no supplies, but with a heart of compassion and fire in my bones. I still remember turning on the news and seeing the flood of people pouring across the border.
The thing that struck me the most was that there was no one to meet them, apart from Israeli soldiers. They were at a loss about what to do with all these people and were unprepared for such a large number of refugees.
At that time, I decided to knock on all my neighbors’ doors and tell them they needed to help me to help them. Soon my car was full of diapers, clothes and much more.
Seven years have passed and I am still driving north. Now I knock on the doors of Bridges for Peace and other ministries in Jerusalem, and they are the ones filling my car.
Just this week, I took my 17 year old daughter Mari on a trip delivering school supplies and food packages to needy families in the north. Truth be known, I actually conned my sweet daughter into going with me, as all my other eager volunteers fell by the wayside.
I was able to get a lot of school bags and food from Bridges. My car was packed to the brim with supplies. I thought I had more than enough for everyone, but once I started giving it out, I realized I was just scratching the surface.
Christine and daughter Mari The drive was long and it was so hot, but when these kids saw us unload the newschool bags and other items, their faces lit up like a Christmas tree.
The smiles on their faces was the best thanks I could have been given. Thenew supplies were just a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of these families, and yet they kept telling me I was an angel that God had given them in Israel.
On the way back home, 11 hours later, Mari turned to me and said, “Mum, that was a great day. I am so glad the way you and Abba have raised us. I am so glad you taught us to feel others’ pain.”
Can't tell you how great she made me feel, and how good it felt to be partnering with God in molding her character.
I received my reward from the day’s journey a hundred fold, and I know that as long as I have the passion for this work, God will keep filling up my car.
A wise man said to me years ago, “Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.”
**********************************
posted by Christine | 5:29 AM
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