I was told many times, “Do not witness to them. You can walk around but do not talk to them.” In my heart I said, “They were the reason why I came to this foreign land - to show them the love of the One who taught me about love and how to love. That Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
We stayed in the city for two weeks. Right when we arrived, we have already proven God’s faithfulness to us. “Wherever you go, I will watch over you.” (Genesis 28:15) He watched over us every day as we went out to witness and to do the ministry. He provided us a guide to the community. The sounds and sights of danger were present daily, but the Lord has kept us safe and has given us peace. When danger came a lot closer, these we dared not to love helped us to safety.
The Lord led us to old women and homes. Though we could not speak their language, those who could understand faithfully translated from my native language, to the next closest one, to their native language so that the others there with them could also hear the stories we shared. We prayed with them and shared the love of Jesus with them.
The younger ones had tears in their eyes when they learned that hell is real and is forever.
We told them more stories of Jesus. They said they want to do what we do someday.
They may have not professed faith in Jesus as their Savior but I know that God has plan for them. Tears were in all our eyes as we hugged and said good byes.
This place is God’s prepared place. This is God’s city. And the people here are His people. The people whom most would not want to reach and love, they know how to love as well. They want to be loved. They hate war. They hate violence. They want peace. They are LOST. They need prayers. They need our GOD.
“Then later I will bring you back to this land. I won’t leave you – I will do all I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)
-Lem
Nehemiah Teams Filipino