When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. – Matthew 9:35-38
Over the last few months the news has featured stories of refugees fleeing across the Mediterranean to the shores of Europe. The island of Sicily has become the primary destination for many of these immigrants. This last week, I joined a small team put together by a LIA partner and we traveled there to better understand the situation and jointly discern how we can contribute to a response to what many are calling “the great crisis of our generation”.
Many of the young men and women arriving on Sicily’s shores are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty and unrest are the main factors forcing people to flee their homes in search of better opportunities. I met many African refugees from places like Somalia, Ethiopia, Senegal and even Egypt, to mention a few. Some of these are countries where LIA is working.
While in Europe, these immigrants tell of stories of the brutalities and risks they faced crossing the deserts and border check points before arriving in Libya. Libya being the port of call for African immigrants wanting to board a boat to take them across the Mediterranean.
Given their boat doesn’t capsize the fortunate ones find themselves in refugee camps and rescue homes for an indefinite amount of time uncertain of what will happen next. It is in these camps that they find themselves falling prey to depression, human traffickers, radicalization, enslavement and even prostitution. Many of the people I met told stories of regret, fear and loss as many of them are likely to remain stranded because they do not have travel documents. I want to ask you to join me in praying for this crisis.
- Pray for this God sized problem. That the thousands who are caught in this system will be restored by the intervention of the almighty. God is concerned about the refugee and desires to shelter their vulnerability. Pray that governments and host countries will rise to cooperate with God’s plan for the good of these brothers and sisters who are downtrodden, enslaved and ensnared.
- Specifically, pray for two young Ethiopian boys who asked me for prayer. They are living in a refugee camp in Sicily. Falling prey to misinformation, they came from Jima, Ethiopia and their current status and future is uncertain. Uphold the plan of God over their lives.
- We met with some Italian church leaders and an American missionary who expressed a desire to come to the LIA Center in Kenya for a TOT training and an exposure to the poverty these immigrants face in the countries of origin, so they can be equipped to respond appropriately. Pray for this team of Italian pastors who will be led by Pastor Marco, that through them, God will raise a partnership in this response.
- Let’s remember and pray for all the rescue workers, missionaries and volunteers who are overwhelmed by this refugee crisis. I met so many that are going through a storm and spiritual warfare and are stretched to the limit. All asked we pray – that the Lord may send workers to the harvest field.
In Christ,
Florence
