Our last few weeks in Jordan was quite the whirlwind. After changing teams, we were partnered with a church in Amman that gave primarily Syrian and Iraqi refugees opportunities to recover and build a life. This church helped provide not only for their spiritual needs but also their physical needs. When entire families are fleeing to another country they go through so much trauma. And on top of that the country of Jordan does not allow them to work or for their children to attend the public schools. They need so much support and this church does that! They help provide essentials like healthcare, clothes, food, and work. They have so many ministries to help these displaced people like a carpentry ministry and a school for children. They also make the most beautiful mosaics I have ever seen and they are sold and help support these refugees.
(This is my new team! From r to l: Michael, Lee, Elizabeth, Renee, Me, and Brett)
So, the last few weeks of our time here a few teams were able to work with this church. I was a part of a small team that had the opportunity to read an edit the stories and testimonies of some of the people that were greatly impacted by this church. The goal was to edit as many stories as possible so that the church could publish a magazine showcasing these stories. So our team of 4 got to work. We were able to edit nearly 50 stories in just over a week.
These stories were about any form of human tragedy you could think of. They were devastating and heartbreaking. I would tear up while reading many of them. But one thing that was a constant in every one of these stories was how the Lord redeemed all of them. In every story the Lord was clearly working even in the darkest moments and was there comforting the people in them. Reading these stories the people were so grateful for everything that the Lord provided for them and how thankful they were that the Lord provided for them when they needed it. They could see how the Lord was there even when they thought everything was lost. It was an incredible reminder that even in the hardest times when we feel the most alone the Lord will always be there and he will never forsake us.
This opportunity to serve this church was incredible. While it was no walk in the park, it was eye opening and I will always remember my time there. The stories I read have deeply impacted me and the bravery and courage that was displayed in their stories were incredible and I am honored that I got to read them.
How beautiful that you got to be a part of people’s testimonies being heard so God’s power can be shown!
God is so good and He is faithful to redeem tragic circumstances!
Thank you, dear Katie, for taking the time for an update. So proud of you! Praying for health, safety, good interactions with your squad, times of outreach. The Lord is with you! Hugs.
Love this. What a sacrifice for you to read stories that were sad, tragic, and probably difficult to read and know about. What a great purpose, though; that God redeems even the worst stories. What a great ministry this church has. I love what you said here, “It was an incredible reminder that even in the hardest times when we feel the most alone the Lord will always be there and he will never forsake us.” This is good, and true!
Katie
So blessed to keep up with your travels and your ministry. God has blessed those who you helped along your journey. And I see in your reports that God has blessed you as well. Thank you for taking me asking with you on your journey of faith and selfless service. Blessings always. –Coach
In AWE that you were able to use your gifts to specifically help fill a need in the church!! SO GOOD!!