| A long narrow winding dirt road with luscious | | | | In the U.K., many Muslim refugees from Iran and |
| vegetation at either side reminds me of roads I have | | | | Afghanistan have found joyous new faith in Jesus |
| travelled along in Uganda and Kenya, on my way to | | | | Christ, and they will require protection as well as |
| teach at Pastors and Leaders Seminars. This is not a | | | | recognition. They will be accused of apostasy. |
| scenic road from a holiday brochure, but depicts a | | | | One young man from a North African nation has been |
| road where many refugees have walked seeking | | | | whipped, raped and branded with a cross. Imagine the |
| peace and solace and rest. | | | | suffering in that man's life. |
| In a sense it is sad that we need a Refugee Week to | | | | Or consider these refugees living illegally in a |
| remind people of the serious nature of this global | | | | neighbouring nation, enduring dire conditions and being |
| problem. | | | | aware of the people-traffickers who may transport |
| Many are forced to flee their homes because of | | | | them anywhere. |
| severe persecution. Of course, it could be for other | | | | Civil Wars and terrified fleeing people increase the |
| reasons - warfare - food shortages - disease. | | | | need for Aid and resolution to this growing |
| Our response must always be one of concern, | | | | catastrophe. |
| compassion and love, although there are massive | | | | Sin demands high wages and the only person who |
| practical issues. | | | | can deal adequately with sin is Jesus Christ, and the |
| In Africa, some refugees end up in countries which are | | | | only person who can bring real true peace is the risen |
| already wrestling with their own economic and political | | | | and living Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. |
| dilemmas. | | | | Jesus was a refugee for a period when Joseph and |
| Nevertheless, the tortured, the hungry and the | | | | Mary had to flee into Egypt until Herod, the bully king, |
| homeless trundle along these very long winding dirt | | | | was dead. |
| tracks. | | | | |