Detmold, Germany


Cathy is holding a tiny lizard in the palm of her hand. I think it is the smallest one we have ever seen. It is so small you could easily miss its presence.

In the last several weeks we have traveled to areas of the world that display the personal result of the Islamic caliphate. Islam's primary awaited savior, the Mahdi is expected to return. According to Islamic teaching, he will return near the end of the world to rule the earth for seven years and bring about final judgement.

If you do not believe like they believe and do what they say you will be killed. Thousands upon thousands of people have been killed, threatened and displaced. This includes Muslims, Christians and Jews. Their savagery has prompted many to flee their lands with only the clothes on their backs. 

We have met refugees from all over the Middle East while in Europe. Their plight is troubling but our view of them, especially in America, is so small. We hardly notice the circumstances surrounding their flight. Churches in Germany are reaching out to help those displaced people. They are showing the love of Christ.

I walked into the room of students, at a local church, desiring to learn German and got immediate notice. I greeted each person with a handshake and a warm hello in their language of Farsi. You could see the surprise on their face and others strained their necks to catch a glimpse of the American who was saying hello. I sat next to an Algerian refugee who spoke no English, no German and mostly Arabic.

We attempted to convey ideas with our hands. I am sure a video of our attempted conversation would make the TV show America's Funniest Videos. Each of us wanted to talk but our languages made it difficult at best.

I discovered he had a brother in New York City who drives a taxi. "Me brudder stay in New York" and he put his hands as if on a steering wheel. I retorted back Taxi and he cheerfully laughed and shook his head yes!

We spent over an hour talking and enjoying each others company. We spoke the German words and laughed at each other as we failed to do it cleanly. We bonded and got to know each other. A friendship was born between a wide eyed Muslim from Africa and this tall American.

Prompted by the Holy Spirit I noticed a man who was from Damascus. I stood up and walked directly at him and spoke. He greeted me warmly and I slowly asked, are you a believer? He immediately responded and said yes. Then he thoughtfully said, I can see the Spirit of God in your eyes. He proudly introduced me to his family who was with him.A chance encounter with a group of Christians that are fleeing the onslaught of ISIS was very exciting. He helped me connect even deeper with my Algerian friend and they left talking with one another. 

The hand of God is holding this heart breaking problem and giving Christians the opportunity to share the peace of Jesus Christ. Many refugees feel like this tiny lizard that is so vulnerable and insignificant.

But they do not escape the sight and interest of our loving God. Thankfully neither do we. Pray for us as we return home today after a month in Europe.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
 www.deeperstillmissions.com

Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our goal of missionary retention.
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A Critical Journey

This past week I have been in Athens with a missionary friend and team. We found ourselves in the middle of a rushing refugee flow of thousands. Pictured is an Afghanistan family on a  journey from their native land to a future place. They hope to find the peace that is so illusive in their part of the world.

The little boy in the picture is Avesta. When he arrived in Greece he was completely withdrawn and clutching at his parents. He would barely look anyone in the eyes. His world had been turned upside down.

Over the next few days his transformation was a site to behold. The withdrawn child became an explosive bundle of energy. He would put out his fist to me wanted me to bump my fist to him. Then a big smile would hit his face and laughter would ring around the room.

This Muslim family found a new reason for hope and peace. They picked up the cross of Jesus Christ and found His peace.

The incredible work transpiring here is a sight to behold. I found myself deeply touched and desiring to help in any way. BBC did a report on the refugees that would be worth a look. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33665787?SThisFB

Thankfully they didn't mention the ministry which started three years ago to serve and help these displaced people. Confidentiality is important for those Christians who are reaching out to these wandering people. Their lives are under threats of peril for their service.

I was told stories that made my eyes grow wide open. One was a twelve year old boy who was serving at a refugee camp in Turkey. He came to Jesus during his three months in the camp. He went back into Syria when ISIS was defeated in his town.

Unfortunately Isis was shamed by the Kurdish women who killed them. According to certain teachings those men killed by women could not enter paradise. ISIS attacked the town again and killed all the Christians including this young boy. He was beheaded for his new found faith in Jesus.

Thank you for the prayers that were so fruitful and powerful. I feel like Paul in the New Testament times.

Danny

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Spiritual Safaris are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM.