As my wife and I approached the camp, we stopped on the road to look over the setting you see in the pictures here. God had been speaking to our hearts about doing something for the poor – specifically refugees – and here we were, looking at a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan.
We sat on the road, our eyes were taking it all in and our minds trying to comprehend what it would be like to live there. Soon a little boy in the camp saw us and ran toward us, waving wildly and shouting to us with a big smile on his face. All of a sudden, he turned abruptly and ran back to the camp – still shouting happily, but this time to gather other children for our arrival.
His work as a herald of good news was very successful. As our driver, a wonderful humanitarian relief worker, took us into the camp, children came from everywhere!
They knew the vehicle and they knew we had treasure for them. This time it was shoes and sandals, something most of us take for granted. But these kids don’t. It was cold, and many of them were barefoot.
God cares about the poor. He has compassion on them. And He wants us to act on their behalf. To my shame, I have not shown visible expressions of care for the poor. It is for me that an author named John wrote in the Injeel:
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)
We hope to go back. Many times. Because I need to learn how to love with actions and in truth.
Wow that is awesome, you are a great man. There are so many things in life that we take for granted that others will cherish. Its really sad. I wish we all can appreciate things way more than we do. Keep up all the great work Mark!
Moe, thanks so much for responding. Listen, as God and my wife are witnesses, I am not a great man! But occasionally. . .I get to hear the heart of God and Jesus for the things that really matter in this world and in eternity. One of those things that He is putting on my heart lately is the poor.
You are so right. We have so much. And we take it for granted. May God forgive us. And may He place in our hearts His love for those who are forgotten, mariginalized, and not highly esteemed by the rich and powerful of this world.
Great write up. We are gathering toys to take in early April.
God Bless you.
Frank, thanks for your kind words. You and your family inspire our family. Your simple lifestyle, gracious hospitality, and real humility are so like Jesus. We look very much forward to being with you more — maybe sometime in Jordan at the House of Ruth!