In the summer, another Reach Beyond team visited the Greek island of Lesbos to work at the Moria refugee camp. They came together with one purpose: to serve and love unreached people living through tragic circumstances. Yet, among the uncertainty and frustration in the camp, the Lord is at work in powerful ways.
One of the refugee volunteers who helps to distribute food is just 13-years old. He is an Egyptian who lives in the camp with his dad and younger brother. The team learned that it was his 13th birthday while they were there, so an impromptu birthday party was organised to help him celebrate.
For 20 minutes the group of about 10 refugee volunteers, along with our team, danced, sang, cried and celebrated life together, shunning cultural differences and the stressful reality of their lives in the camp.
Reach Beyond team member Lindsey recalled, “We all started singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and then he started crying, his dad started crying, and we all started crying because it was such a sweet and significant moment. Even the women already lined up early for the lunch distribution were in tears.”
“The celebration continued with music and a dance-off between the birthday boy and his brother. I don’t know what his 12th birthday was like or what his 14th birthday will be like, but it was such an honour to be a part of his 13th and to bring joy, love, and celebration to his special day.”
PRAY – for hope and comfort for these precious people, and for those in power to make wise decisions about their future.
GIVE - could you make a donation towards our work with refugees?
GO – would your church consider sending a team to the camp? Could you join an existing team? Email us.
