As I stepped onto the plane, it was noticeably empty. It seemed many regular travelers had decided to stay back that day. Probably because I was heading to the Middle East.
I’ve lived in this region for almost two years, having moved here for the opportunity to serve in evangelism and discipleship among university students. Shortly after the war broke out, I came back to the States for a friend’s wedding, much to the relief of many concerned family and friends. But that relief evaporated when I shared my intention to return.
The recommendation has been for Americans to come home, and yet I was crossing the Atlantic in the opposite direction. What would compel me to go back to an active war zone, with missiles overhead and middle-of-the-night emergency alerts?
My Church
When I became a member of my local church here, I covenanted with this body to follow Christ together. Jesus himself instituted his church (Matt. 16:18), and Christians’ love for one another marks us off as his disciples (John 13:35).
What would compel me to go back to an active war zone, with missiles overhead and middle-of-the-night emergency alerts?
Less than 24 hours after the first explosions rang out in our city, our church had the privilege to gather. Admittedly, I came a bit on edge after a sleepless night and feeling the uncertainty of the unfolding situation. But as I saw fellow church members show up, God strengthened my heart. As brothers and sisters, we sang together, prayed together, and listened to the preaching of God’s Word together. By our presence and participation in corporate worship, we encouraged one another to persevere as we looked to Christ’s return (Heb. 10:23–25).
Of course, choosing to leave under the circumstances can be wise and understandable. But as I stood with my church that day, I felt all the more the gift that God has given to his people in committed fellowship with one another. This is a season that I especially want to walk together with them.
My Ministry
It’s a great privilege to be an ambassador for Christ in a land of much darkness. In my short time here, I’ve seen God transform the lives of many through his gospel.
These days in the Middle East have brought fear and anxiety, disruption to everyday life, and a swirling unknown regarding each new hour. While the gospel always shines forth with help and hope in all of life, the current situation seems particularly ripe for the seed of the gospel to be spread.
Already, I’ve had the opportunity to call non-Christian students to see the danger of their lives separated from Christ, that they might repent and trust in him. I’ve met with Christian students to pray, study Scripture, and encourage one another to look for opportunities to proclaim Christ. Plans that our team had for the semester necessarily changed, but we trust that God is at work in new ways to bring beauty out of the ashes of this conflict.
Christ came as a servant, condescending to give his life, that we might follow him in looking not only to our interests but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4–8). It’s in the light of his shadow that I, too, wish to serve his people and the lost around me.
My Security
The country where I’m living has done a wonderful job of protecting its citizens and residents, and for that, I’m profoundly grateful. And yet I have a shelter in this storm greater than any defense a military could provide.
I have a shelter in this storm greater than any defense a military could provide.
While the nations rage, my God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). Even more so, Jesus took on the rage of the nations so that God could be my refuge and strength.
The greatest threat to my life isn’t in warring nations but my sin against a holy God. But I’ve been saved from God’s wrath and judgment by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, applied to me by grace through faith. If my home is in heaven, and man is on earth, what can man do to me (118:6)? In one sense, he can do a lot. But in a deeper and more lasting way, he can do nothing.
God gives peace and stability to his people amid chaos and tumult (46:4–5). While the outcome of this war remains unseen, I have a sure and steadfast hope, an anchor for my soul (Heb. 6:19).
What About You?
My reflections aren’t only relevant to those living in this region or serving in cross-cultural ministry. The church’s significance, our identity as Christ’s ambassadors, our hope rooted in God—these truths are foundations for his people, whatever our place or circumstance.
As you see the news headlines, my desire is that you’d be encouraged not only to pray for our region but to pray for yourself too. May we see each new day as an opportunity to entrust ourselves to the Lord and then go out into his world as his church with the hope and security that only he can offer.
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