a wonderful sight

Today I walked into the Lighthouse and found people all over the place! Some were standing around the kitchen island, eating leftovers out of the frig, others were sitting talking to one another, having a cup of coffee. Still others were studying German together around one of the tables. It was such a beautiful sight for many reasons. First of all, I had nothing to do with it; in fact, there wasn't a foreigner around (except for two German women who had come to give a class). Secondly, our dream of this place being an oasis for refugees to come to and be able to relax, eat, study, whatever, is finally coming true. Thirdly, our Syrian partner, Geryes, is beginning to feel that he's in charge and taking more initiative. He's the one that invited all these people there! I just love it.

Need counselling degree!

Many of you have followed the story of Henry & Abby as I have shared the ups and downs they have experienced since escaping Syria as refugees. Right now we are in a "down" part of the story. The Lord convicted me recently that I needed to get more involved in their lives and try to help them out of this dark hole they're in. This has NOT been easy; in fact, it's been really hard and time-consuming. I have remained good friends with both of them so I am able to mediate. Basically now, they are officially separated and I have become the middle man for their communication! When they try to talk to each other, they end up saying terrible things and practically killing one another. (in front of their 2 boys) Often they will block each other on their cell phone and call me to give the other a message. The situation is dire and I need a degree in counselling to help them unravel their mess. We are now negotiating the days when she will have the children and the days when he will. They can't agree on anything. If they fail to agree amicably between themselves, then it will have to go to court which would be terrible. Abby is still living in one room and about to go out of her mind with 2 active boys. Henry has found a one-room apartment where he can keep the boys for a couple of days at a time. We really need to continue praying that a small apartment will open up for Abby. There are refugees who have been searching for almost 2 years and have found nothing. The city of Berlin is very over-crowded and the refugee surge last year has caused a true housing crisis. Many Germans will not rent to refugees and as soon as they find out, they immediately stop negotiations. This has happened with Abby on several occasions. This story is far too complicated to go into detail about, but suffice it to say that it is a messy as it gets! Help!!!! I feel at times that I'm in over my head but somehow, the Lord keeps giving me the right words and enough compassion (even though I'd like to give them both a hard spanking) to help them to the next step. Please pray for all involved in this story, especially the two little boys who are so innocent and yet are taking the brunt of their parents' hatred and unforgiving hearts. They have seen and heard too much in their young lives. Thanks for your support through this saga!

feeling helpless

No doubt one of the worst feelings in the world is the feeling of helplessness or hopelessness. Last night at our German Language Cafe, we were packed out with refugee students who are desperate to learn the language so they can get a job in this country and make a life for themselves. After class, no one wanted to leave; they sat around and talked forever as their stories of grief and pain spilled out. We listened and even shed tears with them. Some have been looking for an apartment, a room, anywhere to live for almost 2 years! One young man sleeps in several different places every week, not having anywhere to call home, desperate for a room, even a bed to call his own. We really don't know the system here and don't want to get into the real estate business. But my heart of mercy is breaking over this situation. I told some of the guys last night that God sees their pain and we will pray that there is a breakthrough soon. Things have started very slowly at the Lighthouse but there is evidence that all at once we are going to see an explosion! New people are coming every day. Right now, God knows what we can handle. Pray that the refugees will see God do miracles before their eyes and believe in the one true God and Jesus, his Son. This is their only hope!