OUR REFUGEE BRETHREN – Resettling Operation to be done in Stages
“Things deemed impossible I dare, thine is the call, and thine the care, thy wisdom shall the way prepare…” Thy will be done” (extract from hymn 156).
In my last issue on resettling our refugee brethren, I wrote about someone, who had initiated a training programme in modern farming for refugees from various countries, to help them integrate into American life in a part of the US, offering his own land for this project, with very positive results for both the refugees and the region. I also mentioned that we have brethren with similar abilities as the person who started this programme – some of whom are actually in touch with our refugee brethren in the camps, and in a position to provide helpful information. Moreover, we have the power of the support of our Heavenly Father, who is even more concerned about his distressed children, also the numerous scriptural examples he has provided us, of his miraculous operation with his children, working through people like ourselves, encouraging to us to do our part on their behalf, emphasizing by his oft repeated assurances that he is with us. With this in view, we should not be deterred by what appears to us to be insurmountable difficulties, but dare to start in the faith that he will see us through. One such example is Nehemiah who placed his entire plan in God’s hand, praying through each problem, starting with his prayer for release from his job as the King’s Cupbearer to go to rebuild Judah , the city of his fathers’ sepulchres. (Nehemiah 1: 5).
“With confident and humble mind, freedom in service I would find, praying through every toil assigned, thy will be done”
Nehemiah was clearly one of God’s faithful and loyal servants through whom he would work to do his bidding. He approached his project in an organized manner, with faith in God’s support – thoroughly preparing his plans in advance, carefully surveying the area of operation before beginning the work. He then encouraged his fellow Jews by telling them “of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me.” Their response – “Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” We should do likewise.
Different groups were assigned their portion of work, which they did in an orderly manner – Ch. 3: 1 ¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel. And next unto him builded the men of Jericho . And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri. 3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. 4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. 5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. etc. This was a determined and coordinated effort, but there are always those people who are unwilling to make any effort, as with the nobles mentioned above. This shows how, with planning and co-operation, the work was accomplished, working in stages, as our great Creator did with his work of creation.
Nehemiah 6: 15 “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.” despite persistent and fierce opposition. The NIV notes – “the walls that lay in ruins for nearly a century and half were rebuilt in less than two months galvanized into action by Nehemiah”. God, in response to Nehemiah’s continuous prayers gave him the necessary energy and blessing to accomplish what seemed to be an insurmountable task. It will be same with us, if we, in faith like Nehemiah, make the effort.
Thine is the power around me now, faithful I stand in will and vow: I conquer, yet not I, but thou. Thy will be done”
Sister Esther Worrell does a lot of excellent work in endeavouring to help our refugee Brethren and Sisters and would appreciate ideas from our readers as to ways of helping such. Please contact her direct. Sis ESTHER WORRELL, 603- 1701 LAMPMAN AV, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7L 6R7, CANADA.
Sister Esther Worrell (Canada)
