Unforeseen Problems in the Refugee Camps
Some time ago, I’d expressed concern about a possible decision to close down any number of refugee centres, due to the world financial situation, and the effect of this on our brethren, unprepared for this, in these centres. I suggested that we should take this into consideration and try to take the necessary action of exploring existing safe environments, preferably close to various settled ecclesias, with a view to implementing resettlement of our brethren. As we consider this venture, we will be remembering that we will not be left on our own, but that our Heavenly Father will be supporting us all the way. In taking this course of action, we will be prepared beforehand, and our brethren will not be left fending helplessly and hopelessly for themselves.
From reading the scriptures, I have learned that God spearheads these matters, long before we even think about them, and manages them to His purposed end, because He is in charge of the affairs of our lives, but He desires the participation of His children in His operation. This is where we come in. For example, the Israelites spying out the land of the Canaanites, commissioned by God through Moses at God’s appointed time. Way back in the time of their father Abraham, God had already made this covenant; Genesis 15: 16 “ But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Follow the execution of this covenant, and through whom. During Israel’s troubles in slavery, God told Moses, 7 “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows v 8; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. (Exodus 3). Even though he used the words, “I am come down to deliver them”, he proceeds to work through Moses, guiding and empowering him, until he convincingly overcame Pharaoh. Like us, Moses did not think he was up to this commission, (Ex 4:11) And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? a reminder that God has made us all, regardless of our perceived limitation or disability, and could therefore use us effectively as he will, because he is the one working through us.
Then Deuteronomy takes to the scene in ch. 1: 20-21 And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discourage”. How did the Israelites respond? v28, “Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.” Moses’ encouragement to them, judging no doubt from his own experience - 29 “…. Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes…”. Today, thousands of years later, Israel is in the land, and will ever be, because this was God’s purpose which was sure to be fulfilled.
These examples teach us that when we embark on a project of helping our brethren, who are God’s children, His saints, God is the one inspiring us in this operation, and will work together with us to the desired end. We must not therefore be deterred by what appears overwhelming to our finite minds and for our capabilities, but strive to focus, in faith, on what he desires of us, and His power at work in us.
Sis Esther Worrell (Canada)
