**Disclaimer** Please do not share any information or pictures from these updates for security reasons.
Yesterday felt like two days packed into one—we are tired but our hearts feel grateful and full.
We started off the day as usual with devotions and debriefing the previous day, asking questions like - “what had been outside your comfort zone?” and “how have you experienced spiritual attacks while on this trip?” Feel free to ask us how we answered those questions when we return! I feel so humbled and grateful to see the vulnerability, grace, and encouragement shared between our team.
At noon, we welcomed Afghan kids from about 6 families who were evacuated to this country in 2021 and left on their own to figure out a new way of life. We were extra excited to meet this group because of the many Afghans we have built relationships with back in PA. There were many laughs as we played games like Pass the Pigs! Then the kids left and Afghan teen/young women came to share conversation and traditional food.
I was especially struck by how eagerly they shared their Islamic beliefs (so much more openly than Afghans in Lancaster!) and how their hearts just seemed to yearn for deep connection, meaning, and spiritual truth. While proudly explaining all the rules in Islam to me, one girl also shared that she was afraid and didn’t know what would happen if she accidentally broke one of the rules. This is huge for a Muslim to both recognize and admit aloud. They are devoutly seeking after a god who will never answer them, and they don’t even realize it. My heart breaks for their misdirectedness yet rejoices that they now have access to people who can share the Good News.
Although we only spent about 2 hours with them, there were tears when they had to leave. I trust that they felt the sincere love of Jesus and will keep coming back to the Global Partner’s center to experience His transforming presence.
- Jaelyn
Yesterday felt like two days packed into one—we are tired but our hearts feel grateful and full.
We started off the day as usual with devotions and debriefing the previous day, asking questions like - “what had been outside your comfort zone?” and “how have you experienced spiritual attacks while on this trip?” Feel free to ask us how we answered those questions when we return! I feel so humbled and grateful to see the vulnerability, grace, and encouragement shared between our team.
At noon, we welcomed Afghan kids from about 6 families who were evacuated to this country in 2021 and left on their own to figure out a new way of life. We were extra excited to meet this group because of the many Afghans we have built relationships with back in PA. There were many laughs as we played games like Pass the Pigs! Then the kids left and Afghan teen/young women came to share conversation and traditional food.
I was especially struck by how eagerly they shared their Islamic beliefs (so much more openly than Afghans in Lancaster!) and how their hearts just seemed to yearn for deep connection, meaning, and spiritual truth. While proudly explaining all the rules in Islam to me, one girl also shared that she was afraid and didn’t know what would happen if she accidentally broke one of the rules. This is huge for a Muslim to both recognize and admit aloud. They are devoutly seeking after a god who will never answer them, and they don’t even realize it. My heart breaks for their misdirectedness yet rejoices that they now have access to people who can share the Good News.
Although we only spent about 2 hours with them, there were tears when they had to leave. I trust that they felt the sincere love of Jesus and will keep coming back to the Global Partner’s center to experience His transforming presence.
- Jaelyn