December 2015

Dear prayer warrior,

Thank you for finding time in this busy season to pray for millions of refugees in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, many of them in danger just because they are Christians. At this time of year, I’m reminded that Jesus became a refugee in Egypt with his mother and father. Throughout his life, “He was despised and rejected … a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Therefore, he understands the fears, uncertainties, grief, and indignities that refugees face. Some of God’s great servants – David, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Paul, and others – also became refugees. God’s chosen people spent 40 years displaced in the desert; and God instructed them with a command: “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him” (Leviticus 19:33).

As people get angry with the hordes of refugees “invading” their countries and governments debate what to do with them, humanly speaking there seems to be no easy answers. David’s prayer when he was a haunted refugee and outcast comes to mind: “O God hear my cry. … When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1-2).

That’s the answer! Let’s pray that Christians will lovingly point many of these refugees to the Rock of Ages – Jesus Christ. Let’s never doubt the effect of our prayers, especially at this historic moment. Do you believe that God’s power can change the present – as terrible and hopeless as it may be? I do, because our faith is the “assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.” As we pray, we see an alternative, a better and safer future for refugees.

Let’s pray for women and children – the ones most affected by this mass migration. Let’s thank God for Christian workers in refugee camps and for Project Hannah teams sharing hope in Christ in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East through the Women of Hope programs and through prayer. Pray also for the partnership between Project Hannah and TWR Europe as specific programs are being prepared to speak into their desperate situation. I firmly believe that together, by faith, we can write a hope-filled new history in the lives of these dear refugees.

Thank you my friend.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR