Jordan Oasis of Peace

From Biblical times until today, the Middle East has been a region subject to near constant unrest and war. Throughout the generations, the kingdom of Jordan has been a safe harbour offering refuge to countless people fleeing from war torn countries on all sides. 

In an oasis like this, one finds many interesting people with inspiring stories. Stories of death, pain and destruction; stories of perseverance, courage and relief; stories of hope, love and a Saviour found. On top of that, one finds foreigners from every corner of the earth with the same heart who came to bring relief and the Good News to the refugees in need. What a fascinating place...

The Arabic culture is very different from what we are used to in the western world. We ministred in a conservative part of the country where all the ladies are covered from head to toe and wrist to anckle in black burkas. In the mornings the smell of fresh, unleavend bread hangs in the air and the streets are bustling till late night in the Arab culture. The Arabic language does not only sound foreign, but one cannot even read the alphabet or the numeric system and then everything is read from right to left and back to front as well! 

The houses have flat roofs where washing lines filled with colourful clothing can be spotted or persian carpets are hung out to dry. In the backyards there are grapevine arches, fig trees, olive trees and palms. All the buildings are some shade of sand and stone with splashes of turkois here and there on a window pane, front gate or staircase.

During our month in Jordan the mornings were marked by icy winds while a dry heat could be felt in the afternoons. We experienced a late season snowfall, a suffocating duststorm, the relief of a rumbling thunderstorm and a beautiful rainbow reminding us of God's covenant of love with His people. 

This desert country also has patches of green grass and spring flowers that can be found when one wanders over a hill, lazy sheep following their shepherd from pasture to pasture and camels drinking their fill at nearby wells.

Amids the devastating reality that the refugees in Jordan face, this is a place where Jesus speaks to people in dreams. God says in his word that we will seek Him and find Him when we seek Him with all our hearts, and this is exactly what is happening...people are searching for truth in a world that makes no sense and they are finding Jesus!

When pain and heartbreak strikes, Jesus is the Comforter. When the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy, Jesus comes to give life in abundance. When circumstances seem hopeless, Jesus is the Hope. When the unbearable has happened, Jesus is close to the broken hearted. When there is no provision, Jesus is the Provider. What the enemy intended for the destruction of people, God is using to restore people to relationship with Him through the blood of Jesus.<3

Let us continue to pray for the people in the Middle East, for peace in the region and peace with Jesus in their hearts. Pray that the veils may be lifted and that these precious people may get to know Jesus for who He truly is, Saviour and lover of our souls.

Hamdullah!*