3 minute read
God Pours Out a Blessing
By Rev. Carmella Jones
Advertisement
Some of the African students who’ve fled the war in the Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of Rev. Carmella Jones)
See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour out an overflowing blessing. — Malachi 3:10
It all began when our pastor invited a few members for a conversation about how we might respond to the Ukrainian crisis, specifically the refugees fleeing into Hungary. So, our small group discussed the varied ways we might respond and also recalled the ways the church responded to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015. Our meeting ended with a conversation about the international students having a difficult time crossing the border.
April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 6
We’re an English-speaking church with members from all around the world which includes an international student fellowship.
Fast forward three hours later. Our pastor received a call from a student from our international ministry to say, “Pastor, there are 20 African students from Ukraine, and they have nowhere to go.” Two calls later, Pastor responded, “I am coming. Bring them to the church.”
The church was opened but the students had to sleep on the floor. We had nothing, but at least they were out of the elements and had access to WiFi. And so, our journey began!
I have sat with these students and listened to their stories. Here are a few: “I lost my brother, they separated us at the border, and I lost him.” “We walked for days. I was so cold and scared.” “They pointed a gun in my face, they pointed a gun in my face! I’m not okay.
I’m not okay.” “I could hear explosions and gunfire.
I just ran. This little bag is all I have.” “I was supposed to graduate medical at the end of this semester….Now what?!”
My best and only response is, “Do you believe in prayer? Let’s pray.”
Since the war began, we have had thousands of refugees from Ukraine flooding into Hungary, and I have seen God’s mercy and faithfulness. And, indeed, with confidence, I DECLARE that God is our strong tower and source of refuge.
I witnessed the manifestation of the scripture: “I will pour you out a blessing that you will not have room to receive.” The blessings have been in both donations and spiritual sharing. On the second night, we received 25 air mattresses plus fitted sheets, blankets, pillows and towels, shower shoes and personal toiletries. It was exactly what we needed, and the food donations were continuous. We had everything we needed for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus fruit. It all seemed to have been delivered from heaven!
I think the most amazing of all of God’s gifts is having the opportunity to worship together. Praising God together has made the burden lighter for all of us.
I am not naive enough to believe that all of our guests will be or are believers in Christ. One afternoon, while I was stripping the linen from an air mattress, one guest asked me, “What do you get out of doing all of this?” Standing in our sanctuary turned shelter, I was able to answer, “Joy and peace in knowing we provided you a safe space and hope in a very difficult situation. But, also knowing that I have pleased the God I serve in showing His Love toward you.”
I ask for your prayers: We desperately need your prayers. We had to close our temporary shelter due to a Covid outbreak among our guests and volunteers. We have
April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 7
made some important changes and are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, March 22. Please pray for our sustainability. Pray for the ongoing supply of needed volunteers. Pray as God continues to open the windows of heaven for our strength as we seek to welcome the stranger.
Serving with God’s gifts, grace and strength.
Rev. Carmella Jones, who has been serving in Budapest, Hungary, co-teaching English at a small Baptist school for children with learning challenges, is an ordained clergy with American Baptist Churches USA and a member of University Baptist Church/College Park, a DCBC member congregation (carmella.jones@internationalministries.org).
