12 Oct Finding Peace & Purpose
Hannah*, a co-mission partner in South-East Asia, manages a shelter for abused and at-risk refugee mothers and children. Her demanding roles as teacher, friend, and guardian can be draining.
However, while hospitalized recently for a bacterial infection, Hannah found unexpected spiritual and physical renewal. Despite initial concerns about leaving her colleague to manage the shelter alone, Psalm 23 brought her deep peace and comfort which she said, “resonated deeply and helped her find peace of mind.”
When she recovered and returned to the shelter, one of the girls shared with Hannah how she had dreamt of Jesus.
In her dream, she walked with Jesus, along a road where two houses stood ahead. The first was a small, old straw hut with just a table holding unleavened bread, milk, and dates. The second was a grand, modern glass mansion where her family feasted on a lavish spread. Strangely, each family member had an animal’s head, and despite the opulence, they were all in tears.
She hesitated, torn between joining her family and following Jesus. Jesus gently took her hand and said, “Daughter, do not go. I will never give up on you, and you must not give up on me. Come to our house.”
Reluctantly, she followed Jesus to the small hut where he arranged a feast like what her family had prepared, however, when Jesus presented it to her, she shook her head and said, “No, I don’t want this food.”
Jesus smiled and said, “I know. You are truly my daughter.” He removed the lavish food and restored the humble meal of bread, milk, and dates.
Reflecting on the girl’s dream, Hannah felt that even with wealth and comfort, life without Jesus can leave us feeling empty and lonely.
Pray for:
- Hannah’s health as she is still recovering
- Hannah’s family who have not yet accepted Christ.
- new members to join staff (teachers, trainers, etc) as they are needed to support the needs of the girls at the shelter
- one of the girls in the shelter who was raped and is struggling with depression, as she deals with the ongoing court case.
- patience and wisdom for the team at the shelter as they work with a new mother who has recently arrived at the shelter and seems to be demanding, manipulative and constantly arguing with other women that stay there as well.
* name changed to protect privacy