Flee!

After they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.” Then he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and went to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod died.

Matthew 2:13-15

Today my friend shared the story of one of his language students, a woman from South Sudan who is running for her life.

Married as an adolescent to a man more than twice her age, she understood from a young age that her primary role was to bring honor to her family. She gave birth to two strong sons, and her obligation as honor-bearer seemed secure. But while the boys were still young, her husband died, leaving her and the children dependent on the cultural system of reassignment. It was the duty of her late husband’s brother to marry her, but another man fought for the right and won.

After taking home his prize, her new husband cruelly abused her. One night, she fled in the darkness to escape his violence. His family, deeply shamed by her rejection, pursued her with intent to kill. She ran from city to city, eventually crossing borders and finding refuge in another country. Not long after she arrived, she learned her in-laws had found her. She fled again, and again, until the UN gave her safe passage to yet another country. While there, she found shelter not only in government-issued provisions but in fellowship with followers of Jesus.

Deep in her pocket, among her most important documents, she carries a worn paper copy of her story as proof to authorities that she is worthy of refuge and assistance.

She does not feel safe for long from the threat of death at the hands of her in-laws. She desperately misses her two boys. A few weeks ago, she left town again, and no one knows exactly where she is today. To survive means she must flee.

Wherever she is, we pray she carries not only her story, but her faith in the Messiah, who knows what it is like to be pursued by those bent on murder. She has heard and believed the Good News that God counted her worthy of refuge and assistance, so much that He gave His life for her. He is with her now in the darkness; she is not alone. May His presence give her hope and strength.

This is a true faith story, from the front lines in real-time.

The story of Jesus is not just an ancient, that-was-then sort of tale. Running, seeking refuge, is the life story of 84 million people around the world today. #refugee Click To Tweet

The God who spoke, who instructed when and where to go, who provided refuge for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, is the same God who speaks today.

Are we listening?

The world desperately needs hope. Those who are running for their lives deserve to know that God still speaks. God warns. God instructs. God hides us. He is with us in the darkness. And He counts each one worthy of refuge and assistance.

Will you resolve to pray for the refugees of the world this New Year? Warning: This resolution may change your life.

Lord, be with those who run today, those who sit in darkness and wish for light. Bring the message of hope to them in Jesus’ name. And if You will, use me. Amen.

@audreycfrank

Learn More About How You Can Help Refugees:

www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/

Changing Stories: Responding to the Refugee Crisis Based on Biblical Theory and Practice, by Jairo deOliveira

Covered Glory by Audrey Frank

Refugee Highway Partnership Europe

Refugee Highway Partnership North America