Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 11:1-21, Psalm 87:1-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20
A few summers ago, one of my best friends went to Greece. He didn’t go to see the Acropolis or the Parthenon or to eat feta and olives by the handful. Instead, he spent several months on the island of Lesbos tending to thousands of refugees who had flooded there from war-ravaged Syria.
He sent pictures of little children, of lines of people waiting for blankets and clothes, of tents, of towers made of life jackets used to keep people afloat after their lifeboats sank. And he sent one picture of a fence post with these words scribbled across it, a holy graffiti: On earth as it is in heaven.
Every text, every story, every picture made me catch my breath and whisper a prayer. If you search online for his camp, you see headlines with words like “trapped” and “welcome to prison,” “horrific” and “languishing.” A few months after he left, his camp burned to the ground. Tears flow as I write this just thinking about it.
The people of God were hardly strangers to displacement. I hesitate to pull a direct parallel to the refugees from Syria because in reading Nehemiah 11 we see a cautious return to their forsaken home. Even while many Syrian refugees (at this point in time) have been able to return, the circumstances continue to unfold with ongoing hardship, challenges, and uncertainty. It feels odd to use them as an illustration here without being able to do something to ease the tragedy of their situation. But I believe we have to sit in that together and feel the unease and discomfort.
We know that God’s people felt the pain of being dispersed during the exile. They were torn apart from their families, and they watched their cities burn. But at the end of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was ready. The walls were strong again. And yet, the people didn’t come willingly.
Nehemiah 11:1–2 tells us that they had to cast lots to decide who had to live in Jerusalem. They blessed the people who volunteered to live there. Why? Because Jerusalem would be the target of all of Israel’s enemies. Matthew Poole described the situation so poetically in his commentary on Nehemiah, saying, “This city was the butt of all the malicious plots of their enemies.” The return to David’s holy city wasn’t marked by a parade, by triumphant singing, or by celebration. It was marked by trepidation, a slow and careful entrance into the city that God had given them once again.
I can imagine the Israelites were tired, limping across a finish line that still didn’t seem ideal. They were home, but they still had only the Lord to keep them safe. They knew the walls of Jerusalem had been burned once, and they could be burned again.
Like the Israelites, we are still seeking a safe haven, a homeland. We, too, serve a God who is preparing a city for us—a heavenly city, where there will be no need for walls to protect us because we will dwell with God in perfect peace forever (Hebrews 11:16).
These promises from God remind me of the hymn “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah.” It is the mournful cry of a pilgrim people who know that one day, we will be home. “When I tread the verge of Jordan / bid my anxious fears subside. / Death of death, and hell’s destruction / Land me safe on Canaan’s side. // Land me safe on Canaan’s side / bid my anxious fears / bid my anxious fears goodbye.”
Written by Melanie Rainer
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82 thoughts on "Resettling Jerusalem"
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Reminder that we lean on God for safety and it’s scary if that’s ALL you have for basic safety.
I love that song… “land me safe on Canaan’s side…”
Resettling. Rebuilding. Starting over. All things that are not easy but thankfully the Lord does not leave us to our own even though we may never truly be satisfied. This world is not our home and greater still is what God is preparing for us. Thank you Lord ❤️
My takeaway is that doing Gods work is not always joyful, fun or what we want but it is. Necessary as it will pay off in the end by building faith, character, and trust in our almighty father. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen.
Amen. ❤
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I’m back to working the night shift and it took me a while to figure out the best time and schedule to spend time with the Lord and in his word. I’m so grateful that he has directed me to do this when I wake up after having slept during the day when my mind is fresh, and I can focus in on what He has to share with me.
I feel the Lord leading my husband and I to open our home on Thanksgiving day for people to come and gather and have food and just have a time of fellowship. I’m feeling it should be announced at church that we will have an open house for people to come and hang out and eat. I also thought about announcing it in our ICU at work, and maybe my husband can mention it at his work. I know there are many people who don’t have family around and will be by themselves or can’t really afford to do anything. Right now I am praying that the Lord gives me more direction. Should we have it at our house? It’s not that big. Should we ask the pastor if we can have it in the gym at our church where we have other fellowship and eating events? I’m also praying that I will have the buy in of my husband. He is not one who will pray and ask the Lord to give him direction.
Could I please ask you ladies to pray that we would receive the right direction and know for sure that this is what the Lord wants for us to do? And also to give us more specifics as to how to do it if He wants us to.
Thank you. Blessings to each of your sisters on this Tuesday.❤️
Tricia,what a big heart you have! Is there a homeless ministry nearby that you could contact for guidance? Some churches provide a basket with canned ham, stuffing mix, beans, the usual dinner goodies.
There may be liability restrictions on using the fellowship hall, but your pastor will be a great resource. I will be praying for you and your husband! ❤
This is a beautiful gesture :)
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We, too, serve a God who is preparing a city for us—a heavenly city, where there will be no need for walls to protect us because we will dwell with God in perfect peace forever (Hebrews 11:16).
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What comfort this brings. Reminds me of Tanner when he was 5. He told me that when he died he wouldn’t be sick anymore and have a new heavenly body.
❤❤❤ oh, the faith of a child! Precious memory, Traci! Thanks for sharing!
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Praying for you all
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I am a long time reader, but I have never commented before. Praying for you all!
Reading through this passage and the commentary has brought such a hope to my day through the hope that we have in Jesus! The clear path through history the Lord created to show His coming and our desperate need for a savior is astonishing.
I work in Los Angeles, and daily my conversation revolve around people seeking for answers to aching hearts through sexuality, astrology, witchcraft, etc. My heart is so soft toward those I work with, because so many of them have an earnest heart of seeking for answers in their hurt, although misguided. My prayer today is for eyes to be opened in my life and those around me of God’s actual hope, rather than our preconceived vision of God shaped by trauma, hurt, and anguish of this world. May we turn our eyes to Heaven.
Chloe, I am so glad you commented! I just a minute ago was listening to the hymn In Times Like These! Partial lyrics:
In Times Like These You Need A Saviour,
In Times Like These You Need An Anchor;
Be Very Sure, Be Very Sure
Your Anchor Holds And Grips The Solid Rock!
This Rock Is Jesus, Yes, He’s The One;
This Rock Is Jesus, The Only One!
Be Very Sure, Be Very Sure
Your Anchor Holds And Grips The Solid Rock!
In Times Like These You Need The Bible,
In Times Like These O Be Not Idle;
Be Very Sure, Be Very Sure
Your Anchor Holds And Grips The Solid Rock!
In Times Like These I Have A Saviour,
In Times Like These I Have An Anchor;
I’m Very Sure, I’m Very Sure
My Anchor Holds And Grips The Solid Rock!
Repeat chorus
Chloe,
So wonderful to hear from you. It seems there are so many lost in searching for something to satisfy their souls. All we can do, or I should say what we must do, is be a light in the darkness so that they can see Jesus in us and the hope that we have.
Thank you so much for sharing. Your heart is beautiful. I am praying right now that you will have the opportunity to minister to these lost people.
Good morning, I am having hip replacement surgery tomorrow (10/1) I would appreciate your prayers. I had the right hip done 8 years ago. I’m praying for a successful surgery, no complications and a complete recovery with no pain. I will spend 1 night in the hospital. Thank you Shes ❤️
Linda, praying in agreement with you! May God guide the surgical team and recovery team as well. ❤ Please keep us posted!
Praying Linda!
Prayers for you, Linda K. May the surgery be successful and may you have a speedy and complete recovery.
Have prayed ❤️
Praying for all!
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“we are still seeking a safe haven, a homeland. We, too, serve a God who is preparing a city for us—a heavenly city, where there will be no need for walls to protect us because we will dwell with God in perfect peace forever.”
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It is so true – we are seeking a homeland, an eternal one.
Life in this world, and for me – in America can seem so hopeless. There is so much ungodliness, so much sin, so much rejection of God…But God, He is in control. He sees and knows all things. As much as I long for heaven, He has a purpose and a plan for me – here and now. And so, I march on and as I do, I think of that heavenly city where we as His children, will all be one day. A city that is protected by the very presence of God Himself. And then, we will be able to look back and say, it was worth it all.
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This hymn of old just came to mind…
It Will Be Worth It All
Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!
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CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.
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At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.
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Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.
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Question – Did I miss something in yesterday’s study? Where did the phrase “Grace upon Grace” come from?
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@Darby Byrd – congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Bask in the day – take it all in, don’t sweat the small stuff – it’s only one day out of the rest of your years of marriage. Praying for your special day! ❤️
@Lisa W – God bless you as you serve these children, may you be the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you for sharing what is happening there in Greece, I will be praying for these displaced people who are seeking a home. ❤️
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Happy Tuesday She’s!
Oh that hymn. I needed to read that, will be listening on my way to work. All of your words really just echo how I feel to a T!
Gonna take a listen! ❤
Jessica’s second para yesterday. How did I miss THAT?!?!
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His grace is sufficient… yes!
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Grace upon grace upon grace!
I went to ChatGPT this morning as I was struggling with the passages and wow it was beautiful. These were my prompt questions.
1.) Please explain Psalm 87
2.) How does Psalm 87 connect to heaven
3.) How is Nehemiah 11, psalm 87 and Zephaniah 3:14-20 connected
I was blessed by this.
The Lord loves Zion! His Holy city.
God’s city must be filled with His people again.
God’s city is the source of life and joy for the whole world.
The restored Zion will be a place of joy, security, and worldwide blessing.
Together, they trace a line:
• Past: The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem after exile (Nehemiah).
• Present/Future: The spiritual identity of God’s people in Zion (Psalm 87).
• Ultimate Future: God’s final restoration and joy in His people in the New Jerusalem (Zephaniah, fulfilled in Revelation 21–22).
Nehemiah 11 shows the city filled again.
Psalm 87 shows the city honored and expanded to all nations.
Zephaniah 3 shows the city rejoicing with God forever.
Kristy, I read similar connecting commentary but it was too much for my brain this morning! Thanks for sharing your notes! ❤
I feel like I missed it too, SJG! I will go back as well!
That reply went in the wrong spot!
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Good thoughts from you today, Kristy!
My son and I just spent 5 days “back home” with my mom and sister. It was so good to be back, and so hard to wake up this morning in our new place. Would you pray for me? Pray God would help us come to love our new home, and that we will for our eyes on our eternal home? Thank you sisters. ❤️
Praying Meagan!
Praying for you
Oh, Meagan, that explains your uplifted attitude in recent posts! Bless your heart! Continued prayers as the chorus of the Michael W. Smith song runs through my head:
I’m looking for a reason
Roaming through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need Your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
I am so thankful for SRT and the devotionals that give us more to think about with the “not so understandable” parts of Nehemiah. I wouldn’t have realized the trepidation of having to live back in Jerusalem. It would be hard to go back to an area that is the bullseye for the enemies to attack. It had been seized and burned before, people taken as prisoners. We have been quite spoiled in America. There are few left that remember the horror of Pearl Harbor. And we just passed the anniversary of 9-11. I remember watching on TV stunned, I can’t imagine being there and seeing it in person. But people soon forgot because we don’t live in fear of attacks. So how do we put this in a way that really strikes a chord with our hearts? I don’t have the answer. All I know is that I, too, still have a longing for a home where we will have no fear from an enemy. Although I don’t fear my home being attacked, I still lock my door at night. Most in my area live in gated communities. We try to put walls around our country for protection. It is important because we want to protect the citizens from harm. We are a nation of many refugees and foreigners that have found a better life. But our country has surely turned from God, and that is our failure. Our schools have turned from God. We can’t be successful without Him. He is Sovereign and Good. Yet we think we don’t need him. I am glad there is a revival, and seeing young people seeking something that is real and lasting.
Lord, help our country look to you again for guidance and protection. Let us value you and vow to you to seek you in all our ways. For the ones that know you, to shine your light. To be your hands and feet to go to the broken and down-trotted, poor in Spirit. We want YOUR love and Spirit to pour out on us and from within us to overflow! Fill our cup each morning Lord, and let us love our neighbors! To turn the other cheek in kindness. We will be persecuted Lord for You, and that is okay, because that is how it was for you. Some loved him, many hated him. So not all will love us, but keep us strong when the truth offends. We want to live in your will and ways daily, staying on your path, not veering to the left or the right. In Jesus’ name.
I love the song CeeGee suggested Come to the table! One day we shall eat at the feast!! But we can pertake each day as well.
I want to sing for Joy each day of his love, I am his daughter, and that is indeed a gift! Be glad and celebrate in your heart daughter Rhonda!! He has removed my punishment!! Hallelujah!! Praise the Lord, Yaweh, Yaweh! Glory, Glory!! Thank you for turning my enemies away Lord! I will not fear, I will not let my hands grow weak! The Lord is with me, beside me, A warrior to save me!! (Gives me his armor to fight as well!) He will rejoice and delight over me with gladness!! (what a picture and warm fuzzies)
I knew you would have the words! Beautifully said, Rhonda! ❤
That’s so funny, because I thought I stated…I don’t have the words that fit today…so that is a God wink from you friend!
Thank you for saying what I am feeling.❤️
AMEN!!! I agree with CeeGee!! Thank you for summarizing this so beautifully!! Love you sweet lady!
No one should be afraid to live in their home. Yet, so many do. I keep returning to Love your neighbor and asking, is this REALLY that hard? Praying for that kind of love to win.
Amen!! I daily ask myself why is this so hard? Why is our world in such a mess… love people and just do what is right. It shouldn’t be so difficult :(
Well said, Ada, and Kristy! ❤
The last part of Zephaniah 3:15 really stood out to me this morning! “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” I find myself crying out to God at night saying Lord, there is so much evil in this world and in our country and I’m afraid. I know God is in control, but that doesn’t mean I’m not anxious after I drop my nanny kids off at school/daycare. I know He’s in control, but I find myself scanning the room every time I’m at church. So many other examples could be listed! Teach me Lord to fully surrender to You. Fear and anxiety have no hold over me because You have set me free.
I can 100% relate to the fear and anxiety that this world can bring. My prayer also is to fully surrender to the Lord, casting it all on him. Praying for a peace that surpasses all understanding!
Oh yes, I didn’t really relate it to just the everyday fear that is becoming more of a reality. Christians are being attacked in a way we have never known here.
I can totally relate to this, my fears and thoughts get the best of me at night as well. Such proof of darkness and light.
Praying God’s peace upon you – to relieve you from all your fears and anxiety. May you rest fully in Him. ❤️
May I remember how blessed I am
And do what I can to help others.
Amen❤️
Praying!
Reposting because I did not mean to post as a response below.
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There are places in the U.S. today that offer money or land or some other incentives to move there in order to revive the community. I wonder how that is working for them?
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I would imagine living in the “shadow” of the temple may have also been a bit intimidating and the people may have felt that they would not be “holy” enough, or as is pointed out in HRT’s devo, did not want to be.
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Praying for your requests ❤️
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This really tweaks my brain this morning since I am doing a study on heaven. It’s a hard read, but Melanie highlights our hope:
“Like the Israelites, we are still seeking a safe haven, a homeland. We, too, serve a God who is preparing a city for us—a heavenly city, where there will be no need for walls to protect us because we will dwell with God in perfect peace forever (Hebrews 11:16).”
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Hebrews 11
13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
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He has prepared a place for us. See you at the table, sisters!
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Sidewalk Prophets – Come To The Table
And just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us
He said, “Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed”
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table …
Come to the table
Come join the sinners, you have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free, whoa
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
KELLY- Thanks for mentioning HRT! I just read the devo.
No matter where we live in this life, we are pilgrims pressing on to the city that has the firmest of foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Written by Nick Batzig
The rebuilding of the walls was a challenge, but the real work was just beginning as the resettling started.
A physical task with a well defined goal and completion date is much easier to tackle than looking within ourselves at the work our hearts, minds and soul need to draw closer to the Lord … a never ending process here in earth.
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Lisa living and serving in Greece to the Syrian refugees- what a testimony ❤️
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CRISSY HUNTER – praying as you continue to study Nehemiah with us, so happy you are here ❤️ Praying you will feel the Lord’s comfort, strength, guidance and healing as you are going through (and coming out of!!!) these tough weeks, sister.
CEE GEE ❤️ great song, thanks for reminding us! And so true, “Interesting that we deny humbling ourselves before God only to discover that we brought ourselves to humiliation.”
MERCY – thank you for reminding of the absolute seriousness of vows to spouses and especially to God. And Kaydin, oh my goodness. Joining you in prayer for this child of God, for successful surgeries and recovery, that he will feel the love from the Lord and from people nearby who care. ❤️
KERRY WEBB ❤️
DARBY BYRD ❤️ congratulations, and joining you in prayer that you will be able to focus and soak it all in on your wedding day as you honor the Lord in your commitment to your soon-to-be husband. As RHONDA J mentioned, keep the Lord in the center to guide you both in the real work of day to day marriage.
KIM – praying for the challenges you and your husband are facing, and for your friend’s struggles.
Great point, Searching! We were writing at the same time, but your brain was more alert than mine! ☺☺☺ I knew you, Rhonda, Kelly and others would come through!
Yes, your comment and Rhonda’s made me think of people who were traumatized by an event, possibly had physical injuries. All healed physically, but mentally a ways to go and not so comfortable returning to that scene.
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What a beautiful prayer list, sister! Bless you for that.
Any updates to share on yours? Love ya! ❤
I am writing this post from Greece! I live and serve here. In fact, I may be one of the first to read each day because each day posts at midnight EST, 7 am for me :). The post for today felt too familiar. Many of those refugees are still “stuck” in Greece and live in small storage containers in camps that are sealed off from visitors. Today I’m heading to once of those camps to serve children as their moms attend an English class. Please pray for these families! May they come to know the LORD as their refuge and strength amidst a very challenging situation.
We cannot get into the camps – there is security. So we hold classes in a location convenient to the camp and the refugees come to us.
Wow, that does sound challenging. Thank you for your service. I pray they do come to know Christ as their Saviour.
Lisa W., Before I respond to your comment, I wanted to send you a loving hug in thankfulness for your ministry. I wanted it I could go wrap you seriously in His unfailing love, and to cover you in prayer. Psalm 91, comes to mind..
May you dwell in the shelter of the Most High God, in everything you do..
God bless you, mightily!!❤❤
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God, bless your day, Lisa as you become Jesus’s hands, feet and heart to the displaced, may they know through you that wherever they lay their hats, because of Jesus and with the love of God over them, they are ‘home’ because HE is home..as
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BUT GOD..
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Blessings..❤
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God bless your service, Lisa W. May many come to know the God who can be their only true ‘safe place’!
Lisa, joining in our sister’s thanks and asking God to bless you with safety and peace ad you minister to these refugees. No doubt you are the breath of fresh air these children need. Thank you for giving us a ‘live report’ of this situation. Hugs and love along with prayers! ❤
Praying the Lord’s guidance for you as you minister to these children and mothers, may the Lord bless each one and draw their hearts to Him.
Thank you for serving these in such great need. ❤️
God bless you for being Jesus to these displaced people.
There are places in the U.S. today that offer money or land or some other incentives to move there in order to revive the community. I wonder how that is working for them?
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I would imagine living in the “shadow” of the temple may have also been a bit intimidating and the people may have felt that they would not be “holy” enough, or as is pointed out in HRT’s devo, did not want to be.
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Praying for your requests ❤️
Praying for you and those you serve
That’s amazing work you’re doing Lisa! Praying you continue to be a light & point others to Christ!
Father God, thank you for Lisa and the important work you’ve called her to in Greece. Bless Lisa and she has willingly chosen to displace herself to serve refugee families. Fill her with energy, health, wisdom and a divine anointing to connect with the people around her and show these families Your great love for them.
Amen, God Bless you Samantha M!!
I meant to say God bless Lisa for her work, but Amen to your prayer Samantha! But of course, God bless you as well!
Thank you for sharing this. So impactful, especially after our reading today.
Thank you for serving and being the hands and feet of Jesus to these children. Praying for you as you go. ❤️
Joining in prayer for your mission work and God bless you and bless all you are doing.
Praying for these refuges and you as you minister to them!
Greece is on my bucket list!
May God Bless the work that you are doing to serve children and their mothers. May He give you strength for the tasks ahead.
Praying for you and those you serve, Lisa. ❤️
Thank you for being His hands and feet in this way, Lisa. ❤️