The Tale of Two Pharaohs or Two Ways to Look at Refugees

Note: This is meant to be a post about the European refugee crisis, but I also think there is application to how refugees and immigrants are viewed in the United States.  

I love this quote

"Now you have a distinct choice as you hear news reports about refugees arriving to your community.  Will you, like the pharaoh of the Exodus, hear about masses of people and presume they are a threat?  Or rather than labeling them from a distance, will you get to know them? The pharaoh who saw Joseph's potential and welcomed his family ended up being blessed in return - as did the entire country of Egypt, which was spared the worst effects of famine because God providentially placed this particular foreigner in their land, subverting the unjust circumstances that compelled the migration."

 From the book Seeking Refuge

During our last few days here, we've gotten to hear a few local Greeks complaining about the refugees here on the island.  We met one older lady (at least 75) down at the local Aegean swimming hole who thanked us for wearing swimsuits and said that the refugees have ruined their spot by swimming in their clothes (the women) or in their underwear (some of the men).  I must admit it was a little ironic to hear her complain about their attire when her more than ample girth could not be well-contained in her bikini, but I let her vent.

The refugee crisis has been hard on this island.  But before there was a refugee crisis, there was an economic crisis.  The tourist business was drying up before the refugee crisis hit.  And now the hotels and restaurants in Panagiouda are booming with business from volunteers who have come from around the world to help.  Our little hotel is full of evangelicals working with a variety of NGOs.  Our hosts are the most gracious people you would ever meet.

The locals here can see threat or opportunity (or perhaps both).  Starting when we leave next week, Gateways2Life will not be staffed by volunteers but by hired local Greeks (and one former refugee with asylum).  Though some have a heart for refugees, few are believers.  Please pray to the Lord of the harvest that he will send workers.