A Place of Refuge

by Angie Ledbetter

ref·uge n. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship. 2. A place providing protection or shelter. 3. A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.

Dictionaries give several meanings to refuge, but there is also a spiritual dimension to the word. Scripture is full of references to seeking refuge in God. Might we also offer the same to others?

What Can I Do?

The news is full of stories highlighting the plight of those seeking sanctuary from evil and murderous regimes. Maybe God has in mind for us all to learn some deeper lessons in these strange times. We might start by asking ourselves about our capacity to be and become safe harbors for those in need.

Here are a few ideas to get the mental cogs moving:

1. Do I offer a shoulder to cry on, or a big ear to listen to my friends' and family's woes?
2. Do thoughts cross my mind, such as "Well, he deserves to be homeless because he doesn't have enough gumption to go find a job," or "If they don't like it, they can go back to their own country"?
3. When someone is in pain from a traumatic life event do I try to offer asylum through emotional, spiritual, or physical caring?
4. As opportunities arise, do I shelter or give aid to my less fortunate brothers and sisters through stewardship (time, talent, treasure)? Do I pray for safety for those who are marginalized, tormented, and/or exiled?

A Refugee Finds a New Home

A letter written by a refugee living in America gives us insight into their plight. The author is a member of a Muslim family from Kosova, Yugoslavia who lived with the constant terror of ethnic cleansing. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge sponsored the relocation of his family to the US and the Kimball family took them in when they arrived. Some of the Bytyqi family eventually returned to their homeland to rebuild their lives, but Asllan Bytyqi chose to seek US citizenship.

Asllan's words speak to the peace we can bring about through our willingness to be places of safety, both spiritually and physically, for those who need us.

"My name is Asllan Bytyqi. I was born in Fush, Kosova. In 1999, I left because of war. I was 15-years-old when my family left our home which was burned down by the Serbs. We had to leave my only brother with a doctor in the city because he was shot. We walked to Macedonia and lived in tents for three months and did not know where we would go next. When we were asked if we wanted to come to America, we were glad because the soldiers treated us so good. This was the first time I met soldiers who did not frighten me.

"…My father decided we should go back home. He had worked and saved enough to build our house again. I was happy to go to my country, but I was also sad to leave all of my American friends. I spent six months building my home again but I called my American friends who I call Mama and Daddy to tell them I wanted to come back to the US…and finish high school.

"When I heard the news of the attack on America, I was sitting in class…(and) it was like something that I thought only happened in my country. When I heard everyone talking about Muslims I was afraid they would think I agreed with what the terrorists did. When I talked to my American family, they said that there are good and bad in every country and understood that not all Muslims believe in violence. They gave me hope for my own religion even though it is not theirs, but I am still worried about what people will think of me.

"The USA was the first country to send soldiers to protect us from the terrorists who destroyed my country. They did not care what religion we were. They cared about us as people. Americans do whatever they have to for peace in our world.
"Ever since I met the American soldiers in Macedonia, I wanted to be one too, so I could fight those who attack peaceful people. Even though I miss my brother, I am proud of him for dying for freedom. I have an American brother who is a Marine and I hope that he will come home safe if this country goes to war. I wish I could go to fight with him.

"My dream is to become an American citizen…God bless Kosova. God bless America. God bless our world with peace."

Scriptural References

2 Samuel 22:3 -- "My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence."

Psalm 34:8 -- "O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Life Applications:

Can you think of ways to offer help to others in need?
Are there ways in which you can become involved with outreach ministries?
As you seek refuge in God's arms, do you also offer it?

Copyright 2004 by Angie Ledbetter
All rights reserved.