MIDDLE EAST

From Jamie and Sandra:

Dear Family,

Today I asked myself, “What are we doing here?” Our Medical Clinic (WCF Medical Life Center) is continuously busy. One of my patients (M.O.), a kind man that I love dearly, is scheduled for cardiac bypass surgery. His wife (S.O), had 3 brothers killed in the war and is depressed. She sleeps all day and is up all night walking the unsafe streets. She says that when she closes her eyes she sees her brothers. This couple has 3 children.

This week at our clinic we served a sick baby whose parents had no money for the hospital bill; a migrant domestic worker who had been thrown to the ground in a purse snatching; and a young boy, 13, continuously persecuted for his faith, but he stands strong.

On Thursday, my 26-year-old male patient died of cardiac issues. I couldn’t hold back the tears. I don’t know why I cried so much. I’d only seen him a few times, but I remember his kindness and thinking how young he was to be seeing the cardiologist. Jaime and I attended the in-home “condolence visit.” Compassion brought us here… Compassion keeps us going…Compassion is what keeps us here.

Imagine your life being under threat and being forced to leave your home country with only the clothes on your back and your passport, all while knowing that you may never be able to return to your home country.  This is the reality for most in the Middle East who flee their country of origin and end up here.

On a recent home visit with one such family, they shared their struggles—feeling God is not near them, depression, struggles within the believing community, little financial support, and an unknown future. How great a God we serve who is able to keep us in perfect peace, despite overwhelming circumstances. I went to encourage them, but they encouraged me in their unwavering faith. Let their lives and struggles encourage you as well.

Our children are adjusting day by day. God has sent them a network of good friends, and we’re happy for that blessing. Despite some challenges due to the crisis here, school remains open…mostly.

  • Pray for the those in the Middle East (ME) and the challenges they face.
  • Pray for a friend here waiting for permission for his wife to travel from their home country.
  • Pray for Ukraine and all the people affected.

Thank you for your faithful giving. With your help, through the church, we have been able to support ten families with educational costs (tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, etc.).

If you would like to support us, please go to The Brooklyn Tabernacle website. You will find Global Missions under the CONNECT link on the website.

Serving with love and joy from ME,

Jamie, Sandra, and our children