As media attention has slowly faded, so have the thoughts of many people toward the refugee crises in Europe. However, AGWM missionaries in Europe are still at the front lines, engaging with refugees from countries such as Guinea, Morocco and Syria.
Texts, Guns, and a Happy Wife: An Accidental Communication Breakdown
While on the field, missionaries find themselves in unique situations and sometimes, a quick text or a brief phone call is all that is afforded in any given moment. I was reminded recently of an incident that may have just been a bit of a “communication breakdown.” Perhaps my experience can help you in your relationships and in your communication skills.
A Ride to Remember
Christ's Freedom in Bosnia/Hercegovina
A pastor of a local church in Bosnia/Hercegovina visits the prison twice a month for an hour of conversation and ministry with a woman prisoner. During his recent visit, he was surprised to learn that there was another lady who applied, requesting for his one on one visit and the prison granted her request. So the pastor stayed for another hour with this woman while he did most of the talking. She has a very long (18 years) sentence for her very serious crime. She serves her sentence, accompanied by her baby. The pastor used this opportunity to talk about sin and forgiveness made possible through the cross.
A pastor of a local church in Bosnia/Hercegovina visits the prison twice a month for an hour of conversation and ministry with a woman prisoner. During his recent visit, he was surprised to learn that there was another lady who applied, requesting for his one on one visit and the prison granted her request. So the pastor stayed for another hour with this woman while he did most of the talking. She has a very long (18 years) sentence for her very serious crime. She serves her sentence, accompanied by her baby. The pastor used this opportunity to talk about sin and forgiveness made possible through the cross.
Since this first contact, she applied for regular visits with the pastor, and after some time of waiting, she got a positive answer. So he will visit with her every two weeks.
There is a another woman prisoner who due to many problems she has caused in the prison, was punished with three months of solitary confinement. The first woman mentioned above received permission to send her a Bible and some Christian books to her in her lonely cell. The pastor was informed that she is reading them and that she also applied for his one on one visits. She is waiting for the answer from the prison authorities. One day while she was alone in the prison courtyard for a short time, under the supervision of guards, she loudly yelled the name of the first lady, desiring that she hear it and hoping to get her attention in her cell. She shouted to her, “I want that Jesus too!”
The local congregation is praying that the pastor can visit the women as a group and have a time with them for question and answers, prayer, and counseling. May they find freedom in Christ, meeting him right there in prison.