Christ Our Refuge

Where there is despair and hopelessness, the presence of Christ brings hope. The Bible tells us that He is our refuge; He is the One who is near when trouble abounds. As we enter into this Holy Week, we can focus on the hope that He brings, the fulfillment of God's promises. The oppressed people of Jerusalem on that day of Palm Sunday shouted, "Hosanna!" which is commonly equated with salvation, or God's ability to save. Psalm 46 reminds us:
(1) God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling...

There's a ministry in the nation of Colombia that is translated "City of Refuge."  A CBN.com article related:

Colombia remains the number one destination for Venezuelan migrants, with over three million already in the country—a number that could triple by the end of the year. Thousands arrive daily, seeking food, water, shelter, and stability. Many end up homeless, exploited, and trapped in a cycle of addiction and poverty.

The article quotes missionary Douglas Calvano of that ministry, who says: "Not only the homeless, the migrants—the displaced people… I don't know if you heard, we have people coming from Cucuta… into Medellin. Displaced because of the guerrillas—it's becoming a bigger crisis than in the '90s..."  Then there's what you might term "home-grown" homelessness; CBN says: "Close to seven million Colombians are homeless in their own country, and on the streets, the worlds of addiction, poverty, and displacement collide."

I have observed first-hand some of the impoverished neighborhoods on the outskirts of the capital city of Bogota as part of a media team that traveled to the nation with Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child.  I sensed the deep love for Jesus in the midst of the pastors and the children who were being ministered to.  I saw that in the midst of economic deficiency, Jesus was sufficient for their souls. And, the kids - wow, what joy they displayed as they heard the gospel message and received their shoeboxes.

This ministry in which Douglas Calvano is involved has been serving the Medellin area for some 30 years, including an area "where open-air drug markets and rampant addiction paint a stark picture of the crisis."  CBN notes, "For many here, the future is uncertain—some may face arrest, while others might not survive the night. It's a stark reminder of the desperation and danger that define life on these streets."

Harry Dietrich, who leads the operations side of the ministry states, "If you wind up in 'The Bronx,' it's because you're at the end of your rope. You're at the worst of the worst in your life."  And, downtown, the ministry has a homeless shelter and offers a program where people can reform their lives through the power of Jesus. Dietrich relates: "Many of the homeless are just looking for a roof, looking for a bed, looking for a meal," adding, "But if they have any type of a heart for the Lord or restoration fully, we'll take them in and get them going in the program as soon as possible."

One visitor, a 26-year-old woman named Camila, whose addiction resulted in the loss of custody of her child, got into the program and not only found food and housing, but a job, as well.  No longer an addict, she has been "reunited with her daughter."  She is quoted as saying: "For me, it has been something supernatural...It is very beautiful to see how God is transforming our minds and our hearts every day, first of all. Because He is touching, He is touching the deepest part of our hearts. It has been the deepest thing in our hearts, and it makes us understand that the only thing that can save us is Him."

The ministry also has a church, and Calvano says: "I think the Church is awakening to the fact that—the Gospel is not just what we preach—the gospel is much more than that," adding, "We need to do things for people. People are tired of the right message, sermon—they want to see the gospel on the streets and see the church moving… that is happening in Colombia, thank God."

As we consider the final week of the life of Jesus, we can conclude that He represents for us so many things - He is our Savior.  He is our refuge.  He is our substitute who died in our place so that we might come into a relationship with Him.  And, in His death and resurrection, He brings hope to us. 

His death on the cross reminds us that He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins, removing the barrier that stood between humanity and God and making it possible for people - in any place, in any culture, any economic conditions, to experience a true heart change.  For the addict looking for the "fix" for his or her soul, He brings restoration.  He can fill the void that resides in the heart of everyone who does not know Him. 

So, this week, I encourage you to draw near to God - allow Him to heal the broken places, open your heart to more of His love and grace.  Allow the Spirit of God to awaken within you a greater appreciation of the cross, which represents hope in the midst of brokenness.