"The trip was an amazing experience. I thought I understood the situation in Lebanon and Syria, but little did I know that I was clueless. I had an idea that the refugee situation was a big issue and that the need was big. Having had the opportunity to see it firsthand, I can honestly say that the need is huge and that indeed the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Seeing the number of people in refugee camps really broke my heart. I never really considered Muslims my brothers and for some unknown reason, never really thought they were a nation that God was going after.
I always prayed for the Israelis but never prayed for the Muslims. To a certain degree, I would probably say that there was some type of animosity towards Muslims. Having had this beautiful experience, I now see the whole picture differently. Would I continue praying for the Israelis? Absolutely! But know, I not only pray for the Israelis but also for the Muslim community. God is moving heavily in the Middle East and I know that He has huge plans for them. To see how the Lebanese people are loving on the Syrians and Iraqi refugees unconditionally, really touches my heart. The Lebanese community does not have a lot to offer to the refugees, but the ones who God has called, such as our partners on the ground, are giving everything that they have. One of their daughters drove us to the camps and I noticed that she was sick the following day. It appeared to be a mild cold. After talking with her, she said “I went to visit a couple of refugee’s homes yesterday, and one of the girls was shivering so much due to the weather conditions. I took my jacket and gave it to her. The little girl did not want it because she thought that I would be shivering. Then I responded, I am ok shivering for just one day, but if I don’t give it to you, you will be shivering many days.” You see the unconditional love that is been given to the refugees.
I also loved the fact that the children were so welcoming and they loved on us freely. I thought we were there to love on them and make them feel better, but at the end, I realized that they loved us unconditionally and put a huge smile on our faces. God is definitely on the move in the Middle East. We may not be able to all go there, but we can definitely pray and support those missionaries who are on the front line such as Nona, Alexandra, Kim, Tina, and Patricia. I will never be the same. The love for the descendants of Ishmael is in my heart and I pray to God that it will always stay there. One of the saddest things that I noticed was that Islam can’t offer love, shelter, medical care, or nutrition to the refugees. What they provide immediately is a bunch of mosques so that they constantly can be calling to prayer and remind them that “Allah is the only true god, Muhammad is his true prophet and to read the first 2 chapters of the Koran.” It is very sad. I thank God for the opportunity that He gave us; I know for sure that I will never be the same. To God be the glory forever and ever. "