As Christians, we talk a lot about the Great Commission. Rightfully so: it is arguably one of the most important commandments given to believers from Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the disciples went to Galilee and Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
When we speak about our experiences working in Greece, we often reference the fact that the nations are coming to us. Christians have most certainly been commanded to go to the nations and tell about the Word of Christ. Currently, in Greece, we have been presented with a very unique experience. Those that lived in difficult to reach, war-torn areas have been fleeing their countries. Many of them have found refuge in Greece. Due to recent migrations and those seeking asylum, people from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and many other countries are now living in Greece, which is far more accessible.
In New Orleans, where we are based, there has been word that the first refugees from Syria will be arriving shortly. Sadly, this topic is accompanied with a whole host of controversy. Christians, this is our moment to stand up for love. The nations are now coming to our neighborhoods. Refugee children will soon be integrated into our local schools. Refugees will be searching for supportive communities and friendly faces. As people of so many far-off nations are arriving at our front doors, I pray that we would not only embrace them with open arms, but remember that we have been called to “make disciples of all nations.” No longer do we have to fly to Iraq or Afghanistan in order to have the opportunity to share the Gospel with these people groups.
The nations are coming to us.