MIDDLE EAST - Spring 2021

Mission Trip Report from Linda Chapman

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

(Matthew 9:36)


Thank you for your prayers. They were instrumental in defeating a barrage of spiritual attacks that occurred on this trip. I consider that a good thing, however, as Satan is not complacent when threats comes his way. I like what evangelist Leonard Ravenhill said, "My main ambition in life is to be on the devil's most wanted list." This team definitely made that cut, but the Lord graciously navigated our every step. 

Our on-ground American team worked with a wonderful group of nationals to serve refugees in two different camps. One of our children's workers shared that her interpreter urgently pulled her aside on the first day. She thought he as going to tell her she had said or done something wrong. Instead, he told her, "I have never seen anything like this!" He as referring to the joy and willingness of everyone to serve, the patience and kindness demonstrated.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

There are a number of opportunities on such teams--from working with children, to offering medical assistance, to helping organize and praying. Opportunities vary according to the field. Whatever role I play, what touches my heart the most is showing compassion towards others. The people we ministered to on this trip are in such depressing and almost hopeless environments. They have lost so many family members to terrorism and acts of war. Many have had their entire villages wiped out--no homes to return to if they could. Many had careers in their previous lives where they could work and provide for their families. Now they live in camp containers, sharing facilities with hundreds of people in similar conditions. To show such people compassion, to hold their hands, to listen to their stories--touches my heart hopefully as much as it touches theirs.

One of our nationals treated the team to a feast that offered such a variety! The people are very generous, and it is their honor to treat us in this lavish way. No one objected!

Trauma training was a part of this trip that took place during the second week. We are told that all people living in these camps have undergone trauma. Trauma training is relatively new to E3 and is very appreciated as we become more familiar with its effectiveness. Trauma training is designed to increase a traumatized person's sense of community, self-purpose, and faith.

Several members of the medical team had the blessing of meeting a lady on our last day of clinic. She had lost all her family to acts of war except one uncle who lives out of country. She never married because she is considered ugly and undesirable as her body is malformed. She is ostracized by the camp and feels so alone and depressed that tears welled up in her eyes as she shared her story. I told her that our bodies are not who we are. We lived inside our bodies. I told her there are many people in the world who are very beautiful on the outside but are very ugly on the inside. I took her face in my hands and told her I see kindness in her eyes. Other members of the team loved on her as well. Pray that the seed of hope that was planted in her will not be snatched away but will take deep root and grow strong and mighty. Pray also for the in-country team as they continue in the work.

Children are abundant in these camps and are so precious. Many have been killed as the result of terrorist activities. It breaks my heart for those parents who have lost children and causes a numbness to come over me as I consider that such evil exists to harm a child.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

(Psalm 34:18)

But God...

This became the theme of our trip. But God can bring about healing and restoration. But God can draw open hearts to Himself. But God is just and our strong tower. But God saves all who call on Him.


There are many broken hearts in this area of the world--indeed throughout the world. Let's pray for those who are crushed in spirit to turn to the Lord and find belonging and purpose and relief and salvation in Him.

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