Like this:

Yesterday our sermon at church was on the names of God, (Yahweh, Elohim, Jehovah, etc).  We learned that names in the Old Testament had specific meanings, i.e. Moses means “to draw out” in Hebrew.  Moses was “drawn out of the water” as an infant and then later, was used by God to “draw” His people out of Egypt.  My mind began to wander as I recalled researching my name when I was younger. 

My full name means something like daisy, meadow, and water fall.  I love all of those things, but it is just not as enchanting as the name Moses.  My mind then went back to the sermon and I felt sad that I did not have a name that meant something special.

Today, I met with my Christian brother from Northern India.  He (not knowing my thought yesterday) said “Margie, do you know why the Bhutanese/Nepalese call you ‘mom’ ?”  ”No”, I said, but I had wondered about it. Was it my age? Gray hair? Secretly I hoped it was because they saw me as a “mom,” my favorite role.  My friend said it is because your name, MARGIE, means “mom.”  No way, I thought.  How could that be?  He said ma (pronounced mah) and hyphen ji (pronounced gee) means respected mother in Nepalese.  

Why is that important?  God has given me much favor with these refugees. Most of them are Hindus and I understand that in Nepal they were taught to hate Christians.  God put supernatural love in my heart for them and I love being called “mom.” But, I was deeply disturbed that they had needs that were not being met.

They arrived in America from living in a  refugee camp for eighteen years.  They fled ethnic cleansing in their homeland, Bhutan, and arrived in Nepal only to find they were not welcome there either.  They had no electricity or running water and their diet consisted of the same five items — for eighteen years! 

Their clothing upon arrvial was native Indian/Nepali and their shoes were sandals or flip flops.  That was fine until the weather got colder.  As they began to ask for help (i.e. warm blankets, clothing, sport shoes etc.),  God’s people gave and gave generously.  

When the mission department at Kingsland Baptist in Katy heard about the refugees, they purchased a huge sack of rice for them (that is the most important ingredient in their diet).  Later, when hurricane Ike hit, and the refugees were starting fires from tree limbs in order to cook, Kingsland purchased barbecue grills and charcoal.  

Individuals from Life Church, Asian American Church, Second Baptist, and First Baptist Katy have also given of their time and resources to help these refugees adapt to a new life in America.  Simple things that we take for granted, like setting a thermostat, are all new to them.  I took one lady shopping recently and she purchased a pair of earrings. She had been wanting some but had no idea how to purchase them.

All of the acts of love have helped to open a door for His message and Jim Morisey has been faithfully starting Bible Storying groups in the apartments where they live.  Yesterday I learned that many of the young adult refugees are ready to convert because they have found the freedom to do so in America.  Praise the Lord! He is ALWAYS at work.

From my heart, thank you for all  you have done to serve Him. 

Love you,
Margie  (mahgee) 

Pray | 1. Please pray that God give the refugees ears to hear and hearts to respond. 2. They are hard working people, here in this country legally, and they need employment.  Pray that they will be successful in their search for jobs and be able to care for their families.  3.  Pray that they will know the love of God and allow Him to heal their hurts.  

Matthew 25:37-41  “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the the least of these My brethern, you did it to Me.’“

Learn | Visit the Bhutanese Refugees website to learn more about these gentle people.

Advertisement