Our experience here at Park Avenue Bible Church…
Larry and Phil were both at the Western Region Council meeting way back in early 2017 when as a Council we watched the BBC documentary about the situation of asylum seekers who had fled to Thailand to escape the wrath of militant muslims who had falsely accused Christians of blasphemy in Pakistan. As they drove home from that meeting, they talked about what Park Avenue Bible Church might be able to do, and several months later embarked on their first refugee sponsorship journey. Today, that journey is behind them - the family they sponsored arrived in January 2022. What follows are Phil's reflections on that experience and what it was like for the congregation at PABC.
Our experience with the Gulls “pre-arrival” was an interesting one, as our efforts came to fruition during the pandemic. We had been in contact with the Gulls for a few years before they arrived, via the outreach team from our church, and a few of us personally, via WhatsApp (a crucial app to build relationship with overseas with your people), and also had been supporting them with prayer and finances. When they finally arrived in January 2022, we were unable to “see” them, except through the windows of the duplex we had prepared for them. When they arrived, it was a Saturday night, and our church walked over to them in -30 degree weather to wave through the window.
Once physical distancing protocols were lifted, we spent a lot of time with them. Many people in our church were able to spend many hours in their home and they in our homes. They brought a sincerity of belief that many in our church were wowed by. They also brought a way of looking at the Body of Christ that we were not accustomed to, and were blessed by. They saw us as family, and we felt the same. They called us brothers and sisters and they meant it. They were very generous with the little they had. They were affectionate, and kind, and were a blessing to many.
One thing we were unprepared for and challenged by was the amount they depended on us - for everything. They needed us … and in a culture where we are rarely depended on like that except by children, we were challenged - but in a good way. Jesus used the Gulls to show us what taking care of people really means. We were able to practice the hospitality that is talked about in the Bible - and it’s not just having people over for coffee or supper - it is providing care and attention to details and affairs that you take for granted. It means thinking of things that you haven’t thought of…it requires treating others better than you would yourself, and assuming nothing.
This has been a stretching, but excellent experience for us and the people of PABC. It is important work that takes a lot of effort - but this is why we have the Spirit! He is the one that helped our team and our church to enfold the Gulls into our church, and although it was with our blessing, it really hurt when they left. This was a “good hurt” felt by both the Gulls and us - similar to when a family member leaves the house into the great and wide world.
We will be very happy to see them again someday, whether in person, or in heaven.
- Phil Houston, Pastor, PABC