Darla Bardine: College Global Impact Trip to Lebanon

I have always worked on human rights and social justice issues and have travelled throughout the world doing this work. To be honest, there isn't much injustice that surprises me these days. Coming face-to-face with my humanity in places of poverty and injustice is one thing. However, until this trip I had never been forced to come face-to-face with myself as a Christian. I have worked with Christian organizations before, but never before have I worked with a Christian organization that truly allowed the Holy Spirit to direct their work like Heart for Lebanon does.

I heard story after story from Iraqi refugees who were persecuted and forced to flea their homes and country out of fear for their lives. They were persecuted because they were Christians and/or because they worked for the Americans occupying Iraq. To be persecuted because of your faith or because of who you associate with is not easily fathomable for me, a Caucasian woman who grew up in central Pennsylvania. I have not always felt comfortable being a follower of Christ here in America, but I have never feared for my life because of my faith. Being considered silly by academics or dismissed by liberals is nothing compared to having someone hold your child at gunpoint and give you the choice to leave your home or have your child shot.

I continue to process everything I witnessed and pray that God will continue to reveal what I should do in response to what I now know and understand. With all my unanswered questions and malleable opinions, I know with certainty that Heart for Lebanon is doing God's work and will remain in my heart and mind.

Peace,

Darla