Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Therefore, we must conclude that because of our relationship with Jesus, we are also, “the bread of life.”

Bread plays a very minor role in the context of Western life; the grains that make bread are merely one of the five food groups. In some sense, one could surmise that our relationship with Christ can become just one of the segments, or food groups, in our busy lives.

However, here in the Middle East where Jesus lived, bread is essential to life. The lowly loaf, or pita, is eaten with everything from breakfast until dinner and is available to everyone. For Jesus to say, “I am the bread of life,” has a lot more meaning attached than we from the West might initially grasp.

Yesterday here in Mafraq, Jordan, I met a lady, a mother, who is also a Syrian refugee. She had just witnessed the death of her son reported on television, fighting a civil war in their nation where many lives are being senselessly lost. He was killed four days ago, but they had only just heard.

The family was understandably numbed by grief and in shock. We wondered if we should even be visiting them. They said though that the father, who had not stopped crying since the news, seemed a little better because of our visit. Although I don’t speak much of the language, I could tell the air was tense with emotion.

After sharing the normal cups of hot sweet tea and coffee, it came time to leave. We rose and wished our hosts peace, one kiss on the left cheek and two, three or four on the right.

As I came to look into the eyes of the mother, we hugged and she wept. I pulled out my Arabic words and tried desperately to pronounce, “May God comfort you.” My accent isn’t very Arabic and she took a while to understand, but by her response, I realized that the Spirit had already communicated the words.

We are to be “the bread of life” for people like these in times of desperation. We give, we speak, we pray, but most of all we communicate the love of Jesus.

Can you make yourself available to be “bread” for people?

People are needed in this area of Jordan near the Syrian border to assist and love the refugees. The people deal not only with the grief of fleeing their country, but everyone they have lost to this war, and the culture shock of living in a country that is not their own.

Please consider if you are to be involved in this defining moment in history. We have an open door to care for these people. It is time again for the “Good Samaritan.”

If you are interested in joining the work here or bringing a team, please enquire to mercyworks1@gmail.com for further information.