A few weeks ago, a friend introduced me to a Syrian woman.

“This is Sam,” he started. “She was baptized four months ago. She lost her husband and three of her children when her home in Syria was hit by a rocket.”

Dumbstruck by the introduction, heartbroken for her unbearable loss, and elated for her salvation, I kissed her cheek in greeting.

The startling introduction continued. Sam fled her home country with her two remaining daughters, sending them to safety in Sweden at her first opportunity. Her own journey has been stalled here in Spain as she awaits the funds and government permission to be reunited with her daughters. I sat down with Sam to learn more about her heart-wrenching story.

She recounted the terrors of her perilous journey that landed her, mercifully, in Europe. She escaped with her daughters over land and sea, each leg of the journey more dangerous than the last. She set out knowing they could very likely die in their departure, but death was inevitable if they stayed behind.

Parts of the last four years of her life read like an adventure novel — danger, death, suspense, peril, hope. But this is real life. I hear stories like Sam’s and I think to myself, I have no idea what courage is.

But here’s what’s even more remarkable about Sam’s story: God willing, she will soon head to Sweden, gather her girls back into her arms, and give them the greatest gift they will ever receive — hope because of Jesus. Ignited by God’s joy and love, Sam will join a community of Syrian refugees in Sweden who will wonder about the hope she has. And someday, she and other Syrians in Europe will bring the gospel back to their home country and watch as the Prince of Peace heals their land.

This is the beauty of the diaspora — that a refugee came, found Jesus, and will then spread the gospel further. The ends of the earth are coming to us. Because of Sam’s relationship with one Christ-follower, her life has been transformed and she’s eager to reach Syrians with the good news of Jesus. Sam’s reach extends so much further than mine!


Jamie lives and makes disciples in Spain.