Declaring Holy Ground
The commander of the Lord ’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
-Joshua 5:15
It was cold. It was windy. It was quiet.
It was a slow night and we didn’t see any refugees at all but that was a GOOD thing. You see, the weather here on Lesvos island has been pretty rough the past couple of days. Heavy winds, and choppy seas make awfully harsh conditions for the boats crossing over from Turkey, and news had traveled that a boat had capsized just days earlier, influencing refugees to wait for safer sea conditions. So with no refugees to attend to, we found ways to occupy our time.
We started the night with prayer and a passionate worship service. It was incredible. All of a sudden the quiet mountainside erupted in song and praise. As we sat in that tent I could not help but be overwhelmed by the presence of God and the joy of knowing my savior was present.
As we were singing, a verse from the book of Joshua came to mind. The verse was taken from the 5th chapter where Joshua and the Israelites were approaching Jericho, ready to take the city. As Joshua approached the city, he was met by an angel with a drawn sword. The angel introduced himself as the Commander of the Lord’s Army, declaring to Joshua that the land on which he stands is holy.
That’s when I heard the Lord speak to me saying, “This camp, the land on which your feet are standing, is holy ground. The enemy holds no influence or jurisdiction over this camp and those who inhabit it. This camp is a lighthouse, a city on the hill which shines as a beacon of hope for those with none. It stands as a literal refuge and a SAFE place for all.” As I began to declare this over the camp I was overcome by a peace that goes beyond my own understanding.
I could feel this peace radiating through the entire camp and the people all around me. Before we started our shift we were told something was different about this camp. That there was something tangibly different that makes this place stand out from the other camps and it didn’t take long at all for me to see and feel what people were talking about.
I would be lying if I told you I was a little upset that I didn’t see a single refugee that night. Afterall I didn’t come all the way to Greece to sit in a tent and sing songs. I came to help those in desperate need and pour out hope and joy into weary souls. However knowing that there weren’t any boats in the water brought me great joy. There were still thousands of refugees waiting on the other side of the sea but at least they were safe and out of harm’s way, even if it was just for that night. That night they were given another chance to live and for that I am eternally grateful.
I know as the weather calms, boats will resume arriving on shore. As I look back on that night I am grateful for it and that I was able to spend that time declaring truth over the grounds, preparing it for those who will soon pass through. My hope is that when they do, they will feel and revel in that same peace I felt that night.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord , who has compassion on you.
-Isaiah 54:10
-Joshua Glover, January team
