I want to share this story with you, I could never tell it as well as Rakin. As you know the JNRC is one of the two refugee centers I serve in Rome. 

My name is Rakin and I am a refugee.It is difficult for me to share my story, but I feel it’s important because I want others to understand the reality of my country and people.  We are not secure and there is no peace for millions of people like me.

Before I left Afghanistan, I was appreciated by my family, friends, and community. I had a comfortable life with a beautiful house. I had hopes of becoming a psychologist, I had published books condemning the acts of the Taliban, and I was interviewed on the radio and television about my writings. Then my life changed drastically.

I was kidnapped for money. The kidnappers called my family and threatened to kill me if my family didn’t pay them. More than ten times, the kidnappers sent pictures and videos of them beating and torturing me, to my family.  After four months, I escaped.  I was badly hurt and went to the police station. They knew I had been kidnapped because my father had reported it. The police asked me to take them to the place where I was kept. They arrested and killed many of the kidnappers. 

 
When my kidnappers heard that I reported this to the police, they threatened me by phone. My mother was so panicked she had a heart attack, and while I was visiting her in the hospital, my kidnappers sought revenge. They found my home and killed my father, brothers, and sisters. My mother and I tried to move to a friend’s house outside of Kabul where we would be safe. We stayed there for a long time, and then my mother asked me to leave Afghanistan. We couldn’t continue to hide in the house out of fear of being attacked.  The plan was that once I was settled in Europe, I would invite her so she could also be safe.

I never imagined that I would face such problems in Europe. I always thought of Europe as supporting human rights and equality. When I first arrived to Rome, I had to sleep in a tent outside in the park for three months during the winter. There was not good food to eat and it was cold. Now I share a room with eight other people at a reception center with other refugees. I don’t sleep well. There is no hot water. I can only wash myself every couple of days. Because of the cold water I am always sick. It is inhumane.

It is well known that money allocated for providing services to asylum seekers is being siphoned off for other purposes. Recently, a transcript released from wiretapping the Mafia Capitale revealed one member saying, “Do you have any idea how much I can make on these immigrants?  It’s a lot more profitable than drug trafficking.”  I am one of these immigrants.  So, I take cold showers as others profit from my misfortune.

“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I CAN MAKE ON THESE IMMIGRANTS?

IT’S A LOT MORE PROFITABLE THAN DRUG TRAFFICKING.”

Like many, before I arrived here I perceived Rome as a holy city. When I arrived as an asylum seeker, I discovered a reality that was inconsistent with my perception of being a holy or sacred place. Keep in mind that I arrived as a foreigner who was not here to vacation, but rather to save my life.  As a stranger to this city, I am misunderstood and mistreated.  Now I wonder if this a holy city.

Instead of asking about my education, about my skills, or questions to get to know me, people only ask, “Where are you from?” This is what defines me. This is what creates a barrier in my ability to form friendships and feel welcome in the community.

Fortunately, when I arrived to the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC), I met some wonderful people. Their kindness lessened my suffering. They tried to feel what I am feeling…not having any family.  I know that this center is my home and these people are my family. I no longer feel alone. People listen to me. They helped me solve my problems with documents. They invited me into their homes and cooked delicious food for me.  They even celebrated my birthday for the first time in 8 years – and since the death of my family – that I had a birthday celebration.  They were with me during my formal interview for protection (or commission as it is called here in Italy) and when my mother died alone, and in a faraway land. The JNRC is supporting me in every possible way.

Before coming to the JNRC, I was like a dead person. I used to sit in the park alone. Psychologically I was dead. Working with the JNRC psychologists and listening to their advice brought me brought me back to life.  All refugees that experience this kind of trauma need to be welcomed, especially when they don’t have any family to support or protect them. No one can go through life without family and supporters to lead us out of the darkness and toward our goals and dreams.  The circumstances of my own trauma have changed my life plans in ways that I never imagined possible.  Still, I am hopeful that one day I will start my writings again, continue with a psychology career and feel like a respected human being.

This is why I am very thankful for this center; for what they are doing for me and for others. In this center, Muslims and Christians eat, play and work together. Everyone welcomes newcomers as human beings, not according to religion, race, or ethnicity. The situation in this center feels very different from the situation out on the streets of Rome.

Outside, I feel looked upon as an unwelcome stranger. When I’m on the bus the people next to me secure their wallets and close their purses. I don’t know how to behave to prove that I am not a thief. The refugees that I know are good people from good families.  Even if they don’t have money or beg on the street, they would never steal. This is what we face as refugees everyday in Rome.

Now, I am part of the JNRC’s Artisans Together project.  We produce handicrafts, for a suggested donation, in order to heal from our trauma and rebuild our lives in Rome. We advocate and educate about the reality of refugees. As artisans, we share profits amongst us and donate 10 percent back to the JNRC in order to help the guests who depend on the center for daily assistance, sanctuary, and support.

My work with this group has restored my sense of belonging.  We practice respect for humanity and equality amongst brothers even though we are from different countries and continents.  In this group, I am learning new skills.  I am surrounded by a community of support that gives back by welcoming other strangers who make their way to this center.

As Muslims we believe that Jesus gave life to the dead by God’s permission.  The Christians that I found at the JNRC helped make me alive when I was dead person.  Still a practicing Muslim, I underwent nothing short of a miracle, to find myself again.  I was dead, but when I found this church and center that welcomed me as a stranger, I was given life again. Alhamdulillah! Or, as you might say in English, All praise is due to God alone!

“STILL A PRACTICING MUSLIM, I UNDERWENT NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE, TO FIND MYSELF AGAIN. I WAS DEAD, BUT WHEN I FOUND THIS CHURCH AND CENTER THAT WELCOMED ME AS A STRANGER, I WAS GIVEN LIFE AGAIN.”

I don’t want to be identified as a refugee forever.  I hope that someday I will be treated in Italy as I was treated before the living nightmare of losing my family, my country, and my life.  I never wanted to be a refugee.  The human spirit is strong and I am learning to dream again – and this is the gift that I have been given, because I was a stranger, and I was welcomed.

ABOUT RAKIN

Rakin, who prefers not to share his last name, is originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. He fled his country in 2010. After being denied political asylum in Norway after four years, he came to Italy where he has been granted full refugee status according to the Geneva Convention (1951).  It is rumored in the JNRC and beyond that he is an unbeatable chess player.

This story first appeared in the JNRC blog. You can read this and other stories at http://jnrc.it/stranger-welcomed/#

Your Prayers, Love, and Support Make it all Possible.
Back in January of 2014 the North American team leader at ITeams asked if I would commit to spending the first quarter of 2015 serving in Atlanta. The goal was to make relationships for future team building in Atlanta. Out of Darkness, part of the Atlanta Dream Center and City of Refuge, seemed like good places to start. The first quarter turned into seven months and the results have been amazing.

At the City of Refuge we have been involved in a weekly Bible study, collected donations of clothing, furniture, and bedding for the residents. And served in the “180° Kitchen”, doing everything from preparing vegetables to scrubbing pots and pans, and serving meals to hundreds of women and children.

At Out of Darkness I am involved with the Prayer Team, Princess Night out-reach and Rescue Teams in Atlanta and Middle Georgia (Macon/Warner Robins), and the Cherokee County Jail Ministry. I have participated in rescues of both women and men, in Georgia and Alabama.

I have had opportunities to share my experiences at ITeam and both the City of Refuge and Out of Darkness with many others that have expressed an interest in participating in these wonderful ministries. Some of these are from my First United Methodist Dublin Family. Planting seeds…

I am returning to Rome on 4 August for another 90 day mission (90 Days means no Visa or Permesso di Soggiorno requirements which equals savings). I will be serving refugees a the JNRC at St. Paul’s Within the Walls and Il Soggiorno. I will also be serving with Schiavitù Mai Più (Slavery Never Again).

Your continued prayers, love, and financial support not only bless me, they bless you and all those you allow me to serve. Believe me it is working.

I am making a special request in this posting. While I will be in Rome the weather will be changing and winter will be arriving. The refugees will be in desperate need of shoes, socks, and coats. Please consider a donation to help me in procuring these items for them.
To donate go to http://iteams.us/give or email gifts@iteams.org

Project name Mark Edens, account # US2677

Or call (800) 323-0428

Helping in the “180° Kitchen” at the City of Refuge.

P.S.

On Tuesday at 7:00 PM I was at the Atlanta Dream Center for the monthly prayer meeting. Just as we were getting ready to begin I received a phone call from the Out of Darkness hotline asking if I could go on a rescue. Our prayers were answered before we even began. WOW! And how amazing is our Lord and Savior? The young lady that I went on the rescue with has been feeling the call to missions but has been struggling with some of the aspects of raising support. We had a good conversation regarding support and the overwhelming joy and inspiration that comes from having the support of your friends. Planting seeds again…

Philippians 4:15-17 Common English Bible (CEB) 

15 You Philippians know from the time of my first mission work in Macedonia how no church shared in supporting my ministry except you. 

16 You sent contributions repeatedly to take care of my needs even while I was in Thessalonica. 

17 I’m not hoping for a gift, but I am hoping for a profit that accumulates in your account.

As 2015 begins I recall the words of Francis of Assisi and I would like to make them my own.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

During 2014 I was able to serve with ITeams in Rome and Atlanta. Both cities present opportunities in anti human trafficking and refugee ministries. Last year I committed to spending the first quarter of 2015 in Atlanta. As I have previously mentioned, Atlanta is one of ITeams targeted cities for team and network building. So I will be working in tandem with Out of Darkness, City of Refuge, and Disire Street Ministers. Out Darkness has expanded its ministry into the Macon/Warner Robbins area and I will serving with them as well.

I am already involved in street outreach, jail-visiting, bible study, prayer meetings, and meal service. I will be involved in the rescue of trafficked women and children once I complete the required training. I am willing to be lead to whatever form of ministry God leads me to. The future is bright and I am excited!

There are individual and team opportunities for service with each of these. I will be looking for participants soon. If any of you are interested and willing please let me know.

I would like to update you on a dear friend I have written about in the past. David is the young man from Spain that we were able to develop a friendship with at Il Sorrgonio. Danielle has informed me, that through conversations with David, she and Valeria were able to learn more about his background. Valeria was able to obtain his mothers telephone number and made contact with her in Spain. She told them that David is 37, he has earned three university degrees and due mental health issues has a difficult time coping with life. If he is cared for and maintains his required medications he does much better. She was very happy to know he had friends in Rome looking out for him. She advised that he had run out of medication and needed to get back home. Arrangements were made through the Spanish Embassy to purchase an airline ticket for him, but the day of the flight was not a good for him and in his confused state he did not make the flight.

The week before Christmas David showed up at Il Sorrgonio and through a family friend living in Rome his mother arranged for a flight and her friend escorted him to the airport. On December 21st he flew home and was reunited with his family for Christmas. His mother was most grateful for the friendship and care he received at Il Sorrgonio.

I want all of you to know that YOU made this happen. Without your prayers, love, and support this story would still be waiting to happen. God is the Great Coordinator. He put it on your heart to support me, and He put it on my heart to go to Rome and serve. To God be the glory!

With your continued prayers, love, and support we can see more of God’s amazing love delivered to His children. I am all in to the end, I pray that you are as well.

A heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of you and my God bless and your loved ones throughout 2015.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

As another page in my journey is ready to turn I am overcome with thoughts I want to share with you about this life I have been lead to.

First I want all of you to know how deeply grateful I am for your prayers, love and financial support. Day after day, month after month and year after year you are there holding me up and allowing me to serve. Genesis 12:1 …“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” In my heart it can only be classified as a miracle (Webster: an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God) that you my friends and brothers and sisters in Christ would so faithfully hold me up.

I said when I started that my objective was to go and be a “willing available servant to God.” I have held true to that and as a result God has taught me some very humbling lessons. And He has blessed me beyond reason. I know my service may look different than some expected, but it is being directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says, ” And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Unconditional love for others, that is where God has lead me. The geography and the forum for teaching me I am sure were chosen by God, I am just His humble servant.

I will limit my stories to just two, so as not to lose you.

First up my dear friend Nasim. I have written in the past about Nasim so I will get right to the point. I now realize that the bureaucratic process to get him to America is monumental. I am by no means giving up, however I believe it will only be accomplished through God. So I am asking everyone I know to join me in daily prayer for Nasim. Remember Acts 12:5 ” So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” That is the kind of prayer I am asking for. The kind that freed Peter from prison. We can do it.

Next is a story about David. David is from Barcelona, Spain. This is a difficult story to relate through my feeble writing skills. I wish I could sit and tell this to each of you in person. It has many layers that will go unnoticed in this account. I am guessing he is in his thirties and he lives on the streets of Rome. Last spring he started coming to Il Soggiorno. At first he would just come in and sit at the closest table to the door. That’s also where I sit, next to the tea table and a good spot for welcoming quest. He would not speak, we communicated via gestures and body language. He would have tea and eat many cookies and I would give him some to take with him. Then he would simply walk out. I have to tell you at this point, David was your stereotype homeless person. He was in need of love and care. This went on for months. Fast forward to September; he was still coming to Il Soggiorno still keeping very much to himself. Giovanni and I started mentioning Jesus to him and there was a twinkle in his eyes. We began putting cash in his coat pocket with a notes that simply read Jesus.

Each week he stayed a little longer and even started using the bathroom facilities (even waving good bye, WOW). This was major. This past Saturday he showed up with a fresh haircut and shave. Giovanni had given him some clothing as well and he had on a new sweater. None of the volunteers were fluent in Spanish, but we were able to get him to open up and we learned that he was from Barcelona and his name was David. He said he know who Jesus was from his youth. It was truly a breakthrough event, the Holy Spirit was with us. I have never felt more blessed then when David opened up and trusted us. Never.

This is what your prayers, love and support allows me to do. There are no words adequate to thank you for this privilege. It was your money going in David’s pockets and your love and prayers that lifted him up.

Please know how important it is to me to be able to continue being a willing and available servant.

I know as I transition to Atlanta and my efforts focus more on human trafficking, God will be leading me and blessing me.

Thank you and may God bless you,
Your brother in Christ, Mark

Here is a picture of David in the middle. That is Steven on the left, he is from Ghana and was baptized recently at Rome Baptist Church. I do look happy don’t I.

Reached out and shared the love of Christ Jesus and a rose with many oppressed and enslaved women tonight with Out of Darkness, http://www.outofdarkness.org . Many wonderful servants spent their Friday night advancing God’s Kingdom here in Georgia. Feeling blessed to be chosen as one. To God be the glory.

God is answering my prayers and providing avenues for me to reach out and share His loving kindness. I would like to relate two of these to my friends, that hold me up with prayers, love, and support.

This evening I participated in a bible study at the City of Refuge, this always leaves me emotionally charged and grateful. Having an opportunity to studying the Word with women who’s lives and families are broken beyond comprehension and to see the Holy Spirit provide hope in the midst of their despair is a true blessing. Their love and trust in God inspires me, and I am grateful to be able to be a listening ear and prayer partner with my sisters in crises.

On Friday night I will be taking part in the fight against sex trafficking by participating in a “Princess Night” with Out of Darkness. We will be out on the streets of Atlanta sharing the love of a Jesus Christ with the women who are trapped in this unspeakable industry.

I want you to know I am blessed and grateful for this time in my life and I ask that you lift me up in prayer as I serve our oppressed and lost brothers and sisters in Christ. With God’s grace and you by my side we can make a difference.

To God be the glory.

His servant, your brother,
Mark

Thanks for being at my side.

Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it. Ezra 10:4

It is hard to believe but it has been one year since our first arrival here in Rome.  It has been some kind of year, WOW. I came with ideas and plans and as I sit here today I can say I have gained love and faith. God didn’t necessarily have the same ideas and plans as I did but He did have a plan and in retrospect I must say His was much better and I am glad to have learned that. 

Val and I have kept a journal where we share our thoughts each day. Val keeps telling me I should share my experiences with all of you and I keep saying it is hard to (at least for me) open my heart and share the emotions of daily life as a servant of God.  And honestly most of my journal entries are too long. So I will pick a few parts of a few entries to share with you.  

    I spent a several hours today with …. We had our deepest conversation yet about Jesus and the teachings of the Bible. Very open and honest. They are clearly desiring a closer relationship with Jesus ….  Good way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. Love you, miss you and thank you for your understanding and love. To God be the glory. M

    Last night I went out with the Angel Squad to reach out to the Treasures (women enslaved in a life of prostitution) on Via Cristoforo Colombo and Viale Guglielmo Marconi.  I served as the “watcher.” The ladies of the Angel Squad go out in teams of two, the watcher goes with them but keeps a discreet yet safe distance and monitors the activity surrounding the visit. The driver remains with the car ready for a quick departure if one is needed. The ladies share God’s love with them as well as applicable  scripture, snacks, convenient toiletries, and information regarding local services that available to help them. It is a very simple and effect outreach. All but a few welcome the encounter and openly share their stories, none are in this situation by choice. They are glad to hear that God loves them, they feel that because of their life style God has/would reject them, so when scripture that tells the story of Jesus compassion for the lost is shared with them it gives them a glimmer of hope. You could see it very clearly in their body language. After each encounter the team records the context of the exchange and the name, country of origin and age of each Treasure. Many of the Treasures were know by the team from previous encounters, some asked for bibles in their native language so the team provides one, in cases where one was not immediately available they would get one and keep it until the Treasure is located again. Last night we had one where they had been looking for this Treasure for more than two months. She was very excited to receive her bible. None of the Treasures were Italian. To God be the glory. M

    I am going out Friday night with the ladies to reach out to trafficked women. Remember the Sunday night we had so much fun riding the buses coming home from Peters and we ran into a bunch near St. Paolo’s? Well that’s where we are going. We will be meeting at McDs at 10:15 PM. Another new road on my life journey. “Not all who wander are lost.”  M

    Good day at JNRC, the guys all know me now and know why I am there. I get a lot of friendly hand shakes, hugs and greetings, they know I care about them and their well being. Even those that were hostile in the beginning have now become friendly. M

    At bible study today we read the passion. I am thankful for this group and their faithfulness. I did not ask but during the prayer time one of the ladies said a prayed for you and our family in the US, and gave thanks for your sacrifice which has allowed for me to be able to be here and serve.  Several of the ladies were talking about volunteering at St Andrews where they pass out lunch to refugees, they mentioned the man that is always on the street selling scarves with the rolled up hat. Of course I had already shared with them about Nasim, so when I told them that was Nasim they were all excited. It’s a small world. Danielle sent me an email and said my phone should be here tomorrow (for those of you that don’t know my iPhone was stolen). Miss you, love you, and thank God everyday for you. ✌️M

    “He’ll be coming and going he had said. One day you’ll see him and another you won’t. He doesn’t like being tied down–and of course he has other countries to attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) C. S. Lewis 

    Today Nasim showed me pictures of his Mother and Father. He was so proud. He was able to have them sent to his tablet from his uncle in Atlanta. M

In a recently conversation with one of the men at Il Soggiorno the subject of why am I in Rome came up again (as it has many times before). He said, “I see you everyday in different places and you are always giving out food and cloths and things, why?” In response I told him that I was here to share with him God’s love, through my service and care for him and others.  He then asked me “well who cares for you while you are here, like when you were sick last week?”  

The answer that came to me, I am sure from the Holy Spirit, was first, God.  But, I add, there are many people in America that also care about you and me. And those people pray for us, love us, and support us with their hard earned money. Without them I could not be here to share Gods love with you.  This concept was difficult for him to comprehend, and in many respects it is hard for me to grasp as well. 

I can not express the gratitude and love I feel for those of you that have prayed for me, stood with me, trusted in me, and through your love and generosity have allowed me to serve our oppressed brothers and sisters in Christ. 

I have grown and learned so much this past year here in Rome and as Val and I go forward in our service to those whom God continues to bring to us throughout His Kingdom, we do so because of you and your partnership.  Your love and support humbles me.  Grazie Mille. 

In His Service,
Mark

21 February, 2014

I have made it back to Rome. I had good flights, none were the originally scheduled flights due to the crazy weather plaguing the Southeast at the time. US Airways did a fine job of rebooking all my flights and actually got me there 40 minutes early. 

I have spent the first week reconnecting with folks, adjusting to the time difference (6 hrs) and looking for a place to stay. I am looking for a room to rent, not an apartment, a room is better suited to my needs and much more affordable. However the search is proving to be more of a challenge than I expected. 

Being here without my best friend is also difficult. “That’s all I have to say about that.”

Through the coming weeks as I get back into the swing of things and hopefully find a suitable place to stay, my morale should improve. Right now it is a little off center. 

25 February, 2014

Saturday morning was spent in prayer. Bringing my troubles to God has always proven to be the right decision. I had gone to the USO for some post banquet cleanup chores.  As I was leaving I received an email regarding an appointment to view a room, we agreed on 2:00 PM.  I met the landlord and viewed the room, results, moving in Sunday.  An answered prayer! 

This one, seemingly common place event, has brought me back to where I need to be while serving here in Rome. I was walking down the streets signing the rest of the day. Your daily prayers are crucial to this ministry, I believe it is what brings it all together. 

Those of you following the events of my sister Mary’s life have to believe in the power of prayer to our Lord and Savior.  Her recovery can only be credited to answered prayers. Please continue to pray for Mary, her faith has been an inspiration to all that know and love her. 

We continue to pray and trust what God is doing in our lives.  Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes out to all of you that make this ministry possible with your prayers, love and support.  If there is something special in your life that you would like us to pray for please share your needs with us.  Please keep us in your prayers as well.

In His Service, Mark

It certainly is not possible for us to be in a position where Omnipotence cannot assist us. God hath servants everywhere. There are “treasures hid in the sand,” and the Lord’s chosen shall eat thereof. When the clouds hide the mountains they are as real as in the sunshine; so the promise and the Providence of God are unchanged by the obscurity of our faith, or the difficulties of our position. There is hope, and hope at hand, therefore, let us be of good cheer. When we are at our worst let us trust with unshaken faith. Recollect that then is the time when we can most glorify God by faith. Charles Spurgeon