The direction the refugees are going says something.

Something to Think About for September 11, 2015:

Something To Think About, The Shadow of the Cross:

A couple of caveats: America is not a Christian nation.  Europe certainly is not a Christian continent.  The New Testament presents a way of life that is counter-cultural.  "Christian nation" is an oxymoron. I speak as a citizen of the United States when I say, our record, and that of other so-called Christian nations, even our recent record, is not spotless.   With that said, I notice on this anniversary of 9/11 that thousands of refugees are boarding rickety boats and leaky rafts.  Some are getting into the back of crowded trucks or walking many miles.  Fathers are selling everything they own and borrowing everything they can, in order to take their families from one place to another.  Many are dying in the attempt.  Keeping in mind my caveats, it is still undeniable that the flow of these refugees is moving away from nations where there have been years, even centuries, of attempts to obliterate the influence of the cross, into lands where the cross still casts a long shadow.  The case can be made that "Christian" nations need to do more to welcome these folk in such great need.  Still the contrast is stark when one compares what these nations are doing with what wealthy Islamic nations aren't doing.  The heritage of the West to show kindness to those in need has developed under the shadow of the cross.  The influence of Christianity has led to protections for the weak, and freedoms for minorities.  While our history is full of grievous examples of "not living up to what we claim to believe," it is that system of ethics that flowed from Christian principles that led us to outlaw the evil of slavery, and take steps to recognize the value of all people regardless of race or religion. Even diminished as that influence has become over the last century, those who are desperately looking for a safe place to raise their families see lands where the cross of Christ still casts a shadow as a haven.  The Good News that changes people's lives, leads to a better world.   It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how the message of the cross can change your life. Some of you wonder what you can do to help the refugees of Islamic persecution.  There are many good ministries.  Global Partners for Peace and Development has worked with those fleeing persecution for years.  Here is their website.