Refugees aren’t in Europe by chance. It’s destiny.

VIENNA, Austria — Have you ever thought about all the things that had to fall perfectly into place for you to come into a relationship with the Father?

It’s not chance. It’s destiny — even if it’s something as simple as your parents coming together so you could be born. It is a miracle, a declaration of love, the Father saying “I want you.” He has chased each one of us down. That is the central story of the Bible.

There are many people who have to overcome huge obstacles just for the right to hear the message of God. Since August, many of those people have made their way to Europe. What an opportunity — the chance for them to discover God’s Word, to hear him singing over us, to see how his hand has prepared our way.

In The Word | Tamika Rybinski
Those of us in Europe now have the chance to share Jesus with people who were in places not easily accessible to missionaries.

I am so thankful to play a role — no matter how small — to help people from around the world have their own Bible. Christians here have been doing this for 60 years. Across Eastern Europe, we witness the mighty hand of God and his work to save those in need of him.

Now we are able to empower ministries and missionaries on the front lines as they work with refugees from the Middle East. Through gifts from Churches of Christ and individual Christians we are giving out Bibles in Farsi. It is so exciting. We are working on Arabic Bibles as well. It thrills my heart when people come by to get them. I know what a special gift and unique opportunity it is.

I will never forget the first time I gave a Bible to a child who had never had one. We both cried. It was moving. Years later, I still cry pretty much every time I give someone a Bible. It’s a special moment for the disheartened and displaced — and for those who share with them.

I am thankful we have a God who desires a relationship with us. I am impacted by the love and kindness of those who donate the time and resources to provide these gifts to those in need.

Please take some time to think about and pray for the many people around the world who need Jesus. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to any paths you are standing near. Ask him to give you discernment and strength to help someone along their road to him.

TAMIKA RYBINSKI and her huband, Bart, live and worship with their three children in Austria and work with Eastern European Mission. This devotional originally appeared on the blog “Creating a Great Day.”