On a recent trip to the Rhino Refugee Settlement in Uganda, I had the privilege of listening to women share their personal stories of struggle and pain.

They fled South Sudan on foot with children and a few meager possessions. They walked days and sometimes weeks through the jungle and the bush dodging rebels and the lurking threats of the wild. Almost everyone left or lost someone along the way. They are homesick, heartsick, and many are physically sick.

They spoke of their homeland,  being separated from aging parents & the daily burden of concern for their care. They grieve the ones they have lost to a cruel & senseless war. They are displaced, discouraged, and depressed.

How can I identify in a meaningful way? What could our team possibly offer these precious, beautiful, broken people? Their dire circumstances expose my areas of false security. I’m tempted to believe I have no place in the conversation because I can’t possibly do anything to change their lives. Suddenly I feel very vulnerable and inadequate.

We gather close together & I ask the women if they would like to share their story. Asking says, “ I acknowledge your pain & I care.” Healing ministry takes place when we create a safe place to listen to each other. The pressure to give an answer or offer a solution recedes. Compassion and consolation are Holy Spirit work. He is more than adequate to administer hope that cannot fail. I ask God to anoint my ears with His attentiveness and insight and to fill my heart with His word of truth.

Your mission is where ever you are today. It is with the beautifully broken people Jesus places in your path. It’s as simple as listening & showing someone they matter. It’s as effective as faith activating the Holy Spirit to breathe eternal hope and help into any situation committed to His care.

Jan Harrison has been inspiring other women for more than 20 years as a Bible teacher and speaker at women’s conferences and retreats. She is an Open Eyes board member, author of two books, and writes at janharrison.com, where you can read the rest of this blog.