Ever had to read a description to someone about how their life was ruined, their family butchered, house burnt down, or body mutilated? How about then telling them that it doesn’t really matter? Would you choose to say “then they raped you” -or- “then they sexually assaulted you”?Let me tell you that it’s awkward. It’s one thing to read about these types of things, but this is just not a fun situation to be in. The refugees that I work with have an interview where they have to explain to the German authorities why they left their country. After a few weeks they get the minutes of the interview, in German. I translate this back to them orally to insure that everything is correct, since that document is used to decide on their case.
Then they get the decision that says that they German government either doesn’t believe them, or that the hideous things that they experienced aren’t enough to entitle them to protection from being deported.
So many questions run through my mind in these situations.
“Oh Lord, how greatly you have blessed me!” How can so many go through so much suffering? How does a heart become cold enough to be able to do such heinous things? Are they so calloused from hate or have them just been hurt so badly themselves? How does someone emotionally and psychologically survive such crass abuse?
I never know what to say. I don’t say anything. I try to say the words as comforting and understanding as possible. “They forced you to come with them and told you each day that they would probably kill you.” “Question: Did you personally see them kill your father? Explain exactly what happened?”
“Lord, how can this happen?”
“Why do these people have to experience this?”
“Father, take away their pain.”
