my καταφυεγο

One of my favorite Greek words used in the Bible is καταφυεγο(pronounced katafuego). It is actually made by two words φυεγο(which means to flee) and κατα (which means to or towards). It is only found once in the New Testament (Hebrews 6:18) where it is translated “flee to refuge”. So the idea of this on simple word is running towards a place of safety in the context of Scripture.

The word καταφυεγο focuses on the act of fleeing towards safety, but to me it also places an emphasis on the place where safety is found. And in that sense I believe that we all need to have a καταφυεγο in our lives. Now the true source of our rest and refuge is in Christ (which is stated in Hebrews 6:18). By there is a need for a physical place, or person who we can run to in times of need as well.

One of the hardest things about coming to Australia was the fact that I didn’t truly know anyone here. I had met some of the missionaries before but we didn’t have close friendships. And because of this there was no refuge or καταφυεγο for the first few months. Thankfully the Lord soon provided a large number of friends and homes who I could turn to in times of need. But one of the greatest sources of strength was a veteran missionary couple the Winans.

Don and Lola Winans are missionaries on the field of Australia who have made discipleship and counseling a major focus of their ministry. This is actually true of all my coworkers, but it seems as if they had a specific calling to helping those in need. And the greatest way of doing this was making their home a καταφυεγο for others.

It was a well known fact that people were welcome at their home at any time. There wasn’t any need to call and let them know that you were coming (although it was appreciated) just show up and they would always welcome you inside. This was especially true for those who were struggling or discouraged. You would always be given a cup of coffee, something to eat, and a listening ear, along with a nap in pastor Don’s recliner if you were interested!

The Winans home became a καταφυεγο or source of strength for me on Sunday afternoons. Most times I wasn’t discouraged at all, but those afternoon visits were still something I looked forward to. After living by myself and eating my own cooking for a week it was always good to sit down to a home cooked meal and enjoy fellowship. It was a place of rest and refreshment for me along with many other people.

In December the Winans began making plans for a six month furlough in the States. They had begun talking to me in November about moving into their home and living there until my furlough in July 2009. After a few weeks of number crunching and praying I agreed, and have been there since February.

One of my prayers after moving in was that this house would continue being a καταφυεγο for others. And though things aren’t as organized, or the cooking as good, the Lord has allowed me to minister to a number of people at this house. And as a result I have learned that there is great joy and encouragement found in being a καταφυεγο for others.

The Lord also burdened my heart about creating a placed which can become a καταφυεγο for teens and young adults in local Churches, as well as unsaved youth. This will either be by renting a home, or possibly buying a house. Either way working with the Winans has reminded me that there is a great need for creating places of refuge.