Greetings from the Vancouver Airport Chapel, Summer, 2017
As a Chapel Team, the greatest blessing we have is to minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of passengers and employees at the Vancouver International Airport.
Here are a few People Stories to give you an idea of how God is using us to support people at the YVR Airport.
A Filipino airport employee, whom we helped find a job over a year ago, was suddenly faced with the loss of his housing and he desperately needed somewhere to go (in truth, his current housing was quite unhealthy so he really needed to move!).
Upon checking with some of our Chapel Volunteers, we heard of a fine opportunity for a room in a nice house near the airport. The landlords had been receptive of other newcomers to Canada and warmly welcomed him to their home. As several of us from the Chapel helped him move, we noticed the bus stop out front, only meters from their driveway. Our Filipino friend was beaming... "Now I can get some good sleep and get to work on time!" We were all rejoicing at the goodness of God that day!
Three Afghan sisters appeared at the door of the Chapel one afternoon, quite upset and asking for counseling. We offered to hear their story and two hours later better understood their distress.
The issue at hand was 6 pieces of luggage intentionally left behind by the airline two weeks earlier, but the bigger issue was the apparent discrimination they and their parents faced as refugees. Thus, numerous phone calls to that airline's offices in various countries had proven totally unsuccessful and frustrating. Worst of all, their baggage contained thousands of dollars in dated medicine and hearing aids that the girls and their parents needed (along with some precious gifts from Afghanistan too!). The girls were desperate and no one seemed to care.
I offered to these women that God cares for his children and for the issues we face. I said we could sincerely ask Him to show that care and He would hear our prayer and answer in some way. They were relieved at even being heard and given some hope and direction.
Three days later they heard some progress..... their baggage could be sent by cargo but it would cost them $900, and they would need an official letter from Vancouver Airport Authority that the goods could be accepted in Canada. Then two days afterwards they received a phone call at 11:00 at night - come and pick up their bags at the Vancouver Airport!! Wow... all 6 suitcases had arrived intact.... no letter was needed and there was no cost! Absolutely incredible!
When the young ladies called to tell me, they were full of inexpressible joy.... how did this happen, they asked! I simply replied the God who cares had shown his great mercy and love for them.
This was a rare and beautiful occasion... please pray that God would continue to bless this grateful family! They are precious!
