Go and Do Likewise

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘ and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you have.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers. The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” Luke 10:30-37

During our years in Holland, YWAM purchased a building on one of the main squares in the city—across from the Central Train Station. Built in 1896, it was the former headquarters of the Salvation Army, but had fallen into the hands of first a cult group and then was used by squatters. The building was in horrible disrepair. Over the years we renovated it, and opened it as a ministry center. I was part of the team working to repair the building many years ago.

Thousands of people, cars, bicycles, tour boats, trams, and buses pass the building daily. At the top of the building in blue neon lights on one side it said “God Roept U” (God Calls You), and on the other side it said “Jesus Loves You.” The building sits on one of the entrances into the red light district so it served as a reminder to those entering that God called them to Himself.


We named the building Samaritan’s Inn, wanting it to be used as a ministry center to help those in need. For over 45 years now, that has happened in a variety of ways. I recently received news that a refugee family from Ukraine was welcomed to live in the building in the apartment where we used to live. That was so special to hear! The building is still fulfilling its mandate to help those in need. I know Floyd’s heart would be warmed to know this.

Please pray blessings on this family as they adjust to living in a new city and new country. Trusting God to minister to them!

I’m so grateful that the ministry center established so many years ago is continuing to serve in this way. I sometimes feel helpless to respond to the many refugees from the Ukraine war. In a very roundabout way, this feels like I’ve been able to help.

Years ago when we lived in Samaritan’s Inn some Dutch friends gave us an old Delft tile depicting the Good Samaritan.  It sits on our coffee table as a reminder to help those in need!

Thank You, Lord, for calling us to good works. Help us to do them faithfully. Amen.