The St. Louis

In May 1939, the German ship St. Louiscarried 937 Jews fleeing Germany headed to safety in Cuba. For the two-week journey, they felt relief and hope. But, although the passengers had permits, Cuba would not allow them to step foot onto shore. Leaving Cuba, they sought asylum from both the United States and Canada but were rejected. They returned to Europe and were allowed into four countries for refuge: the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They were safe for a moment. Those in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands suffered through the Holocaust, and 254 died. Only the 288 in the UK really found safety.

Hope is the confident assurance of receiving God’s promises. Those without Christ lack the true hope in Jesus Christ.

Fleeting Hope

When arriving at Cuba, passengers on the boat hoped in Cuba as their salvation. Quickly, their hope turned to despair. Some even saw their family members on shore, yet they ...