Why They Cannot Hear Us – Strangers

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was a stranger, and you took me into your home.

This is an issue that is very close to my heart and life.  It seems that once again we have relegated to the state what is the responsibility of the Church.  It is possible for us to deal with our nation’s immigration issue in a way that honors Christ.  First, however, we must realize that we are not to turn a blind eye to it.  It is not enough to see it as a legal issue and dismiss those in need as criminals.

I acknowledge that there are those who come to this country for nefarious purposes.  This does not allow us to dismiss those who come here looking to support their families and better their lives.  In a nation with abundance there is not a good system in place to help these people.  Why does the Church not do more to improve this system? 

It seems that if we used some of our vast resources to provide necessary aid we could develop a system that would be satisfying to the legal process and truly benevolent to those in need.  Those who seek refuge are the very ones who Christ commanded us to care for and shelter.  Those in need of shelter and a home should have a place to go. 

As Christ followers we should have a reputation for helping those in need.  The strangers in our land should be able to say with confidence that their honest need will be met with honest compassion and practical care.  By not taking a stand in this area we passively promote human trafficking and miss an opportunity for silent enactment of the love that draws men to Christ.

The issue is not a simple one but by and large the Church does nothing to help.  How can we hope for them to see Christ if we will not even help them find safe refuge and a secure life in a land that God has blessed with abundance?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."