Maybe it has to do with my particular age, or upbringing.
Maybe it has to do with my unique set of experiences.
Maybe it has to do with my own myopic perspective.
But in my estimation, it seems we are facing an unprecedented crisis at our U.S. borders. The anxiety around immigrants and refugees has never been so high.
The common rhetoric alone points to deep divisions throughout our country. Are we talking about immigrants or illegals? Are they imprisoned or detained? Are there detention centers or concentration camps? Are they refugees or rapists, drug smugglers, and criminals? Are they one of us or “those people”? How we talk about this crisis sets the tone for how we respond.
No matter how we talk about the refugee crisis, responding is necessary. Sometimes, being so far north in Minnesota makes us feel removed from the situation. But, there are ways we can be involved that will make a difference.
That’s why we’ve invited Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to Nokomis Heights on September 8. When it comes to immigrants and refugees, LIRS is on the front lines. They petition the government for more humane policies regarding matriculation, provide services such as employment coaching, legal aid, education, and advocacy, and help refugees resettle within our borders. They’ll join us to help us understand what’s really going on at the borders, and give us opportunities to act.
The Bible is clear about immigrants and refugees, so our response should be simple: welcome the stranger. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament point us toward hospitality for the outsider. As Hebrews 13 suggests, you never know when we might be entertaining angels unaware.
Will we welcome them, or will we turn our backs? As a church, my hope is that we do all we can to err on the side of grace and welcome them in.
See you at Nokomis Heights!
Pastor Marla
