There are too many people in the world—7
billion—for the resources available, especially since some of us live with
little regard for others. There are too
many places where war threatens and displaces people, and hence migration of
unprecedented proportion is occurring.
The images of people fleeing Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan (the most
prominent exporters of refugees), as well as the Rakhine State in Myanmar, sear
our consciences. What desperate families
go through is unimaginable, and we often turn our gaze.
European and
Scandinavian countries (Christian in heritage) have offered asylum, and they
are finding ways to house and assist the strangers in their midst. I applaud their humanitarian perspective and
willingness to put their national resources at the disposal of concrete
relief. It is complicated, and it will
only grow more so.
Approximately 10.5
million persons are refugees world-wide, and the 2015 US cap is 70,000. This seems to be too few given our land mass,
resources, and social service opportunities—in addition to government
agencies. And then there are the
churches.
It would be a
wonderful Christian witness if each church would sponsor a family. It is an achievable and transformative
action. Welcoming the stranger is at the
very heart of the Gospel. We have all we
need to be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a project. How helpful it would be to listen to the
stories of those who have left home in search of a future story.
Presently there is
a political candidate who spouts venom about deportation and his intent to
build high “keep them out” walls. This
nativist rhetoric is compelling for some who refuse to acknowledge the trauma
convulsing our world. It is a shameful
response to the real exigencies of so many.
The lesson from the
Hebrew Bible for next Sunday recounts the departure of Naomi and Ruth. They are refugees and make their way from
famine to more hospitable environs. Actually,
it was famine that drove Naomi’s family away from their homeland in the first
place.
Ruth and Naomi
understand that their future is more secure if they journey together, and they
creatively hatch a plan that will sustain their livelihood—and participate in
the lineage of the Davidic dynasty--and beyond.
It is a narrative of promise, and it displays the resources available in
communities when trust and receptivity are present.
Central is engaged
with many who have made their way from Myanmar to the US. Karen, Chin, Kachin, and other tribal groups
are moving into US communities, linking arms with Baptist churches, and
establishing their identity in an adopted land.
(I am always astonished that Karen can move from steamy Myanmar to
frosty St. Paul, MN!)
It is time for
congregations to act with welcoming compassion.
We can make a difference and offer families a new horizon of promise.
Molly T. Marshall
Central prepares ministers to craft the future with God.
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