Give
Refugee and Immigrant Ministry

Refugee and Immigrant Ministries FAQs

People bearing His image, every one of them as dearly loved by Him as we are (Genesis 1:27,28), from every nation and virtually every people group.

 

We have more in common than we have differences.

 

Many are already our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Others do not yet know Him, but God has brought them into proximity with us as believers “that they might seek Him…and perhaps find Him.” (Acts 17:26, 27)

A refugee has fled FROM persecution and violence on the basis of their religion, their ethnicity or nationality, or their political opinion.


Immigrants today, very much like immigrants throughout the history of our nation, are moving TOWARD something such as:

 

• Freedom of religion
• Family already here
• Work opportunities
• Better education

 

It’s important to note that God sees us not as “us” and “them” but all as “US.”

  • God’s transforming work as He builds His church!
  • Authentically welcoming and loving persons from other nations in our communities demonstrates our love for Christ, and deepens our relationship with Him.
  • As we obey the Great Commandment by loving these new neighbors as we do ourselves, the Lord surprises us with Great Commission opportunities!
  • Developing relationships with our neighbors may have ripple effects as they maintain connections with family and friends in their country of origin.
  • God’s ultimate purpose: persons from every tribe, tongue and nation worshipping the Lamb together – the culmination of all human history! (Rev. 7: 9, 10)

Jesus taught that our attitudes and actions toward the stranger reveal our true attitude toward Him, with eternal consequences! (Matthew 25: 34-46)


So, what should our attitudes and actions toward them look like? It begins with an earnest desire to understand and to care for them.


“Understanding a person’s suffering is essential to having a God- honoring relationship to others.” – Paul David Tripp

  • Spiritual: First and foremost, their most important need is the same as ours – whether they know it yet or not – a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • We all respond best to the gospel in the context of genuinely caring friendships with believers (such as you!)
  • Relational needs: Recent arrivals from other countries are grieving the family and friends they had to leave behind, and are eager for authentic new friendships, especially with those who do not understand the culture of their new homeland, as you do.
  • God uses simple one-on one friendships to build His church and His kingdom! Will you ask the Lord to provide the opportunity for you to come alongside one refugee or immigrant to develop a mutually caring relationship?
  • Since the federal government has paused funding for resettlement services in our country, many refugees who have arrived in the past 90 days are in URGENT need of food, warm clothing, sustainable housing, and household basics, as well as assistance in locating and connecting with crucial resources such as medical care, English classes, jobs, etc.
  • Your church could be the hands and feet of Christ to one or more of these refugee families! Contact your local refugee resettlement agency today to see how you can help a family. Or contact your state refugee office: https://acf.gov/orr/grant-funding/key-state- contacts
  • English! – Most refugees and immigrants are eager to learn! MNA ESL offers great training for starting a church English as a Second Language (ESL) program! Both online and in-person trainings are available….Qualificatio s? Speak English and love Jesus! https://pcamna.org/ministry/esl-ministries/
  • Hospitality! Welcome them into your home, and accept invitations into theirs! Reciprocal hospitality shows mutual respect and builds authentic friendships that provide the perfect environment for sharing our faith.

Ask God to open your eyes to see the refugee and immigrant near you!

  • Other tangible needs:
    • Food staples and produce
    • Furniture
    • Clothing
    • Household supplies
    • Bus tickets or Lyft cards
    • Grocery or discount store gift cards
    • A smart phone for someone in the household
    • A tablet or laptop
  • Other practical help:
    • Transportation to appointments, ESL classes, job interviews,
      etc.
    • Help them learn their way around the neighborhood
    • Introduction to good places to shop, including thrift stores
      and discount stores
    • Driving lessons
    • Computer lessons
    • Help applying for jobs, practicing interview skills
    • Help understanding paperwork from job or school
    • Help going through mail to discern what’s important vs. junk
      mail
    • Help making appointments
    • Teach the difference between buying organic and non-
      organic foods
    • Teach parenting skills, teach nutritional principles and/or
      budgeting skills

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

- Galatians 6:2

Still have questions?  Contact us!

We are here to help you and your church find ways to engage with those the Lord has intentionally brought within your circle of influence…your calling!

 

Angela Pacey
Director of MNA Refugee and Immigrant Ministry
apacey@pcanet.org
704-516-9171

Cultivating Kingdom Advancement through the PCA in North America

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Twitter Youtube
Give
© Created by Highest Good Media
All rights Reserved