Immigration

Immigration has, once again (and as it often does), become an inescapable topic of public discussion across North America.    

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99

- Reckless Love, Cory Asbury

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” - John 21:15

I experienced amazing Middle Eastern hospitality in my late twenties and early thirties in Sierra Leone and the West Bank. Once I was welcomed home, I became a friend for life. Meals there consisted of delicious delicacies for twice as many people as were invited. Especially as a single woman, they took extra care to keep an eye on me. I knew if I had any questions or problems, one phone call could solve almost all my challenges. My problems became their problems. In the West Bank, I was there as a two-week consultant.

The waxing and waning reports of people crossing our southern border bring to mind the times I have cared for children in resiliency centers in Texas and Afghan children at Fort Bliss. Why did I do that? 

Lured by Catherine the Great’s promises of farmland in Russia and freedom from military service for 200 years, my ancestors emigrated from Germany. As is so often the case in world history, the promise of land was not upheld so they settled in German communities west of the Volga River.

We’ve received this question from folks a lot recently. In answering this question, there are a few things we should consider, including the historical context of asylum, what the Bible says about immigrants, and different ways Christians can engage with the issue of immigration.

Historical Context

Asylum is a form of legal protection that allows people fearing persecution or harm in their native country to remain in the United States. Asylum seekers can apply for this protection from within the country or at a port of entry.

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas - Psalm 65:5

Ontario to see higher numbers of economic immigrants under federal agreement

Ontario is set to double the number of economic immigrants it welcomes to the province under an agreement with the federal government to boost the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

Jenny Yang has been on the long journey advocating for just immigration policy for over 15 years. As the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Policy with World Relief she shares her experience speaking with Christians about immigration reform, talking with her kids about race, and how a speaking opportunity in Amish country led to mutual mind changing.

Let the King of my heart be the wind inside my sails and the anchor in the waves. - King of My Heart

"Now, for good friends to cheer us, for seasonal weather to envelop us, for good work to engage us, we give You thanks."  - An Evening Prayer Neal Plantinga