Montgomery Mixtec Task Force Coordinator
Alabama has more than 160,000 foreign-born residents from all over the world, including 65,000 undocumented immigrants. Acts 17:26–28 says God determines the times and places where people live so they can reach out and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. As followers of Jesus who are “sent” to the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, have we considered what God might be doing in this present hour in sending the nations to us? Are we seeing ourselves as missionaries? Here are some ways to minister to the nations next door:
Pray. Ask God where He is working and who your neighbors are. Then ask Him to change your heart. Humble yourselves.
Study Scripture. Submit to a biblical perspective about how we should love immigrants (Lev. 19:33–34; Matt. 22:34–40).
Map. Investigate your community. Go to ethnic restaurants and grocery stores and ask questions. Peoplegroups.info is a good tool.
Identify resources. What resources exist in your own congregation to minister to immigrants?
Develop a plan. Find one thing that works and commit to it — English as a Second Language classes, immigration workshops, tutoring programs, apartment outreaches/Bible studies, sports ministry, community celebrations — all of these are platforms to build relationships.
Partner with others. We cannot do this alone. Connect with your local association and other ministries and community organizations.
Persevere. Suffer for the sake of the gospel (Phil. 3:10–11). This work will not be easy but God will get the glory and you will receive much joy.
Listen then advocate. Hear immigrant stories and then be a voice for them and identify/partner with them in their struggles.
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