During this brief time back home in America, I've repeatedly encountered issues related to immigration. For example, at Walmart, I have encountered employees who are unable to assist me due to language barriers, with some not speaking English at all. This raises concerns not only for everyday interactions but also for situations where clear communication is crucial, such as emergencies.
The issue of immigration has long sparked debate, especially with the rise of immigrants from Islamic nations whose cultures are in direct opposition to our way of life, as well as the alarming influx of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, raising valid concerns about these issues frequently leads to being labeled as a bigot or racist. Before any such accusations arise against me, I want to clarify my position. My aim is not to promote hatred or division but to address a pressing issue from a place of genuine concern.
For nearly eleven years, I've traveled worldwide to serve and help young people in various nations. My experiences living in other countries have taught me the importance of learning another nation's language and adapting to its culture. Wherever I go, I make it a priority to embrace and respect the local customs to ensure that my presence harmonizes with their ways of life.
Our nation's history is deeply intertwined with immigration, even before conception. Throughout our past, leaders recognized the need for a balanced approach to managing the flow of newcomers. This understanding led Congress, under President Calvin Coolidge, to enact the Immigration Act of 1924, which established an annual cap of 150,000 legal immigrants and introduced quotas based on national origins. Its purpose was to regulate immigration while helping newcomers integrate into American society.
Today, however, many fail to grasp the importance of maintaining limits and determining who should and should not be welcomed into our nation. Even more troubling is that so little is being done to address these concerns. We cannot afford to be passive; inaction itself is a choice—one that risks the unraveling of our nation.
History proves that no country can survive without a shared language, common values, and a unified culture. The growing influx of immigrants from so many diverse backgrounds, without adequate assimilation, threatens to weaken the core principles that have traditionally united us: Biblical authority, English language, and long-standing customs. As language barriers grow, communication difficulties and misunderstandings increase. This fragmentation breeds confusion and fear, eroding the trust that binds together our communities. Without a common identity, our stability to connect and cooperate diminishes, weakening the very essence of who we are.
Therefore, we must address these challenges with compassion, prudence, and common sense to preserve our nation's identity and stability. Sadly, in the past eight years under both the Biden and Trump administrations, at least 17 million immigrants have settled in the United States. Since neither Republican nor Democratic government officials are likely to seek a solution to the immigration crisis, we must ask ourselves: How should the Church—Christians across the nation—respond to the millions of migrants pouring into our country?
For a long time, the Church has struggled with obeying Christ's Great Commission. Many Christians have not forsaken the comforts of home and family for Jesus' name to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. As a result, God is bringing the world to us.
We must confront some hard truths: we need to repent of our complacency, our complaints, and the divisive attitudes that sometimes seep into our conversations. We must beg God for a passionate love for all people, regardless of their appearance, language, or mannerisms. Additionally, we must step back and reevaluate how we use our resources. It's time to stop spending money on endless building upgrades that add little value to Christ's Great Commission. Our mission is to preach Jesus Christ to the world, and now that world is right at our doorstep.
Jesus Christ commands us to go and preach the gospel, and we should be driven by this command to actively go and work in reaching souls within our communities. We can't wait for immigrants to seek us out; we must go to them. We must go to the highways and byways, initiating contact and conversations about eternal matters. So many of these immigrants come from regions where Christ's message isn't proclaimed. So, let's bring the gospel directly to their doorsteps in our own neighborhoods. By knocking on doors, sitting down with them at their homes, and sharing the gospel, we can build meaningful relationships and open opportunities for many immigrants to come to know Jesus Christ.
Immigrants think they have come to the United States to find a better life, but the true better life God offers is the abundant life found in Christ Jesus—a relationship with God Almighty. And we are called to help them discover this profound gift of God and eternal hope.
Additionally, we should consider redirecting our church funds and volunteer efforts to establish new immigration centers, similar to homeless shelters, that address both the spiritual and physical needs of immigrants. These centers could provide essential services such as English classes, family support programs, job placement assistance, and help with cultural integration. Such initiatives would not only fill critical gaps left by government services but also open doors for us to build meaningful relationships with immigrants. Through these connections, we can share the gospel and significantly impact their lives.
In facing this complex immigration issue, it is crucial to approach it with a blend of pragmatism and compassion. We must seek practical solutions that honor our nation's values and heritage while addressing the needs of immigrants. Therefore, I am advocating for a balanced approach that aligns with Christ's teachings and national security, ensuring that immigrants are integrated in a manner that upholds our nation's heritage. Doing so can strengthen our society and support those who seek a better life within our borders, helping preserve community integrity.
While immigration presents undeniable challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the Church to make a meaningful impact. By engaging with immigrants respectfully and in line with our national values, we can turn this challenge into a vital opportunity to extend God's love and share the gospel of Christ. Let us rise to this moment with determination, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to both our country and God's command to let the light of Jesus Christ shine. Through our efforts, we can help immigrants discover that true hope and life are found in the Lord Jesus Christ, not a nation.
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The issue of immigration has long sparked debate, especially with the rise of immigrants from Islamic nations whose cultures are in direct opposition to our way of life, as well as the alarming influx of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, raising valid concerns about these issues frequently leads to being labeled as a bigot or racist. Before any such accusations arise against me, I want to clarify my position. My aim is not to promote hatred or division but to address a pressing issue from a place of genuine concern.
For nearly eleven years, I've traveled worldwide to serve and help young people in various nations. My experiences living in other countries have taught me the importance of learning another nation's language and adapting to its culture. Wherever I go, I make it a priority to embrace and respect the local customs to ensure that my presence harmonizes with their ways of life.
Our nation's history is deeply intertwined with immigration, even before conception. Throughout our past, leaders recognized the need for a balanced approach to managing the flow of newcomers. This understanding led Congress, under President Calvin Coolidge, to enact the Immigration Act of 1924, which established an annual cap of 150,000 legal immigrants and introduced quotas based on national origins. Its purpose was to regulate immigration while helping newcomers integrate into American society.
Today, however, many fail to grasp the importance of maintaining limits and determining who should and should not be welcomed into our nation. Even more troubling is that so little is being done to address these concerns. We cannot afford to be passive; inaction itself is a choice—one that risks the unraveling of our nation.
History proves that no country can survive without a shared language, common values, and a unified culture. The growing influx of immigrants from so many diverse backgrounds, without adequate assimilation, threatens to weaken the core principles that have traditionally united us: Biblical authority, English language, and long-standing customs. As language barriers grow, communication difficulties and misunderstandings increase. This fragmentation breeds confusion and fear, eroding the trust that binds together our communities. Without a common identity, our stability to connect and cooperate diminishes, weakening the very essence of who we are.
Therefore, we must address these challenges with compassion, prudence, and common sense to preserve our nation's identity and stability. Sadly, in the past eight years under both the Biden and Trump administrations, at least 17 million immigrants have settled in the United States. Since neither Republican nor Democratic government officials are likely to seek a solution to the immigration crisis, we must ask ourselves: How should the Church—Christians across the nation—respond to the millions of migrants pouring into our country?
For a long time, the Church has struggled with obeying Christ's Great Commission. Many Christians have not forsaken the comforts of home and family for Jesus' name to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. As a result, God is bringing the world to us.
We must confront some hard truths: we need to repent of our complacency, our complaints, and the divisive attitudes that sometimes seep into our conversations. We must beg God for a passionate love for all people, regardless of their appearance, language, or mannerisms. Additionally, we must step back and reevaluate how we use our resources. It's time to stop spending money on endless building upgrades that add little value to Christ's Great Commission. Our mission is to preach Jesus Christ to the world, and now that world is right at our doorstep.
Jesus Christ commands us to go and preach the gospel, and we should be driven by this command to actively go and work in reaching souls within our communities. We can't wait for immigrants to seek us out; we must go to them. We must go to the highways and byways, initiating contact and conversations about eternal matters. So many of these immigrants come from regions where Christ's message isn't proclaimed. So, let's bring the gospel directly to their doorsteps in our own neighborhoods. By knocking on doors, sitting down with them at their homes, and sharing the gospel, we can build meaningful relationships and open opportunities for many immigrants to come to know Jesus Christ.
Immigrants think they have come to the United States to find a better life, but the true better life God offers is the abundant life found in Christ Jesus—a relationship with God Almighty. And we are called to help them discover this profound gift of God and eternal hope.
Additionally, we should consider redirecting our church funds and volunteer efforts to establish new immigration centers, similar to homeless shelters, that address both the spiritual and physical needs of immigrants. These centers could provide essential services such as English classes, family support programs, job placement assistance, and help with cultural integration. Such initiatives would not only fill critical gaps left by government services but also open doors for us to build meaningful relationships with immigrants. Through these connections, we can share the gospel and significantly impact their lives.
In facing this complex immigration issue, it is crucial to approach it with a blend of pragmatism and compassion. We must seek practical solutions that honor our nation's values and heritage while addressing the needs of immigrants. Therefore, I am advocating for a balanced approach that aligns with Christ's teachings and national security, ensuring that immigrants are integrated in a manner that upholds our nation's heritage. Doing so can strengthen our society and support those who seek a better life within our borders, helping preserve community integrity.
While immigration presents undeniable challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the Church to make a meaningful impact. By engaging with immigrants respectfully and in line with our national values, we can turn this challenge into a vital opportunity to extend God's love and share the gospel of Christ. Let us rise to this moment with determination, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to both our country and God's command to let the light of Jesus Christ shine. Through our efforts, we can help immigrants discover that true hope and life are found in the Lord Jesus Christ, not a nation.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
