Signora Sheila

As an immigrant myself this issue is close to my heart. I cannot fully identify with refugees or economic immigrants. I did not move out of personal need, but for ministry. I also have dual citizenship. But I understand moving to an foreign country. And we have also worked with refugees here. Even unofficially “adopting” a young Nigerian woman and her baby.

A family of immigrants

I don’t want to get into the issues surrounding the immigration crises, but like many, I am opposed to the illegal entry of unvetted people into a country. I believe that anyone who wishes to enter any country should do so legally, respecting the immigration laws of that nation.

We are an immigrant family. Hubby moved to the USA as a child and then back to Italy as an adult. Our children and I went through the same process, but in reverse.

I understand the struggles and the culture shock. The difficulty of adjusting and adapting. So I cannot help but reach out to them.

Many of the immigrants are young. And when I see them, I think of my son and daughter, both of whom moved back to the States at age the age of 17. I used to wonder if people were looking out for them, lending a hand of help. In fact, that was my constant prayer.

So I reach out to immigrants with a bag of groceries, a cup of coffee, or a winter coat. Or I offer to help with documents or find a place to stay.

By helping them, in my heart it’s as though I am helping my children, when they were on their own for the first time and so far from home. But I also do it because I want to show God’s love.

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 19:33-34

According to statistics there are more immigrants and asylum seekers today than at any time in history. Some estimate that around half of the refugees are children.

Large numbers have arrived in Italy, and many are still here. They all come with great needs: material, financial, and emotional. Many of them literally turn up on our doorstep. And probably on yours, or in your neighborhood.

I don’t claim to understand all the implications of immigration, especially illegal immigration. Or to know the best solutions. But I do know that God wants us to love them as we love ourselves.

Each of them is someone’s child, parent, or spouse. Someone, somewhere might be praying for them. And we could be the answer to those prayers!

5 ways to help immigrants and refugees

These newcomers are in our nations because God has allowed them to come. So let’s see this as a God-given opportunity to share His love and compassion with them! And there are plenty of concrete, useful ways to reach out.

Don’t forget, too, that there are also many students (foreign and not) who are far away from home for their schooling. They need care too!

1. Offer food, clothing, blankets, bikes, etc.

Even one person or family can make a difference. Many of us can afford to buy a bag of groceries or some clothes. A lot of us also have overflowing wardrobes, garages, and attics. So offer some of your gently used items to families or charities in your area. Things like clothes, bedding, furniture, and even bicycles!

2. Open hospitality centers

Overnight centers fill a critical need. But daytime hospitality centers can also be very helpful. Giving people a place to warm up or cool down with coffee, tea, soup and sandwiches. Help with documents or a place to get essentials like soap and toothbrushes. Remember, we can show Christ’s love even with a soup ladle!

3. Offer language and cultural courses

Teaching immigrants the culture and language of their adopted country helps them integrate. And overcome culture shock. And believe me, culture shock is real and very challenging. Look after their children too. Foreign-speaking parents will struggle to help their kids with school work. So offer free tutoring. One key to winning over parents is to love their children!

4. Be their friend and restore their sense of dignity

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts we can give. So don’t just treat them like a charity project, but befriend them. Help them to regain confidence and see themselves as the persons of worth and dignity that they are. Also help them get any counselling the need for PTSD or other difficulties they may be experiencing.

5. Get Bible resources into their hands

Finally, offer the only lasting and eternal hope. Provide Scripture resources. Christ For All Peoples offers the Jesus Movie in many languages. Faith Comes By Hearing (Bible.is) has dramatized audio Bibles in 1471 languages and gospel films in over 800 languages. Creation to Christ offers free downloads of powerful gospel videos in many languages.

Your next door neighbor?

Finally, offer the only lasting and eternal hope available. Provide Scripture resources. Christ For All Peoples offers the Jesus movie in many languages. Faith Comes By Hearing (Bible.is) has dramatized audio Bibles in 1471 languages. And Gospel films in over 800 languages. Creation to Christ offers free downloads of powerful gospel videos in many languages.

Your next door neighbor?

Immigrants or refugees may be living in your neighborhood. Seek out your new neighbors-from afar-and reach out to them. Put yourself in their shoes. They are scared and confused, unable to speak the language. Reach out, meet them, and give them the helping hand you would want if you were in their situation.

You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll probably be surprised at the enrichment it brings to your life!

Video via Gospel Frontier Missions.

📷 Image credits: menu; blankets; sandwiches; words; bible is mine