Two of the largest cities in the U.S. currently experiencing a migrant crisis are within the Atlantic Union territory: New York City and Boston. Many smaller cities in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have also recently become home to refugees from Venezuela, Ukraine, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, the Congo, and Afghanistan, to name a few countries.
In some places, the situation is dire. Massachusetts is the only state with a “right to shelter” law that guarantees temporary housing to families in need if they meet specific criteria. In October 2023, as colder temperatures settled in, Governor Maura Healey announced that the state’s emergency shelter system was reaching capacity and would no longer be able to guarantee shelter for newly-arriving migrants. New York City has a similar right-to-shelter mandate. In May 2023, Mayor Eric Adams requested a temporary suspension of its requirements as the city deals with record numbers of asylum seekers.
A DIVINE OPPORTUNITY
The needs can seem overwhelming, “But man’s extremity is God’s opportunity”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 145. God specializes in turning curses into blessings, and this migrant crisis is not beyond His purview. Many of God’s chosen leaders—Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Jesus —were refugees, asylum seekers, even victims of human trafficking. During the time of the early rain of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God used migrants “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5) to carry the glad tidings of a risen Savior to the “uttermost parts of the inhabited world” (p. 48). God is now prepared to pour out His Spirit even more lavishly than He did then. And now, as then, He plans for migrants to be among His honored ambassadors to spread the light of salvation to parts of the world that are beyond our reach.
“God, in His providence, has brought men [women, and children] to our very doors, and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth [of God’s love], and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light to men [women, and children] of other tongues”—Christian Service, p. 200.
“If we were quick in discerning the opening providences of God, we should be able to see in the multiplying opportunities to reach many foreigners in America a divinely appointed means of rapidly extending the third angel’s message into all the nations of the earth”—The Review and Herald, October 29, 1914.
But for these migrants to become missionaries, they must experience God’s love in action. Here is where we, as individuals, churches, conferences, schools, and ministries, can help.
NINE WAYS TO WELCOME GOD’S MIGRANT MISSIONARIES-IN-THE-MAKING
1. PRAY.
Ask God to help you see migrants and refugees through His eyes, and ask Him to lead you to those in need of His love. Trust that He knows the souls and groups seeking Him, and by seeking His guidance, He will direct you to make a positive impact.
2. LEARN ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MIGRANT/REFUGEE POPULATIONS AND THEIR FELT NEEDS.
Look up local refugee resettlement agencies online. Inquire about incoming people groups and ways to assist in their welcome. Explore ethnic restaurants catering to these groups, taste their food, learn greetings, and inquire about their culture and experiences in America. Reach out to a representative from a refugee/migrant community or resettlement agency; invite them to present to your church or school.
3. MEET THE NEEDS YOU SEE, ESPECIALLY THOSE THEY SHARE WITH YOU.
Avoid assuming refugees only need clothing; inquire about specific needs such as rice cookers, prayer rugs, or shelter. Directly ask how to help and be attentive to social, emotional, and spiritual needs. For many families, continuing their children’s education is paramount. Providing Adventist education for refugee and migrant children is a wonderful way to set a positive trajectory.
4. CONNECT WITH RESPECT.
Observe and acknowledge strengths, abilities, and positive traits while assessing needs. Be a loving Christian, both sharing and accepting hospitality. Discuss cultural manners and hospitality practices. Most refugees and migrants desire to be producers and not mere consumers. Assist them in utilizing, sharing, and monetizing their skills. Look for ways to foster opportunities for skills training in your school or church.
5. CARE ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL, AND EVEN LEGAL NEEDS.
Typically, refugee families receive financial assistance for three months. During that time, the family head is expected to accomplish many things to become self-sufficient and be able to provide for their family. It’s a lot to accomplish in a short time, especially if you don’t know the language or system. Visit a local resettlement agency to understand how to support refugees in their integration to the U.S. Asylum seekers and those with “humanitarian parole” may face more challenges without support or work permission. Offering legal aid can be a valuable way to help them navigate immigration issues and future options.
6. LET GOD GIVE YOU THE COURAGE TO GO OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
Be proactive. “In His contact with men, [Christ] did not ask, What is your creed? To what church do you belong? He exercised His helping power in behalf of all who needed help”—The Desire of Ages, p. 86. It is easiest to help those who look and believe like us or serve those who come to us. Often, the ones most in need are the ones who are not even on our radar! Be proactive in seeking those in need. Avoid just greasing the squeaky wheel.
7. EMPOWER REFUGEE LEADERS TO SERVE THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.
Empower refugee and migrant communities by letting them choose their leaders. Identify, train, and build relationships with individuals respected and trusted within the community. Adapt to different cultural leadership qualities and avoid conflicts by respecting the community’s choices. This principle enhances ministry effectiveness.
8. DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has resources available for refugees and migrants who are not fluent in English. Bibles, sharing books by Ellen G. White, Sabbath School quarterlies, online Bible studies, prayer networks, and much more are available in many refugee languages. In addition, there are church-planting consultants within the Atlantic Union and across the North American Division who can advise and assist with strategic planning, outreach, evangelism, and especially church planting for more than a dozen refugee language groups. (See below for a list of resources.)
9. GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR WHAT HE DOES!
“There is a great work before us. The world is to be warned. The truth is to be translated into many languages, that all nations may enjoy its pure, life-giving influence. This work calls for the exercise of all the talents that God has intrusted to our keeping,—the pen, the press, the voice, the purse, and the sanctified affections of the soul. Christ has made us ambassadors to make known His salvation to the children of men; and if we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace”—The Review and Herald, October 29, 1914.
RESOURCES
ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
www.atlantic-union.org
• Haitian and African Ministries
(978) 368-8333, ext. 3012
Jose Joseph, vice president, jjoseph@atlanticunion.org
• Hispanic and Portuguese Ministries
(978) 368-8333, ext. 3015
Henry Beras, vice president hberas@atlanticunion.org
NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION
www.nadadventist.org
• Multilingual Ministries
(443) 391-7263
Minervino Labrador Jr., vice president
multilingual@nadadventist.org
• Adventist Refugee & Immigrant Ministries
(608) 443-6575
Terri Saelee, coordinator, terrisaelee@nadadventist.org
• Adventist Muslim Relations (423) 994-8300
Gabriela Phillips, coordinator, gabrielaphillips@nadadventist.org
RESOURCE MATERIALS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
