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Christianity Today, May (Web-only), 2009 |

When the Stranger Knocks

The influx of immigrants to the U.S. means a new mission field for churches, says World Relief's Jenny Hwang.

Interview by Katelyn Beaty | posted 5/11/2009 10:03AM

When Jenny Hwang first began working at World Relief in Baltimore, she wasn't sure she even believed what the relief arm of the National Association of Evangelicals was teaching about domestic immigration ...

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IBMMuseum

Posted: May 19, 2009 4:32 PM


Who Would Jesus Deport? WWJD? The same acronym from which we use to guide our daily lives... Leviticus 19:34: "But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself"

James Johnson

Posted: May 12, 2009 2:56 PM

My church started an after-school tutoring center in the heart of an immigrant community in Orange County, CA. I and other volunteers began working with these children and created a college prep program. Some time later, I learned that many of the brightest kids were also undocumented. I was something like a youth pastor to them, but they taught me what faith looks like. Everyday, they get up, go to school and continue to believe that God and maybe even our government will allow them to do something meaningful with their lives. One of my former students graduated from Biola University and will graduate with her MA/ MFT in two weeks from Chapman. Another young man is working on a Master's degree in Student Development in Higher Education at Long Beach State. These two friends are very grateful for the blessings that they have received, and prayerful for the DREAM Act to pass so that they can get on with their lives. When it comes to Matt 25, I'm a literalist.

AP	Posted: May 12, 2009 1:13 PM


Bruce- You asked who in our american culture is more like the least of these than immigrants? Answer: babies that are about to be aborted

Stone Mason

Posted: May 12, 2009 2:45 AM

This is an amazing, smart, and heart-felt interview that sheds much-needed light on a topic where Christian principles are often not in discussion. Welcoming the Stranger does not have to come at the expense of the rule of law. Kudos to Jenny Hwang and her new book in bringing truth to the immigration debate. I hope all Christians read it and are empowered by the truth about immigration and the need for the Gospel message to reach people from all nations and cultures.

Bruce L

Posted: May 12, 2009 12:30 AM

I think that when undocumented immigrants are picked up here, they should be checked out, if they are not criminals they should be given a work permit. We should be issuing more work permits in Mexico as we need their help as well as others. What I don't understand is why a false SS# doesn't get red flagged immediately if it is a number that has never been issued it should just jump out. When ever someone is born, becomes a citizen or green card they get a SS#. If someone chose my # I believe that I would get audited when I file my income tax because I would not have 1099's or W 2 for their earnings. Either something is wrong with the system, someone is not doing their job or our government is just hording their money. If they were issued work permits we would know who they are, where they are and what they are doing, they could pay taxes on what they earned while here, and if they had a refund coming they could file for that. We would be better off and so would they.

Bruce Norquist

Posted: May 11, 2009 9:52 PM


This is a compelling interview that focuses our eyes beyond the demonization of a large people group. If we are to truly become like Christ, we need to get beyond our stereotypes. This interview unveils the human face on a marginalized people group. Who in our American culture is more like the "least of these" than the undocumented immigrant?

Lindy Scott

Posted: May 11, 2009 9:20 PM


Thanks for letting Jenny Hwang express her opinions. Her convictions are well thought out, full of passion and compassion, and resonate with the gospel of Christ.

John G.

Posted: May 11, 2009 4:35 PM

In the late 80s, some undocumented immigrants from Mexico started attending the church I was a part of at the time. I don't believe it was by chance, because I speak Spanish, and was able to develop a ministry among them. The presence of internationals among us opens up great opportunities for outreach at a tiny fraction of the cost of equipping and sending missionaries (not that we ought to stop doing that). While we don't need to endorse their illegality, we ought to realize that they need to hear the gospel.

http://ketch22.wordpress.com

Posted: May 11, 2009 4:13 PM


Nice generalization Charitas! Way to go fellow Christian! I am honored to consider you among my brethren. Who are these people? Creations of God.

Charitas

Posted: May 11, 2009 3:05 PM

"When the Stranger Knocks" ... These strangers don't knock they just walk right in. Front door, back door, windows; it doesn't matter. Not so much as a "please" or "thank you" and don't hold your breath for an "I'm sorry". Who are these people? Don't bother asking because the answer will be a lie (no such name or number unless the ID was stolen). There is nothing to discuss until we can get past the audacity.

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