Length of film: Approximately 40 minutes • Languages: English, Spanish (Subtitles)
The Evangelical Immigration Table is excited to share this film discussion guide with you as a way for
churches, small groups, and individuals to engage with the various issues surrounding immigration and
the Christian response to immigrants in America.
Many Christians are already involved in ministry with immigrants, but have questions about our broken
immigration system, the economics of immigration, and biblical teaching on the subject.
The Evangelical Immigration Table’s short documentary The Stranger highlights different pieces of this
complex issue to help spark conversation, discussion, and reflection about why and how we should work
to reform our nation’s immigration laws.
The Stranger documents three stories of people across the country suffering under our broken immigration system. Religious and business leaders also shed light on the economic impact of immigration reform and how restoring the rule of law will strengthen America.
To learn more about The Stranger, please visit www.thestrangerfilm.org.
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Dear friends,
Immigration is one of the most complex and controversial issues of our time. There are more than 40 million immigrants living in the United States, with an estimated 11.5 million of them present unlawfully. But immigration is not simply an issue for our society—it is also an
issue within the Church. Many immigrants, including many without legal status, have joined local churches across the United States; they
are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Many Christians find themselves in the tension between the desire to love and welcome immigrants and the obligation to uphold the law.
How can believers sort through this complex issue? How should Christians respond with both compassion and justice where God has
placed us?
The Stranger, written and directed by Emmy award-winning producer Linda Midgett, helps to provide answers to some of these difficult
questions. The documentary chronicles three immigrant stories, highlights biblical teachings related to immigrants, and addresses some
common economic and political misconceptions about immigration.
You will meet an immigrant single mother working to provide for her four children while living in fear that she could be separated from
them; a recent college graduate who may need to take in her minor siblings if her parents are deported; and an immigrant family who has
gone through dramatic financial and emotional trials as they try to work their way through the labyrinth of U.S. immigration law.
You will hear from evangelical pastors and leaders on what the Bible says about immigrants and the missional opportunities that immigration presents to the Church. You will also learn about economic impact of immigration from businesspeople and economists.
Peeling back all the layers, the core message of the film is simple: the immigration issue is fundamentally about people—human beings
whom Scripture tells us are made in God’s image and for whom Jesus Christ died. Many are already our brothers and sisters in Christ, and
their suffering compels us to action.
My colleagues at the Evangelical Immigration Table and I want to share The Stranger’s stories and message with as many people as we
can. We need your help. If you haven’t already done so, please visit www.thestrangerfilm.org and watch the trailer.
Next, we invite you to join us in attending a showing of “The Stranger” film happening nationwide or sign up to host a screening. We will
provide you a free DVD or digital download for you to screen, whether for hundreds of people at a public screening or just for a few in the
privacy of your home, office, or church. You can register your screening and find additional resources at www.thestrangerfilm.org
If you’ve already signed up to host a screening—thank you!
The Evangelical Immigration Table and its member organizations thank you for making time and effort to learn about immigration from a
biblical perspective. We hope this discussion guide to accompany The Stranger will help you and your small group engage in lively conversations about the topic and take the next steps to stand up for the immigrants in our country.
In Christ,
Matthew Soerens
Matthew Soerens is the Field Director of the Evangelical Immigration Table and U.S. Church Training Specialist for World Relief. He is the
co-author, with Jenny Yang, of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate .
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This film guide highlights The Evangelical Immigration
Table’s new short documentary release, The Stranger—
complete with a recap of the film’s sections, discussion questions, and helpful information for small
groups. You can find more information about how to
host a film screening and how to share this powerful
film with your church, family, and friends at
www.thestrangerfilm.org.
Few experiences can expose us to dynamic, complex
issues as films do. Vivid images and narrative enable
us to share a person’s story, connecting us to other
human beings in a way that public policy articles cannot. Talking about immigration can be difficult, but
watching a film can provide opportunities to discuss
the important biblical perspective that is often overlooked in the debate.
We invite you to be a part of informing fellow Christians about the realities of our broken immigration
system and those who suffer because of it—and about
the biblical call to welcome the stranger in our midst.
Hosting a screening of The Stranger provides an opportunity to discuss a politically divisive issue in a nonthreatening and Scripturally-focused environment.
Hosting a discussion after the film, which allows people to process, share, and act on what they saw, is a
great way to educate yourself and your community
about the need for changing the story on immigration
in America.
Screenings can be held in your church building or with
a group of friends in your home. The discussion can be
moderated or simply informal. Think about your resources and comfort level and design a screening that
works for you.
1. Choose a date and time. Keep in mind the church calendar and other regularly occurring events.
2. Advertise and invite. Get the word out to folks you
would like to attend.
3. Share leadership. Consider inviting staff from a local
nonprofit organization that serves immigrants or a
pastor of an immigrant congregation to help lead the
discussion. Ask for help from friends and colleagues in
setting up, hosting, and cleanup.
You can download or request a copy of The Stranger at
www.thestrangerfilm.org.
4. Dress rehearsal: Be sure to test all the equipment
you are planning to use (Computer, speakers, projector, screen, microphones, etc.).
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Immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time. Yet, if opinion polls are accurate, few Christians have ever considered
the issue as one for which our faith should guide our response. Those who do take Scripture into account often find themselves torn
between the desire to uphold laws and the call to minister to the vulnerable. The Stranger seeks to equip American evangelicals for a
biblical response to immigrants and immigration in America.
Two important trends set the foundation for discussing The Stranger.
The first is the fact that immigrants are transforming the Church in the United States. Immigrant congregations are growing faster than
any other segment of evangelical churches. As National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson says, “Church historians
will look back to the beginning of the 21st century and say that immigrants saved American Christianity from decline. And they will observe that Hispanics were the majority and epicenter of that historic renewal.” How does the Church respond to this?
The second key trend is that, while we might disagree on the political specifics of achieving a just and compassionate immigration policy, there is general consensus that our current immigration system does not adequately respect our values, benefit our economy, or
uphold our national security. A broken immigration system puts families at risk of separation, exposes workers to exploitation, and
prevents many individuals from realizing their God-given potential. How does the Church speak to these concerns and to our lawmakers?
The stories you’ve just heard in The Stranger are real. So are the people and their struggles with our broken immigration system.
Through Maria, Liuan, and the Stewarts you now have faces, names, and stories of hardship, hard work, and hope that will stay with you
for many days to come.
Perhaps you heard something in The Stranger that resonated with you—an experience or feeling that you’ve had yourself or that someone you love has had.
Let’s talk about the film. Our rhetoric must be informed by more than politics, but most importantly by the gospel and by God’s mission. We are grateful that you will join us in this important discussion. Together, let’s unpack the challenges, hopes, and fears that it
brings to the fore, with the hope that we will understand immigration in America—what drives it, what it looks like today, and how we can
intervene to help advocate for immigration reform consistent with biblical values.
Let participants know that they are in a safe and confidential space. Encourage those present to honor one another by promising to
keep what’s shared during the discussion within the confines of the room.
Emphasize the importance of trust and a humble spirit. Caution participants against harboring a judgmental spirit against others
whose opinions and experiences might differ from their own..
Next, ask everyone in the group to introduce themselves—give their name, what it is that they “do” (as a career, as a calling, as a vocation, or for a living), and where they live.
As you open the floor for a conversation about immigration in the United States, we’ve provided the following conversation starters
that we hope will help facilitate an open and honest exchange of ideas and experiences.
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The film opens with local pastors and national evangelical leaders introducing a biblical perspective on immigration and policy reform.
Dr. Barrett Duke of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention reflects “I know when I first started thinking about [immigration], I related to it mostly as an offended citizen,” but that “then I was challenged to ask myself not so
much how I would think about this in terms of being a citizen but how I would think about this in terms of being a Christian.”
“That drove me to the Bible,” Dr. Duke says.
We are also introduced to three compelling immigrants stories profiled in the film. Maria, Liuan and the Stewarts are not strangers, but
our brothers and sisters in Christ.
During this opening segment, several Bible verses appear on screen. Scripture speaks emphatically on how we are to treat the immigrants in our midst. The Hebrew word, ger, which is translated “foreigner” or “immigrant,” appears 92 separate times in the Old Testament. Here are a few examples of Bible passages that might inform our thinking about this topic:
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The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you (Exodus 12:49 NIV).
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Don’t mistreat or oppress an immigrant, because you were once immigrants in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21 CEB).
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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 ESV).
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He enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing. That means you must also love
immigrants because you were immigrants in Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:18-19).
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The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked (Psalm
146:9 NIV).
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No, if you truly reform your ways and your actions; if you treat each other justly; if you stop taking advantage of the immigrant,
orphan, or widow; if you don’t shed the blood of the innocent in this place, or go after other gods to your own ruin, only then will I
dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave long ago to your ancestors for all time (Jeremiah 7:5-7 CEB).
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor, and do not plot evil in your hearts against one another
(Zechariah 7:10 HCSB).
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“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud
laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not
fear me,” says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:5 NIV).
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In the New Testament, we are called to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrew 13:2). Jesus also tells His followers that how they
treat a “stranger” is in fact how they treat Himself (Matthew 25:33-45). We also are clearly commanded to “be subject to the
governing authorities” that God has established (Romans 13:1); while not a passage about immigration specifically, this is certainly a relevant teaching in our context, when many immigrants are present unlawfully and many employers have hired individuals without authorization. Scripture guides us to advocate for legislative solutions that are both welcoming toward immigrants
and which respect and restore the rule of law.
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If not native to America, where did you or your ancestors immigrate from? Do you have an immigrant story of your own or
know the stories of your ancestors’ migration?
Do you know of any immigrants in your church, workplace, or neighborhood? Do you know their immigrant stories? If not,
how can you learn more about their journeys to America?
What are some reasons that thousands of people immigrate to the US every year, lawfully or unlawfully?
Has your Church addressed the biblical passages pertaining to immigrants and immigration? If not, what might be an appropriate way to begin a discussion on the topic with a small group or your local church?
Have you ever considered that many of the characters within the narrative of Scripture were themselves immigrants, crossing borders for a variety of reasons? How many characters in the Bible can you think of who were immigrants, and what circumstances does Scripture tell us motivated their migration?
How do you think we can best apply passages that call us to love and welcome immigrants while also abiding by the biblical
commands to respect the rule of law?
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Maria came to the United States at age 16 with her boyfriend. After marrying and having children, her husband becomes abusive.
Maria’s four children are US citizens. They live in fear that their mother, who is residing in the United States unlawfully, will be deported. This is stressful both for Maria and her children. In the midst of a difficult situation, though, Maria has also found the hope of a
relationship with Jesus.
Maria talks about wanting to get right with the law, though there isn’t currently a way for her to do so, short of her leaving her children
and returning to Mexico without knowing when she can come back to the US.
Her pastor, Rev. Derrick Smith, and his wife Meghan, are interviewed in the film. They have been frustrated by the limitations of our
current legal system, which in the vast majority of cases does not provide any possibility for someone who is present unlawfully to
earn legal status. “We hear people talking all the time about how they just need to get in the back of the line with everybody else,”
Meghan says, “[but] there is no line.”
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What emotional and spiritual effect might being undocumented have on someone? As a parent? A spouse? A student? A child?
What are some practical needs of immigrants upon arriving in the States and throughout the process of settling down here?
What practical obstacles (language barriers, finding working, interacting with others in their communities, interacting with law
enforcement, finding a place to worship, etc.) may confront those who immigrate either legally or illegally to the US?
What do you think that you would do if you were in Maria’s situation?
If you were in the position of Derrick or Meghan, the pastor and his wife who have befriended Maria and her family, how would you
respond to their situation?
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In this section, Pastor Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesus, who pastors a large Assemblies of God church in Chicago, and Dr. Barrett Duke, vice
president for public policy and research for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, discuss various
dynamics of importance as American Christians consider their response to immigration.
On one hand, immigration accounts for some of the most dramatic growth within evangelical churches in the United States in recent
years. In many denominations and local churches, in fact, immigrants and their children account for the only net growth. This happens
both as immigrants who are already believers enter the country (legally and illegally) and join local churches, but also as local churches
reach out to newcomers to their community who are not yet believers, sharing the hope of the gospel. Immigration presents an opportunity to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) right in our own communities.
As more and more immigrants join local churches, though, the Church is being forced to wrestle with the complex realities faced by the
immigrants who are now our brothers and sisters in Christ. When one part of the Body suffers, Scripture tells us, every part suffers with
it (1 Corinthians 12:12), so all believers—even those who may not worship alongside immigrants every Sunday—are connected to this issue.
While celebrating the reality that more and more people are becoming followers of Jesus as a result of immigration, both Pastor Choco
and Dr. Duke are also clear that the rule of law must be respected as we consider immigration issues. They draw the distinction between
the immigration reforms that they advocate—which would include penalties for those who have violated immigration laws and would create a process by which qualifying immigrants could then earn legal status and citizenship—and amnesty, which would be simply ignoring
and forgiving the violation of the law, which both believe is not the best solution.
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Have you noticed the growth of the church in your community among immigrants? If so, what examples have you noticed? If not,
why do you think the growth of immigrant congregations is often “off the radar” of non-immigrant evangelical Christians?
How could you seize the opportunity to “make disciples of all nations” in your community?
In what ways do you think that the immigrant believers might be a blessing to the Church in the United States?
What is your definition of amnesty? What is the dictionary definition, and how do you think this compares to recent proposals for
immigration reform?
Some in our society tend to think about violations of immigration law in a distinct way from other violations of law, but the reality is
that most of us have violated one law or another at some point; can you think of any examples of laws that you may have violated?
What were the consequences? Do you think there is ever a role for grace in the enforcement of law?
In terms of public policy possibilities, how do you think we can best reconcile Romans 13’s commands to be subject to governing
authorities with commands to extend love and welcome to immigrants?
NOTE: For a more in depth information on the legislation currently under consideration in Congress, see the additional resources section
at the end.
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Liuan immigrated to the US from China at age 3 with her parents under her father’s student visa. Liuan was able to become a Lawful Permanent Resident along with her father when he was sponsored by an employer for an employer-sponsored visa, and eventually Liuan went
on to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her mom, however, missed that opportunity: because Liuan’s parents divorced, she was not eligible for a green card when her daughter and ex-husband were, and she became undocumented.
After her parents divorced, Liuan’s mom remarried and had two children, both of whom are US citizens. Despite the immigration legal
status issues faced by her mother and step-father, Liuan describes her childhood as pretty typical for an American family. As a teenager,
Liuan was invited by a friend to church: there, she became a Christian. Eventually, she was able to help lead her parents, who had grown
up as atheists in Communist China, to Jesus as well.
Some years later, when Liuan was in college, her family’s life was dramatically disrupted when both her mother and step-father were informed that they were facing deportation orders. Liuan’s stepfather was detained in an immigrant detention center for several months
before ultimately being deported back to China. Her mother spent years and significant sums of money trying to stay lawfully in the United States to be able to support their children. In the midst of this challenge, Liuan contemplates the possibility of taking in her younger
siblings, should her mother also be deported. She sees the emotional impact on her younger brother and sister, ages 9 and 7 at the time
that their father is detained, as they are separated from their father and face the uncertainty of being separated from their mother or
having to move to a foreign country.
In the midst of this challenging situation for her family, Liuan finds comfort and support from her local church, which prays for and with
her. She trusts in God to provide for her family.
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Detention and deportation policies impact many more individuals than just the immigrants: as Liuan’s story illustrates, many American citizens are affected as well. Do you know anyone who has been deported, or anyone who has been affected by the deportation of
a family member or friend?
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Between July 2010 and September 2012, more than 200,000 parents of U.S. citizens were deported, and parents of U.S. citizen children continue to be deported every day. Some of these children end up in foster care situations; others may live with an extended
family member; others go with their deported parent(s) to their country of origin; how do you think that each of these circumstances
affects these children?
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What do you know about the immigrant detention system in the U.S.? Do you think that the taxpayer funds used to detain immigrants like Liuan’s step-father who are awaiting removal hearings—which average of $122 per day, per immigrant—are money well
spent or that better alternatives should be considered?
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How can churches/small groups create a safe environment where people can share about their immigration hardships and receive
encouragement, support, and prayer?
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What stereotypes do we have about immigrants in general? How have these stereotypes been challenged (or affirmed) by the stories in the film?
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Virtually all economists agree that immigration has had a net positive impact on the economy of the United States, though not all Americans are aware of this fact. While immigrants (with or without legal status) do bring some costs to the federal, state, and local government, they also contribute in various ways, including, in most cases, as taxpayers (despite the common misperception that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes). Various studies have found that immigrants’ contributions outweigh the costs associated with their
presence. While Jesus instructs us to trust Him rather than worrying about the basic economic realities of what we will eat, drink, and
wear (Matthew 6:25), it certainly is comforting to know that embracing immigrants is both biblically faithful and—for the average American, at least—in our own economic interest.
The economic and fiscal benefits of immigration would be greater still, though, if Congress were to reform our immigration laws. Economists find that the currently stalled reforms to our immigration policies would boost Americans’ earnings overall and help reduce the
federal deficit.
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director of the Congressional Budget office under President George W. Bush says, “Immigration reform can mean a
better future for all of Americans.”
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What are some businesses that you support or rely upon that depend on or heavily utilize an immigrant work force?
Were you surprised by the fact that unlawful immigration has had a net beneficial effect on the US economy? In what ways do immigrants, lawfully and unlawfully present, contribute to the US economy and society?
Many Christian economists think that passing immigration reform is a question of being good stewards of the resources that God
has entrusted to us—what do you think of that argument?
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Bruce Stewart, who taught special intelligence reading to the US military, and his wife, Dianne, a public relations expert, came to the US
on work visas. Their two children came as children and consider themselves more American than South African.
To their surprise and dismay, the “attorney” whom the Stewarts had contracted to help process their green card applications turned out
to be a fraud: despite having tried to do everything lawfully, their visas soon expired and they became undocumented. They tried every
legal pathway to reinstate their status. After experiencing significant financial and emotional hardships to reapply for legal residency,
most of the family now (as of the time of filming) have temporary legal status and are waiting for new permanent residence applications
to be approved. However, the family still faces the possibility of separation, as their adult daughter has “aged out” and cannot be included in the application.
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What would you do if you were in the Stewarts’ position?
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Have you ever been separated from your family for an extended period of time? What was that experience like?
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The Stewarts had more resources—both monetarily and in terms of connections with influential leaders in government—than the average immigrant family, but they still went through a very challenging process to try to get their legal status. What does this tell you
about the complexity of our immigration legal system?
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You have now heard the stories of Maria, Liuan, and the Stewarts. While each of their families’ immigration experiences is unique, they
share something very important in common: during times of great hardship and uncertainty, it was their Christian faith and community
that kept them going. You and your church can play a significant part in praying for, helping and advocating on behalf of the immigrants in
your congregation and community.
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How can you become more aware of the immigration policies in the US?
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Do you know of ministries or organizations that help immigrants and refugees with their settlement in America?
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Given the presence of undocumented immigrants in the US, how should churches respond in loving our immigrant neighbor while
respecting the rule of law? How could you respond individually?
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How could you encourage your Members of Congress to respond legislatively to the challenges of our current immigration system?
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To learn more about the Evangelical Immigration Table: http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/.
Take the “I Was a Stranger” Challenge: Download or order a bookmark that lists forty Bible passages that relate in one way or another
to the topic of immigration. Join tens of thousands of others who have taken up the challenge of committing to read one passage per
day for forty days. Get more information at www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/iwasastranger
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Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang Yang, published by InterVarsity Press, 2009
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Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible by Dr. Daniel Carroll R., published by Baker Academic, 2013
Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration and Mission by J.D. Payne, published by InterVarsity Press, 2012
Immigration: Tough Questions, Direct Answers (part of “The Skeptic’s Guide…” series) by Dale Hanson Bourke, InterVarsity Press,
2014
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Look for ministries with which you could partner, either individually or as a local church, to help meet tangible needs among immigrants within your community, while also building relationships. Several member organizations of the Evangelical Immigration
Table have local affiliates that may have volunteer opportunities:
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Christian Community Development Association: See a directory of member churches and organizations at http://www.ccda.org/
members/practitioners-partners.
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World Relief: See a list of US office locations at http://worldrelief.org/us.
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Scripture instructs us to be advocates for those who are vulnerable, speaking up for those whose voices are not being heard (Proverbs
31:8). While poll after poll finds that a majority of Americans support the sort of immigration reforms that many evangelical leaders
have advocated, too often the calls received by Congressional offices have been overwhelmingly opposed.
The Evangelical Immigration Table has not advocated a specific immigration bill or policy, but we have urged legislators to act as soon
as possible on a bipartisan basis to enact reforms that are consistent with several key biblical values. Specifically, hundreds of national evangelical leaders have endorsed the Evangelical Statement of Principle for Immigration Reform:
As evangelical Christian leaders, we call for a bipartisan solution on immigration that:
 Respects the God-given dignity of every person
 Protects the unity of the immediate family
 Respects the rule of law
 Guarantees secure national borders
 Ensures fairness to taxpayers
 Establishes a path toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and who wish to become permanent residents
You can sign your name to this Statement of Principles (and encourage your pastor or other leaders to do the same) at http://
evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/#principles, where you can also see a list of national evangelical leaders who have signed the Statement of Principles.
Beyond signing the Statement, here are a number of other ways that you can advocate::
Connect to the Church Mobilizer Supporting the Evangelical Immigration Table in Your State: Though we are not yet active in all fifty
states, many states are served by a local leader (or leaders) who can provide discipleship resources and coordinate advocacy opportunities. To see if there is a mobilizer in your state, select the appropriate state from the right side of the
www.EvangelicalImmigrationTable.com homepage, then scroll down to “Meet Your Mobilizer”
Write a Letter to the Editor or an Op-Ed: Legislators pay close attention to what their local newspapers are saying about any particular
topic. Writing a letter to the editor in response to an article about immigration, or a longer Op-Ed column, is a great way to get legislators’ attention. Letters to the Editor are generally short—somewhere between 100 and 250 words, depending upon the specific newspaper—whereas Op-Eds may be longer. Most newspaper’s websites will provide guidelines.
Call Your Member of Congress: Calling your Member of Congress is easy: if you dial 866-877-5552 and enter in your zip code when
prompted, we can automatically connect you to the appropriate Member of Congress’ office. Most of the time, you’ll either talk to a
receptionist or be sent to a voicemail system. Either way, leave a short message identifying yourself as an evangelical Christian who
lives in their district (and giving your address, so that they know you are really a constituent), then explaining that you view immigration reform as an urgent issue that you hope they will address as soon as possible.
Meet with Your Member of Congress: Most Members of Congress spend a significant part of their time back “home” in their congressional district. Sometimes they have public “town hall” events where constituents can come and share concerns; most will publish the
dates and locations for these events on their websites. Members may also be willing to meet with constituents for a meeting in some
cases, especially if a group of pastors or other community leaders unite to request a meeting.
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We encourage you to pray for the immigrants within your community, for our local churches’ responses to the realities of immigration,
and for our elected officials, who have the responsibility to reform a dysfunctional system. We’ve designed the following prayer guide.
Thank you for praying for immigration reform. May our God hear you as you pray and may He grant your petitions for His glory.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them
and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky
and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (NIV)
Ask God:
 To help our country think of all immigrants as people created in the image of God.
 To help our country honor all immigrants with the dignity they deserve as God’s image bearers.
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your
native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. (NIV)
Ask God:
 To help our country welcome the immigrants in our midst.
 To help all of us love the immigrants in our midst like we love ourselves.
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not
trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!” If you really
change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow
and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place,
in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. (NIV)
Ask God:
 To help Christians understand that devotion to Him requires proper treatment of the vulnerable.
 To convince Christians that He can judge a people for their failure to protect the vulnerable.
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear
me,” says the LORD Almighty. (NIV)
Ask God:
 To help Christians understand the level of importance He places on treatment of immigrants.
 To put a holy fear in Christians of His judgment for improper treatment of immigrants..
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered
before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep
on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was
thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,….’” (NIV)
Ask God:
 To remind Christians that Jesus said proper treatment of immigrants is a sign of true faith.
 To help Christians look beyond fear and embrace immigrants as a blessing.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without
knowing it. (NIV)
Ask God:
 To fill Christians with a holy burden to welcome immigrants.
 To remind Christians that they might be rejecting an angel of God if they turn away an immigrant in need.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,
standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And
they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (NIV)
Ask God:
 To give Christians a vision of all people of every nation worshipping God in Heaven.
 To help Christians see immigrants as people for whom Jesus died and an opportunity to help more people enter the Kingdom of
Heaven, rather than as a burden.