Carolyn Carney
Do Refugees Have Neighbors?
We are enamoured with the story of the Christmas manger scene: poor Joseph and Mary with no room in the Inn. This birth, this holy moment, comes not in a sterile environment, but wrapped in the smells of animal urine and excrement.
As if these humble beginnings were not enough, Matthew tells us that no sooner than the worshipping kings left, that Joseph is warned by an angel to flee to Egypt because Herod is searching for the child to destroy him. Well before Jesus, Ruler of the Earth is out of diapers, he becomes a refugee in Africa.
Herod, who could resemble any modern tyrannical ruler or evil regime, was known for his diabolical acts. A young popular competitor, a high priest, of whom Herod was threatened, died in a “drowning accident” in water only a few feet deep. Enraged by his favorite wife, Herod had her strangled. He was deceived into having two innocent sons executed; and on his own deathbed, Herod had another son executed. Josephus, a first century historian reports that Herod, as he lay dying, ordered the execution of all the noblemen to ensure that there would be mourning in the country. This was a despicable, self-absorbed, power hungry man. And his order to kill all male infants under two fits his character to a “T”.
Much of the story of this flight to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-21 goes unmentioned. There is the description of the flight, even the detail of leaving by night. By doing so, Joseph made their route impossible to trace. Interesting, this is a reversal of the Hebrew experience: where once they fled Egypt, now, for Joseph and Mary, it becomes a place of refuge.
But what is not mentioned is what their life was like in Egypt. No doubt, the plight of refugees throughout history and across continents is fairly similar. Along the way refugees will probably face much of the following:
- Poverty
- Xenophobia
- Finding work
- Hunger
- Finding shelter
- Disease
- Uncertainty of the future
- Loneliness
- Loss of family, friends, livelihood, safety, security
- Inability to communicate in a new language
- Physical dangers, beatings
- Asking for help
- Receiving help
- Begging
Did anyone in Egypt come to the aid of this little family? Did someone offer food? Shelter? Part-time work for a carpenter? Did someone offer hospitality, and so, entertain the Messiah, unawares? I’d like to think that someone came to their aid, that someone showed them love and care in this foreign land.
The United Nations High Commission on Refugees states that at the beginning of 2005 there were 19.1 million Persons of Concern in the world, which includes stateless people, those of unresolved nationality, internally displaced persons, forced migrants, asylum seekers, as well as over 9 million refugees. Nine million refugees alone is more than all those currently living in New Jersey. Civil wars in Africa, wars in Iraq and the bombings in Afghanistan, religious persecutions such as in Sudan and Eritrea, Tsunami, the Pakistan-India-Afghanistan earthquake and other natural disasters all contribute to the burgeoning numbers of refugees worldwide. The word “refugee” always seems to be something that occurs to those in developing countries. How strange it was to hear those fleeing the ravages of Hurricane Katrina to be named as “refugees.”
How can we be neighbors to those who have no home?
1) Become aware of the plight of refugees. Research the internet, there is plenty of information. The International Rescue Committee; Refugees International; The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants; The Canadian Refugee System; The UN High Commission on Refugees all offer great information and ways to get involved.
2) As you become aware of the “hot spots” and needs, tell God that you are open to being a neighbor, that you desire to be a neighbor to those without homes or countries. Then, as you read and research, notice what seems to tug at your heart most. Is there a geographical place, a type of person of concern? Let that become your focus of prayer.
3) Find out what the needs are of any immigrant population that is near your church or fellowship. Begin praying about how you might be used of God to meet that need. How can you offer a cup of water in Jesus’ name? Or maybe your area has taken in some Katrina victims. How can you serve them?
4) Many groups are helping to rebuild the tattered gulf area. Consider giving your time and energy during Spring Break or vacation to building a home for someone who lost theirs, or providing food for those who are struggling.
5) Contact your government representatives and tell them you are concerned about the plight of refugees in the world and our own country’s treatment of immigrants.
6) For those living in the Southwest part of the US - or really any border crossing around the world where there are folks trying to make a better way for their lives - ask God to help you know what would please him most in the handling of immigrants, legal or otherwise. And then ask for the grace and courage to follow-through and obey.
7) Lay your vocational calling before the Lord. Would you be open to using your vocation in a way that serves refugees?
It seems to me that if the church took up the challenge of being neighbors to refugees we could do so much more than what governments are doing, or not doing, as the case may be. And in this case, Matthew’s words are eerily true, as Jesus was a refugee:
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matt 25: 40
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