Many among the current generation of refugees and immigrants arrived in the U.S. from countries whose dominant religion honors its own holy book above the Scriptures. It’s easy to assume that it’s difficult — maybe even impossible — to establish relationships with them that can lead to meaningful dialog on spiritual matters. It’s also easy to let fear keep us from even trying.
Our teammates Mike and Julie Thomas minister among people displaced from several countries where Jesus is acknowledged as a prophet but not as the Son of God. Mike offers simple tips and guidelines for Christ-followers who want to begin building Gospel-centered relationships with these and other new neighbors who do not yet know Jesus.
In part 1 of this three-part series, Mike offered suggestions for beginning to get acquainted with refugees who arrive in your community. Once you’ve done that, here are ideas for inviting some of your new neighbors into your life.
- Continue praying for them and for wisdom in your interactions as you spend time together.
- Invite them into your lives. Have picnics together, invite them to birthday parties, go to a soccer game together, etc. Let them see your faith lived out in real life in your marriage, family, and community relationships.
- Love them well. Throw baby showers for new parents, give birthday gifts, celebrate the milestones and special days in their lives, love on their kids.
- If they are struggling with English, help them learn, or connect them with an organization that can help.
- Offer to help them navigate some of the basics of getting settled in their new home: using public transportation, getting a driver’s license, enrolling their children in school and acquiring the correct supplies, understanding their mail, connecting with advocates if they need legal assistance, etc.
- Create a safe environment in which they can ask questions as they try to understand aspects of their new home that are radically different from their old.
- Always give them an out. Understand that people from an honor/shame culture will often feel pressured to say yes to you because they don’t want to shame you (or worse, they think you will withhold help if they refuse an invitation or offer). There are real power dynamics at work in your friendship, and you are the person who has far more power. Be careful not to use your power in ways your friends will perceive as being coercive. Ask questions in an open-ended manner, and let your friendship be strong enough that they have the confidence that telling you “no” will not break your relationship.
In case you missed it, here’s Part 1: Begin By Getting Acquainted.
