Phoenix is a diverse and complex city. Hispanics make up more than 30% of the population. The media has been headlining the immigration laws and outcries of the Hispanic community. Many people in the valley increasingly believe that Hispanics are taking jobs from Anglos according to the polls, yet Arizona's economy, is largely dependent on the Hispanics in construction and development. “They work harder, longer and for less” according to one contractor I talked to about this subject.
What’s sad is that every year in Phoenix thousands of these migrants are taken advantage of by other groups and gangs they are ill-treated, abducted or raped. Many are forced into a life of prostitution or drug dealing. Drug Dealers and Pimps know many of these illegal immigrants have nowhere to run! They can abuse, harass, taunt and torture all they want. Illegal immigrants are illegal and won’t turn to the authorities in fear of having to return to an even more hostile and unstable country- Mexico. Everyday innocent children are born into these circumstances they cannot control. So where is the church in all this? What is our responsibility as a Christian and citizen of this country? Do we have a role in all this? We do…
Recently I heard a sermon by Tim Kimmel president of Family Matters, author, speaker, writer and Elder at Scottsdale Bible Church preach a message to his more than 5,000 member congregation in Scottsdale about “Everyday Compassion.” It floored me and gave me great hope for the churches commitment to love our neighbor! His message personally challenged me as a church planter, citizen, community leader, pastor, husband, father and follower of Jesus.
Tim is far more articulate and credible than me in the city of Phoenix. I beg you to listen to his sermon for insight and understanding about where we the church fit in this issue of immigration.
Tim lays out 5 points from John chapter 9 and 5 Religious Actions that stand in the way of Everyday Compassion. Click here to watch his sermon and download his notes.
Helpful Resources & Organizations in Phoenix
Christian Family Care Clinic
Phoenix Rescue Mission
New York Times: For Migrants, New Law Is Just Another Challenge
New York Times: Welcome to Arizona, Outpost of Contradictions
For those of you wondering what kind of church we will be, you count on Imago Dei being a church that will engage these social and spiritual needs of our city. We are a church that seeks to serve our community and call the citizens of our city to do likewise. This is a reflection of our name. Imago Dei, latin for "In the Image of God" based on Genesis 1:26. Everybody matters and is deserving of dignity and worth.
I hope you the best in your plant. My agreement with you my not be 100% as I have grown up in Arizona and lived the border struggle. I am convinced though that compassion is the best policy for the church. Thank you for weighing into this issue and bringing out the interest of God.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Where is the supernatural power of God in this society? Why does it seem so hard to find? It would seem that only truth holds us firm and yet in many ways truth seems so cold. I wish for God's warm hug.
Wow.Good Question and insight. I think He is seen in the people that are humble. His power is perfected and present in people with weakness & humility.
ReplyDeleteThe church- myself included, battle with this. and as a result God himself will continually withhold his power from the prideful and arrogant, so that people won't credit themselves.
I think the importance in this issue, is our personal posture towards people of need. It's so easy to be indifferent and unconcerned for those in need. It's so hard to love our enemies. I can't remember the last time I did that well. Today is a good day to start.