Welcoming the StrangerSample

As Christians, one of our greatest desires is to see others come to faith in Christ. As we connect with refugees, we find that many are very open to spiritual conversations. They’re not necessarily going to make an immediate confession of faith, but they are willing to enter the conversation. Many cultures around the world are centered around religion and view themselves as spiritual people. It is not strange for them to discuss their faith. Many are curious as to what we believe and why. They have often heard tall tales or even menacing things about Christianity. Yet, here are these Christians being kind to them. They will be cautious, true to what they have been taught, but generally willing to listen. Approximately 86% of Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims around the world have never met a Christian. They have not had the opportunity to hear of Christ in their homeland. For most, the land of their birth is completely closed to missions. Westerners, particularly Christians, are not welcome. Millions of people will die without ever having heard the gospel. God, in His great love, has compelled men and women from these nations to come to our doorstep. We have an unprecedented opportunity to share life, love, and hope with them. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are Christ’s ambassadors.” Many of those who have heard and believed are actively sharing with their families back home. Some are rejected or even disowned, but others have had the opportunity to reach into a nation that we never could. We should not take this lightly. It is our privilege and delight to proclaim the good news to the nations in our own homelands. After all, we too are “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13), “but our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20). One day we will rejoice in Heaven with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation’” (Revelation 5:9). Today we thank God that He has made a place in Heaven for people from every nation. We pray that we would be committed and privileged to be a part of God’s salvation plan for people from all walks of life.