I Was A Stranger

Happy 25th anniversary for Feliberto

Happy Independence Day holiday to all from Feliberto and me. July 4 is a very special holiday for so many reasons. Freedom is at the core of this beloved national celebration. This July 4, 2009, Feliberto marks a very special milestone—his 25th year as a U.S. citizen.

On July 4, 1984, Feliberto—dressed in a suit “and with tears tumbling down my face”—raised his right hand and took the Oath of Allegiance with about 400 of his fellow U.S. citizens at the Fort Brown Memorial Center in Brownsville, Texas.

In our book, Feliberto said:

Becoming a U.S. citizen was a great moment for me. After suffering so much in the Communist system for my religious beliefs, I was welcomed and embraced by the United States of America with opened arms. My new country made me feel like somebody. Upon becoming a citizen, I was able to vote in federal elections, serve on a jury and help decide how my tax dollars are spent. I could express my ideas and worship the God of my choosing, which I could not do in Cuba (without penalty).

I believe America is blessed by God because of its founding principles—freedom, justice and compassion. It is possible that I have a love for the United States that many who are native born do not understand. But you must realize this: I know what it means to be captive and to be freed and, now, an American.

Freedom is a glorious feeling for me, and I wish it for everyone in the world.

Week two of four week "Welcoming the Stranger" study to be held on June 28

The face of our nation is always changing as newcomers from other countries make our neighborhoods their new homes. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger into our communities of faith. For most of us, this is a new adventure. Newcomers often don’t speak the language we speak, share our cultural heritage or even believe as we believe. Some newcomers have come to our country with only the clothes on their back—seeking the protection of our government—and some have crossed into our country illegally, seeking a better way of life.

Who are these “strangers” that we are to welcome? How are we to assist them? Should we assist them even if they are in our country illegally? What does the Bible teach about immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers? What can I do personally to make a difference in the lives of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers? How do I prepare spiritually for a mission trip to work with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers?

You are invited to join me (Chris Kelley) for a four-week Matters of Faith study that I will be leading at Northway Christian Church in Dallas. The class, in Room F102, is open to high-school youth and adults. (Northway youth and adult sponsors will be traveling to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in July for a mission trip). The four classes will be held on four Sundays: June 21, 28 and July 5, 12 from 9:40-10:40

The class will be based on the book, I Was A Stranger: Hope For A Hidden World (Brown Books, 2008), which will be made available at the class for $18.35 (which includes sales tax). As our country prepares to once again engage and debate the topic of immigration, you are invited to explore the topic in a spiritual context.

World Refugee Day: June 20

For the 42 million uprooted people around the world, a shortage or lack of the essentials of life - clean water, food, sanitation, shelter, health care and protection from violence and abuse - means that every day can be a struggle just to survive.

Feliberto and I hope you will take time on Saturday to say a prayer for refugees on Saturday, June 20, the day recognized by the United Nations as World Refugee Day. Please take time to visit the Web site of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to learn more about the needs of refugees and what you can do to help.

In addition, you may visit the Resources link on our blog to learn more about refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants.

Chris Kelley hosts four-week Sunday School study, Welcoming the Stranger

The face of our nation is always changing as newcomers from other countries make our neighborhoods their new homes. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger into our communities of faith. For most of us, this is a new adventure. Newcomers often don’t speak the language we speak, share our cultural heritage or even believe as we believe. Some newcomers have come to our country with only the clothes on their back—seeking the protection of our government—and some have crossed into our country illegally, seeking a better way of life.

Who are these “strangers” that we are to welcome? How are we to assist them? Should we assist them even if they are in our country illegally? What does the Bible teach about immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers? What can I do personally to make a difference in the lives of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers? How do I prepare spiritually for a mission trip to work with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers?

You are invited to join me (Chris Kelley) for a four-week Matters of Faith study that I will be leading at Northway Christian Church in Dallas. The class, in Room F102, is open to high-school youth and adults. (Northway youth and adult sponsors will be traveling to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in July for a mission trip). The four classes will be held on four Sundays: June 21, 28 and July 5, 12 from 9:40-10:40

The class will be based on the book, I Was A Stranger: Hope For A Hidden World (Brown Books, 2008), which will be made available at the class for $18.35 (which includes sales tax). As our country prepares to once again engage and debate the topic of immigration, you are invited to explore the topic in a spiritual context.

How would we think differently if...

I was challenged recently when my minister asked me and fellow church members to read the story of Jesus washing the Disciples feet in John 13: 1-5 . After reading the story, the minister asked: "How would we think differently about the church's mission if a basin and a towel were at the center of our life together? What would our self-understanding be if we regarded foot washing to be our defining characteristic as Christ's disciples?"

I'm still pondering the questions. And what about you?

God wants you, God wants me...just as we are

When I think of the millions of our brothers and sisters in this world who are seeking political asylum in countries that recognize asylum rights or seeking safety in a refugee camp in their own homeland or in a neighboring country, I am reminded of the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta:

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.

Paul Tillich, in The Shaking of the Foundations, speaks of what I pray will happen for all refugees and asylum seekers.

Sometimes...a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying:
You are accepted, accepted by that which is greater than you, and the name of which you do not know. Do not ask for the name now; perhaps you will find it later. Do not try to do anything now; perhaps later you will do much. Do not seek for anything; do not perform anything; do not intend anything. Simply accept the fact that you are accepted!

This is my prayer for you...for me.

Keeping perspective on what's important

Like most Americans, I wrestle with serious issues:

1. Will there be a lot of traffic on the way to and from the game?
2. Will there be a wait at the restaurant?
3. How will I ever lose the extra weight?

With problems like these, Baptist Theologian Vernon C. Grounds asks us, how do we ever manage to develop an active, passionate concern for peace? How do we develop a burden for those people all around the world who are right now, due to ravages of war and persecution, living in refugee camps?

Rev. Grounds writes: ...I believe we must start reminding ourselves that our God, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the God of peace. Somehow, we tend to overlook this essential attribute of the divine character. We forget what the Bible discloses concerning God as the God of peace (Romans 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 13:20)...

...(And) we must remind ourselves that the God of peace, who wills our peace, calls upon you and me as disciples of Jesus Christ to be peacemakers...the God of peace...summons us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to be peacemakers in our homes, our marriages, our friendships, our neighborhoods, our churches, our places of business and work, our country, and our world. The challenge is put well in the words of Francis of Assisi: 'Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is sadness, joy.' Oh, let us offer this prayer sincerely: 'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Help me to be a peace maker who in peace sows the fruits of righteousness.

Lord, help us put first things first.

Cultivating the presence of the Lord

I have had the great pleasure of traveling with Feliberto many times. Like all creatures of habit, he has a daily routine. Although his custom is not like mine, I'm certainly affected by it. Every night before Feliberto nods off to instant slumber, after lights are out, he is on his knees in prayer. Every morning, before the sun rises, he is in the same position--on his knees in prayer. Prayer is his fuel for a schedule that (no joking) rivals that of any world leader.

A recent devotion by Mrs. Charles Cowman helped me understand all of this:

Years ago there was an old German professor whose beautifical life was a marvel to his students. Some of them resolved to know the secret of it; so one of their number hid in the study where the old professor spent his evenings. It was late when the teacher came in. He was very tired, but he sat down and spent an hour with the Bible. Then he bowed his head in secret prayer, and finally closing the Books of books, he said,

'Well, Lord Jesus, we're on the same old terms.'

Mrs. Cowman concludes what I have observed about Feliberto--and what compels me to imitate him--since meeting him in the mid-1980s: "Christ becomes real to the one who persists in the cultivation of His presence."

"I asked God for strength..."

One of my favorite ministers once said from the pulpit: "Do not call worthless any person for whom Christ died." The truth in that statement sticks to me when I hear all the fear-mongering rhetoric associated with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I ran across this prayer discovered on the body of a fallen Confederate soldier in the Civil War. As I reflected on the sacrifice of those who have, and who are, serving in the military, I was, again, reminded of how ever precious one soul is to our Lord.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I may humbly learn to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked God for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy my life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for-but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
     *Found on the body of a valiant Southern soldier 1861-1865 Known but to God

Serving in joy--with God's help

During the recent Spring break period at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, college students completed six casitas--small wooden homes that replaced tin or cardboard shacks--in the Derechos Humanos colonia in Matamoros."You cannot imagine how a small shelter that doesn't leak and is clean raises the self-esteem of the people it is built for. A casita is a palace for them," Feliberto said.

It always amazes Feliberto and me that young people in their late teens and early 20s will give up a week of their time that they could be spending with their friends at the beach in order to help their brothers and sisters in need. It brings to mind the words of Matthew's gospel, chapter 5:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
 
Serving God often isn't easy, but it is almost always joyful.

SWGSM has continued working with the college students and spring break mission groups for February and March, 2009, with having completed 6 more casitas in Matamoros