Mission to North America (MNA) recommends that PCA Deacons, Sessions and Presbyteries carefully consider these resources, making assessments based on their own unique needs. This recommendation does not imply formal endorsement of these resources.
General Resources on Immigrants and Immigration
As believers, our starting point for thought and action on all issues should be Scripture. Here are some materials that may help you to consider immigrants – and immigration – in the light of Scripture.
Evangelical Immigration Table “I Was a Stranger” campaign – see especially the Toolkit and bookmark with 40 Scriptures
Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Truth and Compassion in the Immigration Dialogue Jenny Hwang and Matthew Soerens, Inter-Varsity Press, 2009
Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration and Mission, J.D. Payne, Inter Varsity Press, 2012
Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church and the Bible, M. Daniel Carroll, Baker, 2008
Tangible: Making God Known Through Deeds of Mercy and Words of Truth by PCA pastor Chris Sicks, NavPress 2013
Church Leader’s Guide to Immigration
Refugees: What You Don’t Hear on the News Podcast
Seeking Biblical clarity on refugees? Eager for stories on how God is working in their midst? This podcast, hosted by MTW’s Kay Burklin and Carolyn Morris, may be just what you’re looking for! Each episode features an interview with one of the many men and women Kay and Carolyn know who are deeply involved with refugees, motivated by their love for Christ. Find “Refugees: What You Don’t Hear on the News” on Apple podcasts, Spotify or Instagram: https://linktr.ee/refugeeswhatyoudonthear
Children at the Border and Beyond
Want reliable information about the Central American children crossing the southern border to seek safety in the US? Is the Holy Spirit motivating you to find ways to demonstrate the love of Christ to these children and youth who are made in God’s image and loved by Him? The Evangelical Immigration Table has compiled informational resources as well as links to opportunities. For additional information, please contact Pat Hatch at phatch@pcanet.org
BIBLES and Christian Resources in Other Languages:
Study materials for small groups:
Welcoming the Stranger: Discovering and Living God’s Heart for Immigrants: A Learning Group Guide (World Relief, 2011)
Immigration and the Bible by M. Daniel Carroll R., 20 pages with discussion questions
Conversation between Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Church and Matt Soerens, co-author of Welcoming the Stranger
Mission on Our Doorsteps – a 2-minute graphic video about the church and immigrants
“The Stranger” – one hour dvd produced by a partnership of several evangelical organizations
Audio and Video from Covenant College Talk
In late February 2017, MNA Refugee and Immigrant Director Pat Hatch spent several days at Covenant College, where she met with groups of students; spoke to several Global Issues classes; led a seminar on Immigration 101 and the Church; and participated in a panel discussion on the refugee crisis, along with Brian Bollinger of Friends of Refugees, and – via Google Hangout – Kaitlyn Mullens of For the Nations Refugee Outreach and Kay Burklin of MTW.
Pat’s visit to Covenant culminated in an opportunity to speak at chapel. Here are links to the audio and video of that chapel talk:
Audio
Video
Feeling called to work with International Students? Here are some good places to start:
RUF International (Currently has ordained campus ministers on ten college campuses with others in exploratory stage)
International Students -Website of International Students, INC. (Mission: to share Christ’s love with international college students)
Association of Christians Ministering to Internationals – Join ($50 for individ.) to have access to complete directory and to receive newsletter. Member organizations include RUFI, Inter Varsity, CRU and other Christian organizations with ministries to international students
Video clip about one Christian ministry to international students
Prayerfully considering assisting refugees and persons seeking asylum? Local affiliates of these church-related organizations that resettle refugees may have a presence in your community and might be eager for your assistance:
http://worldrelief.org/refugee-resettlement
http://lirs.org/our-work/people-we-serve/refugees/
http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/
http://www.cwsglobal.org/what-we-do/refugees/us-programs/refugee-resettlement.html
For an example of a remarkable local non-profit agency working with refugees, directed by a PCA couple, see www.ftnro.org
For those sensing a call to work with the Central American children who have recently entered the US:
Insights and some best practice thoughts from a few churches actively involved in one or more forms of outreach to immigrants or foreign nationals in the U.S.:
http://www.missionexus.org/tour/ Links to case studies of churches with various ministries to refugees or other immigrants