Action Items for
Immigrant Ministries

Confronting a need face-to-face can change our hearts, and suddenly we find ourselves deep into compassionate action without counting the cost or consequences. That is part of kingdom-building: we will not always be wise and cautious in our response. But by getting information in advance and thinking through the consequences of your decisions, you can provide support and assistance in compassionate action without making the situation worse.

There are two ways to respond when you are aware of injustices occurring in your area: one involves direct person-to-person action by yourself or your congregation; the other involves advocacy for laws and systems that are just.

Congregational ministries

1. Since debate on immigration is often conflicted, immigrants are suspicious and reluctant to seek help from institutions or groups, including churches. Trust-building through personal acquaintance, social networking, one-on-one friendship, etc. would therefore be necessary to get people to come to anything sponsored or provided by a local congregation.
    

2. The congregation should establish a background condition of respect and acceptance. Many if not most immigrants are where they are because they have to be, not because they want to be.
    

3. The congregation would need to agree broadly, if not by consensus, to provide ministry among immigrants. Internal opposition would be harmful. Leadership should be shared among multiple people so ministries can continue without disruption if leaders change, move away, etc.
    

4. The congregation should endeavor to better understand the native culture of immigrants through collective study (books, film, personal conversation with persons from the particular culture).
    

5. Here are some ministries that a congregation might provide to immigrants (the assumption is that services would be free of charge):

   • Suitable second language classes.

   • Tutoring for parents and children.

   • Day care for children.

   • Adaptation classes for adults and children.

   • Information about nutrition and food economics (e.g., how to maintain a proper diet, plan healthy meals, and shop for good-quality food at a reasonable price).

   • Food pantry and clothes bank.

   • Community farms and gardens when tillable land is available.

   • Legal advice on immigration and other matters from a reliable legal service agency willing to participate.

   • Basic health checks (medical, dental, nursing associations or other health care resources may be able to provide the personnel).

   • Directory of available community resources (schools, health services, etc.).

   • A communications phone-tree for support and fellowship

Individual action

1. Speak up for the worth of persons whenever someone from a different nation or culture is being stereotyped, derided, or denigrated. Be courageous in your witness of the worth of each of God’s children on earth.

2. Become more aware of immigrant issues and the misconceptions that circulate about our immigrant population. Links are provided on this website.

3. Read about immigrant legislation and be a voice for compassion and worth of persons concerning pending laws.  Write your government representatives about your concerns and views.

4. Begin taking another language. This will not only assist you in communicating with others, but will also raise your awareness level of the difficulty of learning a language, and what many immigrants face in learning a new language.

5. Find out what agencies in your local area are providing assistance, legal aid, or advocacy for immigrant issues, and join with them in their efforts.

6. If you are aware of an immigrant in your neighborhood who has been detained, there are some immediate needs which you might be able to meet. Check to see if:

   • The remaining family members have food in the house and a means of obtaining groceries.

   • They children have transportation to school and guardians to care for them when home from school.

   • Health needs can be met.

   • They have a spiritual foundation of hope and faith

   • They have means to meet bills, especially rent, if the breadwinner is detained or deported. Has the fact that a member has been detained as a non-documented immigrant caused the family members to be shunned, mistreated, or marginalized by others?

   • Note that providing humanitarian aid as indicated in these suggestions will catapult you into engagement with a justice initiative that you may not have background to confront. Be sure to alert your administrative officer and Apostle of the actions you take to assist others in their need.