I don't know about you, but I have been pretty disheartened by the cascading news about all the new immigration policies here in the US.  Just one group we work with, World Relief describes how difficult it is to now know what to do with the 4,000 plus legal asylum seekers they work with nationwide—government funding was cut off precipitously last month.   That funding dried up, and now who will help out? 

Bob and Aimee Rasmussen have been working with their church the past several years to learn how to 'welcome the stranger' in the name of Christ.  Here are some excerpts from their Feb newsletter, shared with Bob's permission:  

It has been two months since we wrote due to the unexpected turn of events in our ministry and therefore our lives. With the new administration came an executive order which paused for at least 90 days all funding for refugee resettlement.  This meant that at the end of January, the refugee families dwelling in hotels awaiting apartment openings had to leave the hotels on short notice. Many families (including us) opened their homes to provide temporary housing for these families, who are understandably confused by this turn of events.

As we write, we have had a dear Afghan family of four staying in our home. It is honestly a privilege to practice hospitality in this way. How often do you get to take a refugee family to KFC for their first time!? It has been fun to see these dear people relax in a safe and peaceful home. Riding bikes and sharing meals (the mother is so glad to have a kitchen to express her talents). 

May this be the finest hour of the church.

Our reliance must not be on the funding of a government, for we follow a different kingdom and serve only one King. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly expresses his special concern for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. Today, thousands of believers across our great country are doing just that by opening their hearts and homes to foreigners who are stranded without the care and provision they were promised.  Beware the nation that breaks its promises. Frankly, it is a tremendous blessing to serve in this way. It is inconvenient, yes. But we are enriched as we view our many blessings through the eyes of those who have nowhere else to turn. Friend, please pray for us, and pray for the thousands of wanderers, that they may find their home in Jesus Christ. Thank you for journeying with us!

Bob sent me this update today:  Today is moving day into the apartment so it’s pretty exciting. It’s amazing the way the church community has rallied. The furniture and supplies that are gonna go into this little duplex are going to be like the most super Christmas this family ever saw. All in the name of Jesus. I’ve watched a couple of chosen episodes with him and read from the gospel of Matthew and his language too. They definitely know why we love. 

Submitted by Rahn Strickler,

OCGA Diaspora Ministries Associate