For those that love Jesus and want to see His kingdom on Earth, caring for those in need is not just a nice idea; it needs to be woven into the fabric of who we are. Verse after verse in the bible commands us to be generous, to share what little or much we have, and to make our love for others into a tangible action.
We are more than excited to be partnering with Salem for Refugees for a second year! Our heart is to see all refugees in Salem as valued, thriving, and contributing members of our community. We believe the relationships between refugees who resettle in Salem and the community who welcome them are transformative for all parties.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
There are three ways for you to support our new neighbors during this year’s Season of Giving. Boxes for kits will be available in the lobby before and after Sunday services or at the church offices during the week.
Please return all items and donations by Sunday, December 7!
This year, Salem For Refugees is expecting only a few new arrivals, but will still need 50 Welcome Kits and 50 Bathroom Kits for incoming families.
With changes to SNAP benefits and food-related support programs, this year we are collecting food items to be distributed to refugees and other members of our community.
You can also donate money directly through the Morning Star giving page or bring gift cards to Winco, Walmart, or Fred Meyer to the lobby table or church offices.
Your contributions will not only provide immediate relief, but also empower families by introducing them to local food pantries, intake processes, and affordable food resources that extend beyond the holiday season.
SEASON of GIVING
FAQs
Why do we love our partnership with Salem For Refugees so much? Their vision of “seeing refugees in Salem be valued, thriving, contributing members of our community” fits perfectly with Morning Star’s vision that “together we run toward those who need the love and grace of Jesus.” God is at work in our community and we get to be part of it in this practical way!
WHO IS A “REFUGEE”? ARE THEY HERE LEGALLY?
Yes, refugees arrive here legally, after going through a long and complicated legal process. A refugee is anyone who is forced to flee their country because of violence, war, or persecution. On average, refugees spend 10-20 years going through interviews, security checks, background checks, and other vetting processes before they can relocate to a new country. There is truly a refugee crisis as 123 million people worldwide are displaced. Only about 1% of the 42 million displaced refugees worldwide are relocated to a new home country.
Under United States law, a refugee is someone who:
Is located outside of the United States
Is of special humanitarian concern to the United States
Demonstrates that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
Is not firmly resettled in another country
Is admissible to the United States
A refugee does not include anyone who ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. You can find more details here.
DO REFUGEES BRING MORE CRIME WITH THEM?
No, this is false. Refugees are prosecuted, imprisoned, and commit crimes at lower rates than the native-born population here in the USA. This includes lower rates of weapons-related offenses, violent crimes, property crimes, and drug offenses. While there are many variables to look at such as city size, type of crime, foreign population, economic opportunities, financial impact, community resources, etc . . . the constant seems to be lower crime rates among refugees.
Here are some more details about this topic:
Top 5 Immigration Myths Debunked - World Relief
Immigrants and Crime in the United States - Migration Policy Institute
Debunking The Myth of Immigrants and Crime - American Immigration Council
The Mythical Tie Between Immigration and Crime - Stanford University
DO REFUGEES MAKE AMERICA LESS CHRISTIAN?
No, this is false. Depending on the years & number of refugees coming statistics show roughly 47-58% of refugees that come to the United States are Christians, while all other religions & non-religious individuals combine to form the rest.
Here are some more details about this topic:
The Religious Composition of the World’s Migrants - Pew Research Center
DO MORE REFUGEES DRAIN OUR RESOURCES, JOBS, FOOD, AND OTHER ESSENTIALS?
No, this is false. They are eager to contribute as evidence by their significant participation in construction, agriculture, transportation and hospitality jobs among others. They start businesses and pay taxes, having contributed nearly $124 billion net positive to the economy from 2005-2019.
Here are some more details about this topic:
The Effect of Immigration on Productivity: Evidence from US States - National Bureau of Economic Research
How Refugees Strengthen The US Economy - International Rescue Commitee
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT REFUGEES?
The word refugee doesn’t occur in Scripture, instead looking for the equivalent words “foreigner”, “sojourners”, or “stranger” you will see these used over 400 times. The Old Testament routinely mentions three categories of people to care for: Orphans, Widows, and Foreigners. It was embedded throughout the books of the law that foreigners be included and treated well, thus setting an example of how God’s people are to treat each other. In complementary ways the New Testament is filled with practical application to care for those in need. It is clear from Scripture that:
God loves and cares for the Foreigner. (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Job 29:16; Psalm 146:9)
Those who follow God are to treat foreigners well, including them into the community. (Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:33-34; 25:35; Numbers 15:15-16; Deuteronomy 16:14; 26:11; Zechariah 7:10; Hebrews 13:2)
Restoration and Justice are rightfully for the stranger and the local alike. (Deuteronomy 1:16; 24:14-21; Jeremiah 22:3; Micah 6:8; Malachi 3:5)
Nations are judged by how well, or how poorly they treat the foreigner. (Deuteronomy 27:19; Jeremiah 7:5-7; Ezekiel 22:7, 29;
God reminds the Jews that they were once sojourners too. (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Deuteronomy 24:17; Zechariah 7:10)
God’s people identify with foreigners and together we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. (1 Peter 1:17; Ephesians 2:19)
Foreigners, orphans and widows are a priority of God’s care. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; 14:28-29; 26:12; 27:19; Jeremiah 7:6; 22:3)
Jesus was a refugee and He identifies with them. (Matthew 2:13-14; 25:35-40; John 1:14)
We are commanded to care for the needs of those around us. (Luke 12:33; 1 John 3:17-18; Romans 12:13; Galatians 5:14; James 2:2-6)
Whether we are a native or a refugee, in Christ we are one. (Matthew 24:14; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:18-19; Colossians 3:11; Revelation 7:9-10)
Here are some more details about this topic:
What Does The Bible Say About Refugees and Displaced People? - World Vision
HOW ELSE CAN I SUPPORT REFUGEES?
There are many ways and resources available for you to support our refugee community as you put your faith into action!
Participate in Season of Giving!
Along with your Life Group or Bible study you can serve in ongoing relationships with our Local Partner, Salem For Refugees. See the Missions wall in the North Lobby for ideas, or ask your group leader.
Pray for our new neighbors! Spend intentional time in prayer over the refugee community here in Salem. Pray for them as the settle in a new place, for their family and friends that may still be in dangerous situations, and that the Lord would bless them.
Here are some other ways you can advocate for and serve refugees:
How To Help Refugees - The UN Refugee Agency
Discovering and Living God’s Heart For Immigrants: A Guide to Welcoming the Stranger - World Relief
In short, refugees are people, created in the image of God. They have experienced tremendous atrocity and many struggles to get to where they are. We can show the love of Jesus in practical ways to the refugees in our community. We see examples in Scripture and the command for us as Christ followers to love those in need. These refugees are often kind, grateful and hospitable in ways we don’t understand. They bring lower crime rates, higher rates of practicing their Christian faith, and contribute greatly to our communities and economy. We honor our Lord as we come alongside refugees in need.