by Pastor Bruce Koller
Christian Grace Church

Never before in human history have so many millions of people left their homeland in pursuit of safety and peace.  As of June 2024 there are an estimated 122.6 million people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes.  The number is much higher than that, when we consider both the refugees and asylum seekers today.  There are those that are fleeing war, those that are running from persecution from their own people or families, there are those that have no hope of supporting their families in their homeland because of prejudice, discrimination, or poverty. 

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Imagine coming to the point in life that you are ready to leave family, friends and your homeland because life has become so difficult and go to a country you have no friends or family and can’t speak the language. 

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I have met many people here in Hong Kong that were also taken advantage of by their own people.  Given promise of a better job and income to help their family out of poverty.  They only needed to pay some money up front and “in no time” be able to pay back the money and really help out their family.   These promises are a way to make quick cash on behalf of those who are already in dire straits.

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What happens to these people and others that have fled real life threatening situations, or looking for a new start, new hope and ending up in a “community”  with no answers for them?  Many turn to something that will help dull the pain of being deceived or feeling alone in an uncaring world. 

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The power needed to try to overcome such disappointments and try to build a meaningful life is too much for many of them.  I have heard from more than a few that they didn’t know that someone in Hong Kong cared anything about them.

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They have felt disrespected, alone and the lowest person on earth until someone gives them a helping hand. 

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Leviticus 19:33-34  When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.

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This is not only a suggestion given by our Lord, it is His heart, a hope of His that we will love and respect those around us, including those that have come here from another country.

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How should the Hong Kong church respond to refugees and asylum seekers?

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Christians are called to respond to refugees with compassion, hospitality, and justice, drawing on biblical teachings that emphasize care for the vulnerable, especially those who have been displaced and persecuted. This includes treating them as neighbors, offering practical assistance, and advocating for policies that promote their well-being. 

Here's a more detailed look at how Christians can and should respond to refugees:

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1. Love and Compassion:

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• Treat refugees as neighbors:

The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and this includes refugees, who are often the most vulnerable among us.1 

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Exodus 23:9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.”

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• Recognize their humanity:

God made all people in His image, and refugees, like all others, deserve respect and dignity.  

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• Offer practical help:

This can include providing food, shelter, clothing, and other essential needs.   One of the things that impacted my friend in coming to Christ was someone that saw him, fed him and bought him clothes when he had nothing. 

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2. Hospitality and Welcoming:

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• Open doors to refugees:

The Bible encourages Christians to welcome strangers and offer them hospitality. 

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Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

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Matthew 25:31-46 (The sheep and the goats.) 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Our actions towards those in need, including strangers, reflect our love for Jesus.  

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This can include providing food, shelter, clothing, and other essential needs. 

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• Provide a safe and supportive environment:

Refugees often experience trauma and fear, and Christians can offer a place of peace and healing. 2

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• Help them integrate into their new communities:

This can include assisting with language learning, job searching, and navigating new cultures. 

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3. Advocacy and Justice:

• Speak out against injustice and discrimination:

Christians can advocate for policies that protect the rights of refugees and immigrants. 

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• Challenge harmful stereotypes and misinformation:

Help to create a more welcoming and understanding environment for refugees, especially within churches and among fellow Christians. Speak up about their plight, their virtues and their potential.

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• Support organizations that work to help refugees:

Many organizations are dedicated to providing aid and assistance to refugees, and Christians can volunteer their time or donate resources. 

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4. Practical Actions:

• Volunteer at local refugee support centers.

• Donate to organizations that help refugees.

• Advocate for refugee-friendly policies.

• Educate yourself and others about the plight of refugees.

• Prayer: Pray for refugees and those who work to help them, asking God for wisdom and guidance. 

By following these principles, Christians can respond to refugees and asylum seekers in a way that is faithful to their faith and compassionate to those in need.   In Jesus explanation in Matthew 25, it is also the difference between being a “sheep” of Jesus and a “goat”.

1 https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/what-does-bible-say-about-refugees

2 https://worldrelief.org/why-christians-support-refugees/