Living in Fear
May 2, 2025
These days, Christians and non-Christians alike are hearing constant news about immigrants and refugees. In the midst of this, we must remember that there are many different groups of refugees and immigrants in the US. Each group faces its own concerns and fears.
Many who have come to our shores have no reason to be afraid. They hold longstanding documents that validate their ability to stay here. However, because of their limited English, they don’t fully understand the situation, leaving them afraid. Many lived in fear in their home countries, and they came to the US seeking relief from the constant fear that once gnawed at their hearts and minds. They don’t know anyone they can consult to have things clearly explained to them, so they plod on, trying to make a living and doing the best they can.
Others are afraid because, in fleeing the chaos of their home countries, they didn’t (or felt they couldn’t) wait or fully understand the complex laws for entering and staying in this country. In their home countries, things are done haphazardly. They thought they could sneak in, lay low, keep their heads down, or even pay a bribe—and all would be ok, because that’s how things were handled back home.
Hope amidst fear
Mixed in these groups are both good and bad people. And while there are certainly diverse political opinions and proposed solutions for each, this is not the forum to do so. On this platform, we seek ways to encourage and shine the hope and light of Jesus to all who need it, particularly those unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he never told them to ask about politics first. When he sent them to share the Good News, he didn’t say to check who their father was before sharing with them. He didn’t ask if they were rich or poor, black or white, what college they attended, or even if they liked football!
Jesus sent them with a simple message: tell people about me. Tell them they need to repent, turn away from their sins, and receive forgiveness. Teach them to “love one another, as I have loved you.” Tell them I have conquered sin and death, and that I am the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. Share with them, “Greater love has no man than this, that he is willing to lay down his life for another.”
Let us not relegate Easter to a date on the calendar. It’s meant to be celebrated all year long. He is risen! He is risen indeed!
I implore you to seek out an immigrant or refugee in your community and lovingly shine the light of Christ on them. Invite them into your home and share a simple meal with them. Offer to teach them a skill or help them learn English. In your relationship with them, be willing to be vulnerable. Share that you also needed Jesus in your life. Let them see that we are not perfect, but we are sinners saved by grace. Pray with them, and let them witness the power of prayer.
As the weather warms and presents opportunities for walks and picnics, look around, and perhaps you will see many who need to hear of Jesus and see Jesus in us. Pray a quick prayer, give a warm smile, and start by saying hello!
These days, Christians and non-Christians alike are hearing constant news about immigrants and refugees. In the midst of this, we must remember that there are many different groups of refugees and immigrants in the US. Each group faces its own concerns and fears.
Many who have come to our shores have no reason to be afraid. They hold longstanding documents that validate their ability to stay here. However, because of their limited English, they don’t fully understand the situation, leaving them afraid. Many lived in fear in their home countries, and they came to the US seeking relief from the constant fear that once gnawed at their hearts and minds. They don’t know anyone they can consult to have things clearly explained to them, so they plod on, trying to make a living and doing the best they can.
Others are afraid because, in fleeing the chaos of their home countries, they didn’t (or felt they couldn’t) wait or fully understand the complex laws for entering and staying in this country. In their home countries, things are done haphazardly. They thought they could sneak in, lay low, keep their heads down, or even pay a bribe—and all would be ok, because that’s how things were handled back home.
Hope amidst fear
Mixed in these groups are both good and bad people. And while there are certainly diverse political opinions and proposed solutions for each, this is not the forum to do so. On this platform, we seek ways to encourage and shine the hope and light of Jesus to all who need it, particularly those unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he never told them to ask about politics first. When he sent them to share the Good News, he didn’t say to check who their father was before sharing with them. He didn’t ask if they were rich or poor, black or white, what college they attended, or even if they liked football!
Jesus sent them with a simple message: tell people about me. Tell them they need to repent, turn away from their sins, and receive forgiveness. Teach them to “love one another, as I have loved you.” Tell them I have conquered sin and death, and that I am the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. Share with them, “Greater love has no man than this, that he is willing to lay down his life for another.”
Let us not relegate Easter to a date on the calendar. It’s meant to be celebrated all year long. He is risen! He is risen indeed!
I implore you to seek out an immigrant or refugee in your community and lovingly shine the light of Christ on them. Invite them into your home and share a simple meal with them. Offer to teach them a skill or help them learn English. In your relationship with them, be willing to be vulnerable. Share that you also needed Jesus in your life. Let them see that we are not perfect, but we are sinners saved by grace. Pray with them, and let them witness the power of prayer.
As the weather warms and presents opportunities for walks and picnics, look around, and perhaps you will see many who need to hear of Jesus and see Jesus in us. Pray a quick prayer, give a warm smile, and start by saying hello!
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Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
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