A message from Associational Missions Strategist Jamie Rogers, shared in the August CMBA Newsletter:

I recently had the honor of interviewing a gentleman here in Columbia for a doctoral seminar assignment. This gentleman was not a follower of Jesus, and he was not born in America. He was born in Iran and practiced the Baha’i faith which, if you’re curious, is a religion you can learn more about through this North American Mission Board link.

His faith is not the focus of this message or the list below, but his nationality is. The CMBA area is increasingly becoming filled with newcomers, many of them foreign-born. They live in our neighborhoods and towns, and their children go to school with your children and grandchildren. In many cases they teach in our schools, and they own restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and nail salons. They are ALL AROUND us. Have you noticed them? Have you set out to form a relationship with them?

That’s what Jesus did and would do. Within the next year, I will complete my doctoral project, which will equip you and others to build relationships with international neighbors. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Here are a few reasons why you should do all that you can to build relationships with these special neighbors that God is bringing to our individual circles of influence:

1. To demonstrate biblical hospitality. The Bible is clear that we should welcome fellow believers and strangers alike into our lives and homes.
2. Many of these foreign-born people are away from their families for the first time and really miss them and the community they had with them. Your local church and small groups can provide a community they desire and long for.
3. To demonstrate the heart of God toward ALL people. God loves all people and around His throne there will be people from every tribe, language, and tongue. He loves ALL people and so should we…IF we follow Jesus.
4. To reach people from hard-to-reach places right here at home, where it is much easier for them to explore Jesus. Many of the foreign-born people in our area come from areas where there is little-to-no gospel access. Let’s share it with them, and then they can share it with their networks back home!
5. You could have the gift of experiencing foreign hospitality in return.
6. It teaches your children and grandchildren how to live and think like a missionary.
7. These cultural exchanges can shape and grow your heart.
8. It’s an opportunity to be an example of Jesus to someone.
9. It will make you better. The relationships I’ve been privileged to make with foreign-born people have always made me better, in more ways that I can even begin to describe.
10. Did I mention that it will give you an opportunity to share the gospel?