Refugees are Created and Loved by God, Just As I Am
- Posted by Editorial Staff
By Paul Glenn
Several years ago, I was given the privilege of teaching a men's ESL class at The Fountains Corner apartments. Even though that class does not meet anymore due to the men all finding jobs or moving on to other locations, the results of it continue to this day. I grew to love each one of those men as their great difficulties in giving up all that they knew in their old countries and moving to a completely new cultural setting weighed very heavy on my heart.
These were no rebellious terrorists. They were fathers, husbands, job-seeking, devout men who showed their mutual love and respect to me and to the country that was giving them a new and safe life. They wanted to make their own way and were willing to continue to pay a heavy price to earn it. They immediately gained my deepest respect. We had fun together learning English. I loved to hear them laugh at and with me. Many of these relationships continue to this day.
We have invited many of them into our home for fellowship meals and table games. More than a few of them I have helped move -- sometimes, more than once. I have helped them get their drivers licenses and taken their family members to the hospital. Some of them, though Muslims, went to church with us mostly out of curiosity, I feel, since they were now living in a "Christian" society. Few of them have left their background religion due mainly, I feel, because of the strong ties they have to families they had to leave behind. One told me that his mother back in Somalia would die if he became a Christian. Some of them have become truck drivers, school teachers, hotel managers, maintenance workers/supervisors, computer programmers, Walmart clerks/stockers, cab drivers, laboratory technicians, etc. Many are working hard to become American citizens.
I have come to see these precious people as very ordinary folks. They may have different backgrounds, languages and customs, but they are God's creation, just like I am, and they are loved by Him, just as I am, and, therefore, I am called by God to love them just like He does. It is a joy to serve them and Him anyway I can.
Paul Glenn has served as church planter and hospice chaplain for many years since 1970. After his retirement, Paul is still ministering to many different peoples including refugees in the DFW area.