I wanted to follow up on the sermon and presentation on Sunday by Lutheran Services of the Carolinas (LSC).  LSC does so many things from independent senior living to nursing homes to traumatic brain injury to adoption to immigration/refugee resettlement. It was concerning this last ministry, refugee resettlement, that Seth Hershberger and Emily Dubay spoke on Sunday about their program called, “New Americans.”

LSC works with legal refugees who have been vetted by our State Department, gone through all the legal channels and played by all the rules. For most, this has taken 5-15 years of experiencing wars in their countries, enduring refugee camps, filling out lengthy applications to finally being approved to come to the United States.

But now, through dramatic decreases in federal funding, they are stalled in the process. They came here in good faith but have found themselves struggling with work visas, housing, food and all the basic necessities of life.

LSC has created a New Americans Fund to fill in the financial shortfalls. Through our donations, they help families experience the new life and opportunities here in America that we have come to appreciate and enjoy.  After hearing their presentation on Sunday, I made a personal donation the next day and encourage you to do the same. It’s simple. Just click here. 

In Deuteronomy, God reminds the Israelites coming out of 450 years of bondage to slavering in Egypt to protect the widows, orphans and strangers in their land because they were once in these vulnerable situations in Egypt.  Today, that humanitarian command has not changed.  Many of our ancestors came to America years or generations ago.  They were the widows, orphans and strangers in foreign land.  And this country showed them mercy.  Today, we have an opportunity to do the same with legal immigrates who have played by the rules and have been vetted by our State Department, but now find themselves with little resources because of federal cutbacks. 

By supporting LSC’s New Americans Fund, we stand in the gap, help the most vulnerable and obey God’s command about the widows, orphans and strangers in our land.

Peace,
Pastor Scott