By Harry Kelm
NAB Executive Director
I have been watching the events of the last few weeks in Minnesota unfold with a sense of pain and heartache. As a follower of Jesus, I grieve the loss of life. I am troubled by the accusations and the inflammatory rhetoric that has surrounded these events. As a son of German immigrants who chose to come to the United States, as a pastor who has served churches in both the United States and Canada, and as the executive director of our bi-national conference of churches, I am always striving to be aware of what’s happening in both countries. However, these thoughts I share today are based not on my Canadian or United States citizenship, but rather they flow out of me as a citizen of God’s Kingdom and a devoted and surrendered follower of Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, I know I am not inerrant or infallible, which is why I am seeking to consider what is God’s best in this situation.
As 1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Ephesians 5:8 reminds us we were once in darkness but now are light in the Lord and should therefore live as children of light. Matthew 5:9 tells us that peacemakers are blessed. We are to be people of peace – a people defined by our wholeness and flourishing in God’s will and intention.
Immigration has been a blessing to those who have come to North America and to the people of both Canada and the United States who call these nations our home. As God’s people, we are commanded to treat others with love and respect and to seek God’s righteousness. Based on what I read in Scripture, I believe God would want us to care for the vulnerable and for those seeking refuge in our communities. I believe God would want us to love our neighbor, including those who do not agree with our viewpoints. The laws of our countries are meant to provide safety and a legal framework to do what is right. It is not the way of Jesus to place a value – or lack of value – on anyone based on their ethnicity or legal status. There are many factors that need to be dealt with in the situations that have played out in the last few weeks, which is why I also pray for law enforcement officers and government leaders, whom I deeply respect.
With this all in mind, the bloodshed and violence of the last few weeks is not the way of Jesus. As members of God’s Kingdom, let us commit to pray for all those involved. Let us commit to seeking the peace of God in every interaction.
I am praying for Christian brothers and sisters and churches who are seeking to understand what God would have them do in these complicated times.
I am praying for a de-escalation in tension.
I am praying for an end to accusations directed towards any group of people based on the color of their skin or country of origin.
I am praying for an end to mass deportations.
I am praying for a reasoned and objective approach to immigration and settlement.
These are my reflections as someone who is seeking to live for Jesus. I would ask that you pray for the NAB community of churches as we seek to understand God’s leading and directing.