If you’ve lived in Columbus for any length of time, you can attest to how the landscape of the city is rapidly changing. It’s not only the growth of business and amenities, but our population is growing in both numbers and diversity. It’s unbelievable how Columbus is changing! It’s been projected that Greater Columbus will welcome one million more people in the next twenty years or so. Recently, I heard that about a quarter (250,000) of that growth will be comprised of people from foreign countries. These new residents are transforming Central Ohio, and while change can be difficult, much good can come from it. How those of us who currently call Columbus home prepare for this expected change will make all the difference.
As Christians, we have clear mandates from the Lord regarding the posture we are to have toward foreigners, and how we relate to those who are ‘other’. In Leviticus we read, "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Lev. 19:33-34). While most of us have not experienced exile in Egypt, the principle still applies and is made clearer by Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:12: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Frankly, life with Jesus means following His example of self-emptying love on behalf of others. How can we go out of our way, give up our own comfort, to serve others in love? This is the life that God blesses.
Toward that end, there has been a strong tradition across Greater Columbus of serving and blessing the immigrant and refugee. For many years, a number of followers of Jesus have banded together to help make room for those relocating to the area that are in need of welcome. This is a clear path to embody the gospel in practical ways. Opportunities to proclaim the gospel often present themselves to those who demonstrate the gospel first. Relationships create the pathway to revelation, as the gospel grows hands and feet.
The For Columbus New Americans Network recently re-launched to prayerfully explore ways the Church of the City can practice Christ’s welcome to foreigners creating a new life in Columbus. Would you like to connect with others who desire to extend that welcome? Go to our Networks page and click on the New Americans Network!