This holiday season we had a group of international students with whom we work in Manhattan over for a meal. There were 20 students from 3 different countries in our mid-sized apartment. It was a bit cozy in our living room, to say the least. Before eating I wanted to say a few words, and I don’t remember everything I said, but one thing definitely drew a reaction. I mentioned how holiday meals are usually celebrated with family, but since our family is back in Colorado, I told the group I wanted them to be part of our family that day. There was an audible reaction that showed clearly they were touched by this sentiment. Family and love are universal languages. No matter what someone’s family looks like, everyone resonates with the idea. Our students commented about how they felt at home and felt loved by us, even though we barely got to talk with many of them.
Many of us now have people from other countries living nearby. Most have never been in an American home. Showing them love is as simple as inviting them over for a meal to be a part of your family for a bit. It’s a simple yet powerful act of ministry all of us can do. Will you join us in showing God’s love through hospitality, and join us in prayer for the many people God is bringing to the United States?
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