The Contact July 2025

a publication for the OKUMC connection

July 2025 • Volume 7, Number 6

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Communications Ministry Staff

Carlos Ramirez

Jena Barber

Andrew Himes

Tabitha Beckman

Director of Communications

Editor of Publications

Multimedia and Web Ministry

Communications Specialist

Publication Credits Cover photo and feature graphics: Deposit Photos & Jena Barber Stories and layout by Jena Barber (unless otherwise noted)

The Contact, a publication of the OKUMC Connection (USPS 954-500) is published monthly by The Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “The Contact OKUMC”, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106.

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from the editor

A

friend of mine, whose story is not mine, so I will not share her identity, came to the US as a child when her family realized their home country was unsafe. Her mom - I think she was a single mom, but now I can’t remember - realized her two children might not survive into adulthood if she didn’t move them to a safer land.

With no hope for refugee status, little money, and few resources, this mom hired a “coyote” to bring her and her children to the US - which, I imagine, was terrifying. With no other options, she got in touch with someone who could get her children Social Security numbers so they could go to school.

My friend went on to learn English in record time, moving from ESL classes to those taught in English within her first year in the US. She finished high school, went to work, married a great man, and had two beautiful children.

She wanted to go to college, but knew her childhood identification wouldn’t pass muster in the federal system that grants student aid.

What happened next is an act of courage I can’t even begin to fathom. This friend, with her American husband and her two American children - knowing life as she knew it was at stake - drove to a different city and turned herself in so she could be considered for the DREAM Act. My friend, whose mom did the best she could for her children, out of love, sacrifice and unimaginable courage, was a child when she was brought to this country. She was American by every possible measurement, but she knew in

the back of her mind that powerful forces outside of her understanding could rip her away from her family.

The courage it took to walk into that place, with all that at stake, still amazes me.

This friend had to add her name - and her location! - to a list, knowing that political winds could change and her secret, one she had held all her adult life, would be out, and she would be vulnerable.

It was expensive, terrifying, arduous, and - thankfully - worth it. This woman is now a college-educated school teacher doing amazing things with children and teaching the next generation in the ways she was taught when she first got to the US. There is a teacher shortage across the country, so this friend fills a very vital role!

In this issue, which focuses on immigration and what it means to be community, I reflect on the desperation and the courage it takes for a family to flee a terrifying situation, only to come to a situation where the ground is shaky, where they might lose everything with the stroke of a pen, or with a knock on the door.

Immigrants are not lazy or after “something for nothing,” or taking jobs from “us.” They’re after the same things my ancestors were after when they came to the US in the 1600s and 1700s: a place to rest, a place to belong.

What’s so

bad about that?

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A TALE OF TWO GIRLHOODS - and two women with so much in common

by Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase

The Girl from Jalingo

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engage many in meaningful dialogue. I turned my experience into a documentary film, titled “Accents and Acceptance,” t all began in a small classroom at which explores the communication UMCN Junior Seminary in Jalingo, experiences of international students from Nigeria. As a child, I vividly remember Ukraine, Venezuela, China, India, Gabonthe presence of American missionaries who Congo, and Nigeria, during acculturation. came not just to teach but to serve. One I discovered a profound truth: that we, too, of them, Mr. Ronald Wilmot, left a lasting are missionaries in our own right, sharing impression on me. He gave of himself entirely, his time, his energy, his heart, and our lives and cultures with the communities that welcome us. International students even his life (bless his soul). not only benefit from being here, but they I still remember receiving a tote bag filled also enrich this country. They bring new with school supplies; “Boron Iowa,” they perspectives to the classroom, contribute called it, the bag from Iowa. Those books to research and innovation, and serve as and pencils were unlike anything I had bridges between cultures. ever seen, but even more impactful was After graduation, I moved to Oklahoma to the spirit in which they were given: love join my husband, who is currently pursuing without expectation. a PhD in Mass Communication at the At just nine years old, I made a quiet vow: University of Oklahoma. It was through one day, I would go to the United States, him that I was invited to the Wesley not only to study but to learn the kind Foundation. In some way, that discovery of service that changes lives. I wanted to felt like home again. understand the heart behind it, to embody Adjusting to life in a new state brought its it, and to return that gift to others. challenges. Navigating the immigration Nineteen years later, that dream became landscape as an international graduate reality. I earned a master’s degree in on Optional Practical Training (OPT) was communication from the University of daunting. The one-year window, the Illinois at Springfield. My education weight of uncertainty, and the difficulty expanded my understanding of media, of securing employment under shifting culture, and justice, equipping me with immigration policies made the transition tools to amplify stories that matter and even harder. I was qualified yet constantly serve the communities I care deeply about. reminded of my limitations.

As an international student, I have learned Then came Wesley! many lessons. One of the first was how The Wesley Foundation didn’t just offer me quickly assumptions can form based a job; after three months of volunteering on the way you speak. Yet within those for them, they offered me a position. They challenges, I also found opportunities to

By Bwayisak Tanko

I

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saw me not as an alien student, but as a person with a purpose. They welcomed my story, embraced my journey, and gave me space to grow and contribute.

who answered that call by being present in Jalingo; and now, humbly, it guides my journey, from a nine-year-old child receiving a bag from Iowa to an adult serving students from around the world in Through Wesley, I have had the privilege of Oklahoma. serving others, walking alongside students from around the world, organizing This is the beauty of the gospel: it flows programs that foster spiritual and cultural across cultures, languages, and continents. connection, and rediscovering what it means to live out my faith in community.

Here, I am reminded daily that God’s love Bwayisak is currently working with transcends borders and that the church, at distributors to make her documentary its best, creates room at the table for all. more widely accessible. When available the information for out to watch the Jesus said, “Go therefore and make documentary will be available at the OU disciples of all nations...” (Matthew Wesley website, www.okwesley.org .

28:19). That commission is no longer just an idea to me. It is lived out in the lives and legacies of people like Mr. Wilmot,

A Child of Parsonage Life

by Rev. Elizabeth Horton-Ware

I

grew up in the church. I was born while my father, Rev. Chuck Horton, finished seminary in Ohio. Within a year we were back in Oklahoma. My sisters, and I grew up in parsonages, became familiar with the secretary of the church or ministry to help remind the pastor (Dad) of the after school pick up, and each of us had meaningful moments of faith in age-based ministry from nursery through campus ministry.

Being at the side of the pastor in those formative years meant that congregations that raised us and employed our father shared much of their best through hospitality.

The majority of my ministry has been served in welcoming students to campus.

Wesley Foundations at college campuses and other student-serving ministries strive to be a steady source of hospitality as students transition from childhood to adult life with the guidance of higher education. We think through early events each semester that allow new students to meet a new community that hopefully carries them through their final days of the degree. Although I have always had contact with international students at each Wesley I was appointed to, OU has a unique ministry and outreach to international students.

Guided faithfully by my colleague, Rev. Fuxia Wang, this ministry will encounter students from dozens of countries each year. As ministry in all spaces adapts to new realities of changing

church involvement, along with funding adjustments, we attempt to do so with a wide cultural difference that comes from international leadership.

In all ministry we meet our students where they are, they bring their needs into worship, and their unique identity in Christ. And the Spirit is famous for contextualizing! I love to take the Pentecost scripture into churches when I guest preach. Sometimes I will share the passage, but most of the time a lay leader from that congregation will stumble over the country of origin of all the people who were gathered in Jerusalem. I get it! I just fake it! And when those who experienced that holy moment tried to make sense, they didn’t say they could understand Aramaic (the language of the disciples); they said they heard in their own language!

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Each of those difficult realities is amplified by being far from home, being in a culture that processes and grieves differently.

Being a “home away from home” means learning who they are and what they need. It means allowing them to be fully themselves in vulnerable moments. And when we come through those experiences, trust is increased, and God is magnified in all our lives.

In my life and ministry I want to practice Pentecost. I want to make sure the Spirit has room to translate for me when I don’t understand a cultural or language. I want to make sure that the Spirit has room to translate for them when I can help share our practices or resources. It will help all of us feel more at HOME.

The landscape for international students changes often. Most students want to experience our culture, our education Sometimes I will walk into the kitchen and relationships with our people and at The Wesley and have no clue the conversation going on. I could feel left out- then return home. To do so they must navigate our unique laws and immigration but I AM THE HOST! These students are letting me know that they feel comfortable system. The relationships with different in my space by being vulnerable enough to countries are also in flux. Global politics speak their mother tongue. Each week I try can change quickly and impact enrollment ability between one semester and the the food that is prepared by our students next without any input from the students and staff that shares their culture. It is who are studying. When we enter into often beyond my spice preference. But I the responsibility of a faith community we try it each time no matter what; it helps commit to be their friends through it all. our cooks know I value their time and And we at The Wesley can’t do that well talents. without our UMC connection. With your And those are the easy moments of help we have a wider net to catch students hospitality. I have had to learn about when in need. Or celebrate them when different visa statuses and green card they succeed. Or eat with them when the application processes, and help students food is spicy. understand changing tax law. Over Elizabeth Horton-Ware is the Campus the years I have been in ministry with students who have lost love ones to death, Pastor/Executive Director at OU Wesley.

She is slowly learning the words “thank received rejection from their priority jobs you” and “hello” in the languages spoken or graduate schools, endured the end of at The Wesley often. relationships they thought were forever.

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Create an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement

cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal to reflect actions taken by colonizers.

Use past, present, and future tenses. IndigKey components: enous people are still here, and they’re thrivStart with self-reflection. Before starting ing. Don’t treat them as a relic of the past. work on your land acknowledgment stateLand acknowledgments shouldn’t be grim. ment, reflect on the process: They should function as living celebrations of • Why am I doing this land acknowledgIndigenous communities. Ask yourself, “How ment? (If you’re hoping to inspire others am I leaving Indigenous people in a stronger, to take action to support Indigenous more empowered place because of this land communities, you’re on the right track. If acknowledgment?” Focus on the positivity of you’re delivering a land acknowledgment who Indigenous people are today. out of guilt or because everyone else is Additional factors to consider: doing it, more self-reflection is in order.)

Don’t ask an Indigenous person to deliver • What is my end goal? (What do you hope a “welcome” statement for your organizalisteners will do after hearing the acknowltion. Cantemaza McKay (Spirit Lake Nation) edgment?) explains this very clearly. Check out our land • When will I have the largest impact? (Think acknowledgment event livestream, and hear about your timing and audience, specificalhis comments at the 27-minute mark. ly.)

Build real, authentic relationships with Do your homework. Put in the time necesIndigenous people. In addition to normal sary to research the following topics: employment and family obligations, Indige• The Indigenous people to whom the land nous people are working to heal their traubelongs. mas, learn their languages, and support their • The history of the land and any related nations. If you reach out for help, lead the treaties. conversation by asking an Indigenous per• Names of living Indigenous people from son what you can do for them. Chances are, these communities. If you’re presenting they’re likely overworked and could use your on behalf of your work in a certain field, help. highlight Indigenous people who currently Compensate Indigenous people for their work in that field. Indigenous place names emotional labor. If you do plan to reach out and language. to an Indigenous person or community for • Correct pronunciation for the names of the help, compensate them fairly. Too often, InTribes, places, and individuals that you’re digenous people are asked to perform emoincluding. tional labor for free.

Use appropriate language. Don’t sugarcoat Understand displacement and how that the past. Use terms like genocide, ethnic plays into land acknowledgment. Land from the Native Governance Center

acknowledgment is complicated. Remember that the United States government displaced many Tribes from land before treaties were signed.

There are many types of land acknowledgments. Don’t expect to find a specific formula or template. Land acknowledgments that come from Indigenous people vs. non-Indigenous people look different, too.

Take action: • Land acknowledgment alone is not enough. It’s merely a starting point. Ask yourself: how do I plan to take action to support Indigenous communities? Some examples of ways to take action: • Support Indigenous organizations by donating your time and/or money.

• Support Indigenous-led grassroots change movements and campaigns. Encourage

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others to do so.

• Commit to returning land. Local, state, and federal governments around the world are currently returning land to Indigenous people. Individuals are returning their land, too. Research your options to return your land.

At the end of the day, remember: Starting somewhere is better than not trying at all. We need to share in Indigenous peoples’ discomfort. They’ve been uncomfortable for a long time. Dr. Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Dakota and Muskogee Creek) says, “We have to try. Starting out with good intentions and a good heart is what matters most.”

Visit our resources page for more helpful land acknowledgment tools! And read our own land acknowledgment statement: The Land We’re On.

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United Methodists: From those who have occupied this land the longest

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Just a Family

trying to enjoy a pizza

by Rev. Kris Mayberry

I

not outright refusing to serve us, but in a passive-aggressive move, the order for our table was never filled by the cooks in the kitchen.

It was not until I was an adult that I understood the whole meaning of what had happened. The restaurant staff were

My father, a beautifully dark-skinned member of the Muscogee-Creek Nation, and my beautiful Caucasian mother had married during a tumultuous time of our country’s history. We sat at the pizza restaurant a short ten years after the United States legalized interracial marriages in each state. But passing a law does not change the hearts and minds of people in small-town Oklahoma, or anywhere for that matter, and racism

t was the fifth time this had happened– the pizza never made it to our table.

It was the fifth time I had sat with my siblings and my parents, a mixed-race couple, at the local pizza restaurant in my hometown, waiting for the waitress to serve us our meal. We saw other families enter the restaurant, eat their food, and leave. Our pizza never arrived at our table.

Finally, as always, my father would quietly say to us, “The service here is too slow tonight. We’ll eat our dinner at home.”

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continues.

Through my work as a local pastor of The United Methodist Church, this experience, along with others from my childhood, has allowed me to teach others about hidden forms of racism still existing in our world.

Preaching about the effects of colonialism on indigenous people has undoubtedly allowed me to do this, but sometimes just showing up in a ribbon skirt or beaded earrings is the best way to get a conversation started.

had to speak at OIMC revival services, as well as having their leaders speak at the churches I have served.

The leadership of the Oklahoma Conference has been incredibly supportive of my ministry. I have been given opportunities to serve the church on the district, conference, and general conference levels. Instead of my Indigenous heritage being minimized, it has been celebrated.

Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good things.”

This is my hope– that through my work as a local pastor, I can not only help build a greater appreciation among EuroAmericans for oppressed groups of people, but that they will also have the boldness to work for justice by speaking out about oppression, even if it is just a family Rev. Kris Mayberry is a member of the trying to share a pizza.

The congregations I have served in the Oklahoma Conference are generally curious and supportive of my Muscogee-Creek heritage. They listen intently to the history of my tribe and the examples I share of cultural differences between our two groups. Still, this does not always make conversations on racial relations easy. Ingrained patterns of thinking can Muscogee-Creek Nation. be slow to change–but we must keep trying because this is our calling.

Kris Mayberry is the pastor at Pryor United Something that I appreciate about the Methodist Church.

Oklahoma Conference is the geographical overlap we share with the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. This has enabled me to form friendships with pastors and laity who serve the OIMC. Through conversations with both, I have come to understand my own tribal culture and Indigenous spirituality in a richer and fuller way. I cherish the opportunities I have

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The People Called Methodists

I

encountered the Methodist Church as a freshman in college at Northeastern State University in my hometown of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I had a rough start to my studies - I left my home in the hills of Cherokee County to live in the ‘big’ city of Tahlequah, but had little access to any resources. I couch-hopped around town and slept in places that were not the safest, but during the day, I generally stayed on campus at the library. One day, as I asked around the quad for someone who could help me find some lunch, a student mentioned that this house on the edge of campus was passing out sandwiches. A few minutes later, I walked into the NSU Wesley and met Rev. Linda Harker and the director, Andy Henson.

The compassion these folks called

by Rev. Cody C. Robinson ‘Methodist’ had for me was nothing like I’d ever experienced before. They invited me to come back a few hours later for a worship service, and I obliged. I grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition with a theology that was, in many ways, opposite and contrary to Methodism. The concept of ‘grace’ taught by Rev. Harker - a female pastor, mind you (I didn’t know those existed!) - was so incredibly refreshing. It was the willingness to share something so simple as a kind word and a warm morsel of food that began my journey into serving our Methodist Church - and all of Creation.

I’m of mixed blood and heritage - my late father was a man of mixed European descent, mainly German and Irish with Protestant tendencies, while my mother hails from an unbroken line of matriarchs

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of the Wolf Clan of the Keetoowah/Cherokee Nighthawk Society. I grew up in a theological space where many of the values, ideas, and concepts of spirituality were and are, at times, contradictory and, in some ways, irreconcilable. By living in “both worlds” and living through the experiences as an Indigenous person living in a colonized world, there is a sense of understanding that comes from dwelling in the margins, whether that’s culturally, socially, or economically.

Rev. Cody C. Robinson is a member of the United Keetoowah Nation.

On the other side of that token, there is a deep sense a fractured identity - of not being enough of one or the other - but I think it’s in those liminal spaces, whether those spaces are inherited or we are placed in them, that the unifying spirit of Christ’s love and compassion is made manifest. For seven years this month, I’ve chosen to answer the call to serve Christ and the

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Church to share myself with folks who do not look like me, speak like me, think like me, or could, in many ways, comprehend me; yet as John Wesley once asked: “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?”

Therefore, it is the great love and compassion of “these people called ‘Methodist” who have shown me the true beauty and power of Christ’s presence in the world - and I am forever grateful for those who have chosen to invest in the gifts God has allowed me to share by their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. It is because of them that I remain steadfast to our commitment to help form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve

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joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

Cody Robinson is the senior pastor at D.D. Etchieson Memorial Indian United Methodist Church, and has achieved many awards and honors. Check out his website here.

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We’re all from somewhere.

Blaine Markle Chrisa Markle Brian Bakeman Connie Taylor Thomas Hoffmann Nancy Hoffmann Anonymous contributor Jena Barber Carlos Ramirez Jinx Barber

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Whether it happened in the 1600s or in the last decade, each of the volunteers who sent us their ancestral DNA map is a product of immigration.

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to those who have been citizens of the U.S. for a matter of years

by Rev. Jack Terrell-Wilkes

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Who are the immigrants?

I

by Rev. Carlos Ramirez

n 2012, I had the opportunity to travel to New York City. It was a very exciting trip for me. On the one hand, I have always wanted to visit New York. Growing up in Mexico, many of my favorite movies (Ghostbusters, the Godfather, Sleepless in Seattle, just to name a few) featured the city. On the other hand, I was going to New York City to be commissioned as a Global Ministries missionary. My maternal family has had a long and close relationship with missionaries since my great-grandmother in the early 1900s.

Needless to say, I was very excited. During my time there, I got to cross another item on my bucket list: to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This was, for me, another landmark I needed to see first hand.

Fellow immigrants arrived to this country

via Ellis Island.

I know it is a cliché, but I truly cannot describe with words my experience at Ellis Island. I felt very proud of being part of the lineage of immigrants coming to this country. While my “voyage” to the States was not as perilous as many of the stories depicted at the now museum, I felt connected with the heartache of leaving our traditions, food, family and home behind. There was a bittersweet undertone to the stories.

Furthermore, I was proud to know that Methodism, in particular Methodist Women, were active in aiding the immigrants.

Yet, my heart was also broken, not because of the stories of the immigrants, but of the reaction of our country toward immigrants.

In the early 1900s there was a wave of im-

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migration to our country. The rhetoric used to describe the immigrant was appalling: gang member, disease ridden, and plague just to describe a couple of cartoons circulating at the time. “The Fool Pied Piper,” published on June 2, 1909, ‘shows Uncle Sam as the “Pied Piper” playing a pipe labeled ‘Lax Immigration Laws’ and leading a horde of rats labeled ‘Jail Bird, Murderer, Thief, Criminal, Crook, Kidnapper, Incendiary, Assassin, Convict, Bandit, Fire Brand, White Slaver, [and] Degenerate,’ and some carry signs that read ‘Black Hand’ showing a black hand print. In the background, rulers from ‘France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Hungary/ Austria, Turkey, [and] Greece,’ along with citizens of these countries, are cheering the fleeing rats. (See image, right).

This rhetoric made me realize that the stories around immigrants has not changed that much. I started to ask myself: what about the narrative that says that this country was founded by immigrants? What about the words at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”? What did I miss?

The Mayflower Compact is a brief document by which the incoming settlers created a political body in order to assure peace and civility.

This document shows how the people who were coming to this continent understood themselves: “loyal subjects for our dread Sovereign Lord King James.” These people were entrusted with the mission “for

the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern part of Virginia.” As an author puts it, “this part of the continent looked virtually empty. It was there for the taking, and before long the English set out enthusiastically to take it.” This appropriation of

land was indeed so enthusiastic that soon enough the colonies were formed and “it was customary practice to grant full citizenship, including the right to vote, to freeholders with a given amount of acreage.”

Fast forward to 1776. The Declaration Of Independence reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Yet, if we keep reading the Declaration we will arrive to the part as to the reasons why “it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another.” Citing the grievances against King George III, the writers affirm the following: “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring

on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.” The people who inhabited these lands for millennia, then, have become immigrants in their own land. They live in the “frontier” or “borderlands” of the newly formed country.

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we are “judged not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.” A country that decides to “struggle against the common enemies of [humanity]: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.”

I know that these values are aspirational. I know that we have not achieved them yet, but we go on living these values out every day. And as with any aspirational values, we fall short, but we are not discouraged by our shortcomings. This is why I decided to become a citizen. I believe we can truly work in order to make our Union that much more perfect.

What I have missed is the fact that from the beginning, the people who arrived from Europe never understood themselves as immigrants. They understood themselves as citizens of England, as part of civilization and Christendom.

Therefore, the peoPresident Lincoln said ple outside of these the following at the categories were fronGettysburg Address, tier dwellers, savages “Our fathers brought (agents of chaos), a forth on this continent threat to civilization a new nation, conand pagans (a threat ceived in liberty, and to Christianity). While dedicated to the propin fact this country osition that all men are was settled by immiRev. Carlos Ramirez immigrated to the US created equal. Now grants, these settlers from Mexico. Here he demonstrated his we are engaged in a never saw themselves bullfighting skills at age 14. great civil war, testing as such. This fact has whether that nation, massive repercusor any nation so conceived and so dedicatsions. It determines who is “in” and who is ed, can long endure.” I think we are living “out.” It determines what kind of people through a pivotal moment in the history better “fit” into the “American” idea. It for our country where we are faced with a translates into legislation that bars certain similar decision as at the time of Lincoln. people from entering the country. It manifests in xenophobic and racist attitudes that Will we truly embrace the proposition that all humans are created equal or will we let get codified as law. xenophobia and racism win the day? Will In 2018 I became a US citizen. I did not we rise up to our highest ideals? I believe take lightly my decision to do so. I became our resolve to live to our highest ideals will a citizen out of conviction. I believe in the trump any fears and misplaced suspicions. I high ideals our country stands for. I believe believe in us as country. I am confident that in a country where “all people are created we will finally affirm, without a doubt, “that equal” and where the “pursuit of happithis nation, under God, shall have a new ness” is real. I believe in a country where birth of freedom.”

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God Is on Your Side

T

here were three country churches in a small town. All three churches were overrun with pesky squirrels. One day, the leaders of the churches gathered to discuss this issue. After much prayer, they determined that there must be a reason that the squirrels must be there.

If they were patient with the squirrels for a while, the squirrels would be gone. So they waited, but the problems got worse.

At the second meeting, they decided to trap all the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels came back. At the third meeting, they came up with the best and most effective solution. All three churches gathered together and baptized the squirrels and registered them as members

by Rev. Dr. James Kim

of each church. Now the squirrels come back only on Christmas and Easter.

You may have heard this bold statement: “Remember your baptism.” For those who have been baptized, what do you remember about your baptism? We remember that we were all sinners before God. We remember that through Jesus Christ, God forgives our sins and receives us as His children. By God’s grace, we are saved. Yes, God loved us even while we were sinners. So we acknowledge our sin in light of the Bible and repent of our sins for God’s forgiveness. We bring ourselves to baptism and profess Jesus Christ as our Lord. We begin to live a new life as Christians who follow Christ. This is

the baptism of water. We also remember the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised. The Holy Spirit empowers us to remember everything Jesus taught his disciples and to faithfully follow him. Jesus commands all his followers to be generous in forgiving and loving each other, just as he loves us. “Remember your baptism.” It probably means: “Remember the grace of God that you have received.” The grace that heals us in our brokenness. The grace that makes us new in His love. The grace that gives us hope for tomorrow. Because of God’s grace, we can live a new life as His children, guided by the Holy Spirit. So, remember the grace you have received.

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about 16 years without spending a single coin — and that’s just for one talent. But this servant owed 10,000 talents to be freed from his debt. No matter how hard or how long he worked, there was no way he could ever repay such a massive amount — unless he could somehow live 10,000 years or more. Perhaps he cursed himself, thinking, “I am hopeless. I am a dead man.” Out of desperation, he began begging for mercy. In fact, it was the only thing he could do. Then an amazing miracle happened: the king was filled with pity for him, forgave his entire debt, and released him.

Have you ever felt like you are falling away The Gospel today speaks about a man who from God? Have you been disappointed quickly forgets the grace he received. This in yourself because you keep falling back into the same sin over and over, even after is how the story begins: “The kingdom repenting? Have you ever feared that God of heaven is like a king who wanted to might not like you anymore or that He no settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, one of his servants, longer wants to forgive you? You may feel anger, depression, despair, frustration, who owed him ten thousand talents, was hopelessness, or deep sadness. brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the king ordered that he be sold, The first three years of my life in America together with his wife and children and all were not enjoyable. I was 23 years old his possessions, so that payment could be when I came to the States. Here in made.”

America, if you don’t speak English well, every day is a challenge. My first job was Does this sound too harsh? Or you cleaning office buildings after business may wonder: why didn’t he just file for hours. I worked from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., six bankruptcy? Well, this was a common days a week, while also attending school to practice in the days of Jesus. Paying back learn English. what you owed was that serious. The servant fell down before the king and On Sundays, I worked as the director begged him, “Please, be patient with me, of youth ministry for a Korean church. and I will pay back everything.” Here, the During those three years, I experienced question is: Was he really able to pay off things I had never encountered in my the whole debt of ten thousand talents?

23 years in Korea. I faced disrespect, humiliation, offense, and scams because of The basic monetary unit in Israel was the language barriers and cultural differences. denarius. One denarius was a common I felt lonely and helpless. Then I became worker’s daily wage. One talent was defensive and pessimistic. Eventually, I worth 6,000 denarii. So, to earn one began to blame my parents for bringing talent, a person would have to work for

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me to America, and I blamed myself for falling short in everything.

you. God’s grace is greater than our sin.

His grace is amazing.

Back to the Bible. Something happened after the servant received that amazing gift from the king. He found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.

As you may remember that one denarius was a day’s wage the pay you earn for a day’s work. All he needed to pay off was just 100 days’ worth of work. His friend begged for his favor, One Sunday evening, I had just as he had begged the chance to attend a the king. However, the spiritual revival for Korean servant grabbed his young adults as a member of friend and began to the praise team. There, I met choke him. He threw the pastor who had come as him into prison until a guest speaker. He looked he could pay the debt. at me and said, “Your face!

He had just received It’s full of worries. What is an amazing and it?” indescribable grace, yet he refused to offer I responded, “I’m worried a small act of kindness Dr. James Kim immigrated to the that God doesn’t like me US from South Korea. when he was in a anymore.” position to do so. The He grabbed my hands and Bible teaches that this prayed for me. After a long prayer, he said, is evil - and it is a sin.

“James, you’re right - God doesn’t like When the king heard about this, he was you.” He paused, then continued, “God doesn’t like your attitudes - the way you’re furious. He called the servant back and living. But God knows your heart. God still said, “You evil servant! I forgave you a tremendous debt because you pleaded loves you, and God forgives you. You’d with me. Shouldn’t you have shown mercy better ask God why He brought you to to your fellow servant, just as I showed this country, instead of complaining every mercy to you?” Then the angry king sent day.” That conversation changed me - my the man to prison to be tortured until he attitude, and my life. had paid his entire debt. Pay attention I don’t know what’s in your heart or what to what the king said: “You should have you’re going through. But I want you to mercy on your friend just as I had mercy know this: if you need help, God is on on you.” And Jesus says, “This is how your side. If you feel guilty for any reason, my heavenly Father will treat each of remember that God knows you and loves you unless you forgive your brothers and Then I felt like I wasn’t a good Christian at all. The funny thing is that I was still serving as a youth director and the leader of a praise team. I didn’t miss a single Sunday.

Of course, I studied English every day. I prayed every day. However, I wasn’t able to see any visible improvement - either as a Christian or as a man trying to build a life in America. I felt guilty - terribly guilty.

sisters from your heart.”

In Romans 5, Paul says, “Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sake of our salvation while we were still weak, powerless, and helpless.” Christ died for us not because we did something good nor deserve his love. But, because God loved us. This is how we all receive salvation. By the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we all are saved and become His children.

I believe the ten thousand talents represent the kind of grace the servant received - a grace that is super amazing and priceless. Now, Jesus teaches us to remember the grace of God that we have received. It is the grace that saves us from our sin through Jesus Christ. Because of our sin, we deserve to suffer God’s judgment - eternal death. But Jesus took that judgment upon himself on the cross for us. He suffered and died in our place.

And not only that. Jesus rose from the dead. He defeated the power of death and grants us the hope of eternal life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

In Romans 5, Paul says, “Christ died for us while we were still weak, powerless, and helpless.” Christ didn’t die for us because we did something good or deserved his love, but because he loved us. This is how we all receive salvation – by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Through that grace, we are saved and become His children.

Now, I want to raise this question: “Why did the servant put his fellow servant into prison? Where did that attitude come from?” If the servant truly appreciated what the king had done for him, he probably would have remembered how his own life was changed and forgiven his friend. After all, that’s what the king

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expected from him. But many of us easily and quickly forget the grace we’ve received. When we are in trouble, we ask for grace and mercy. We love to hear the message of God’s grace because that’s exactly what we need.

However, once our troubles seem to be over and our problems are resolved, our attitude often changes quickly. We start acting as if we are righteous on our own.

We stop talking about grace and instead focus on justice - on what is right or wrong.

God’s judgment becomes more important to us than God’s grace. And if it gets worse, some people even try to take God’s place on the throne. Without knowing the whole truth and without hesitation, they quickly jump to criticize and judge others.

But the power to judge belongs only to God. Jesus strongly commands us not to forget the grace we have received and to treat one another as he treats us. Jesus calls us to be generous in forgiving and loving each other. We receive salvation not because of our good works, but because of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

I believe every Christian should strive to know Jesus and walk in his footsteps. So, let us pray for God’s grace and help in this way: “God, help me. I want to have the heart of Jesus. I want to love others as Jesus loves me. I want to think, talk, and act like Jesus. I want to bless others and make a positive impact on their lives, just as Jesus did. God, help me bring hope and joy to their lives, just as Jesus has brought to mine.”

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Hope, Education, Ministry, and American Citizenship for a Refugee

A

s I return to Shawnee Wesley United Methodist Church for another year after the just ended 2025 Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, I come with a heart filled with gratitude for those who have made it possible for me to be where I am today.

One of the worship services we had while at the Annual Conference in Tulsa last month consisted of celebrating those who have served as pastors and now have entered retirement. At the worship service celebrating the retirees, I find myself every year uplifted by the words we share in worship as we appreciate the service of those who have served the church for many years. Here are some of

by Rev. Gerard Nsabimama the words that the congregation shares with those entering retirement: “We thank God that you were given the vision to be faithful. Death and illness have not come on schedule. The truth has not always been easy to preach. We know something of the grace by which you have lived, and we thank God for your vision.”

As I looked at the pictures printed on the front page of the bulletin for that worship service, I noticed that among those who retired this year was the first District Superintendent I had as I entered the full-time ministry the summer I graduated from seminary. I was reminded of the of the conversations I had with my superintendent as I navigated what it

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meant to legally work in the United States.

in this country.

As I think about the long, hard and expensive journey that I had to embark on before I could become a naturalized American citizen, my heart breaks for those who are in this country without “papers”. I was once without “papers”; especially when I lived in a refugee camp in Tanzania many years ago. While in the refugee camp, I was able to sense the United Methodist Church’s presence from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. And before too long, I found myself at Africa University, a United Methodist Church-Related institution.

While I never envisioned myself being where I am today, I celebrate that because of the United Methodist Church, I have found hope when I was hopeless. I celebrate that through the faithfulness of United Methodists, I am able to serve as an ordained pastor in the Oklahoma Annual Conference. I celebrate that I serve today as a naturalized American citizen.

I will never forget it when my campus minister traveled with me all the way to Houston, TX, as I went to a political asylum interview. Even when my political asylum was denied, my campus minister did not give up on me, but rather helped me find other ways for me to live and work legally

Rev. Gerard Nsabimama fled Burundi many years ago because of war, then lived for five years in Zimbabwe prior to coming to the USA. He graduated from Africa University in May of 2002 and began his graduate studies at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2002.

Allow me to conclude my message with a special invitation for you to join me and pray for at least one human who is without “papers” in this country and be mindful that those Because of faithful United who are seen without Methodist servants like “papers” in the United Rev. Chuck Ellinwood States or anywhere and his late wife Mrs. Rev. Gerard Nsabimama else around the world Sue Elliwood, I was given immigrated to the US from Burundi. are first and foremost an opportunity to come humans made in God’s and study in the United image. Let us never forget that every one States. When I arrived at Oklahoma State of us, whether we were born in the United University in the fall of 2002, the United States of America or anywhere else around Methodist Church welcomed me through the world, we are all given a gift of being the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Campus Ministry). My campus minister did created in the image and likeness of God. not simply welcome me as a fellow United Let us never forget that as Christians (including United Methodists) we are called Methodist but rather as his own brother. to love God and love our neighbors as we His now late wife and his children also love ourselves. embraced me as their brother.

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IMMIGRATION

by Rev. Dr. Robyn Goggs, LPC

is a matter of perspective

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Create A Statement on Immigration: Your Church’s Guide

D

o you ever wonder what the Bible says about the hot-button political issue of immigration? On the whole, it actually has a lot to say. In its time, the issue was quite political. We searched for some stories.

When Moses led the people out of Egypt, they immigrated to a new land. They eventually became immigrants in Canaan.

When Jesus was an infant, his family had to flee Bethlehem and go to Egypt (according to the Gospel of Matthew), garnering what would today be called refugee status. The family couldn’t return to Bethlehem and had to establish themselves in Nazareth.

Possibly as a result of his experience of settling, fleeing, and resettling, Jesus had a lot to say about “the stranger,” or, as we’ll refer to it, the immigrant.

Jesus spoke in riddles - well, parables, but these days, it feels like the same thing.

He often told a story and expected his listeners to glean the deeper meaning behind his words. For this reason, a search of “Bible verses about immigration” doesn’t bring up much “red letter scripture.” Jesus didn’t directly talk about immigration, just as he didn’t directly talk about coveting, adultery, or any of the other leading topics from the first testament of the Bible. Likewise, his

apostles, too, spoke around subjects, expecting their listeners and readers to reflect on the lessons and gain greater understanding through critical thinking.

Consider their stories and what they might say about immigrants - or foreigners, or strangers.

The Good Samaritan was about how the in-group didn’t care enough to help someone, but the foreigner - the hated Samaritan - did. What did Jesus say about the actions of that foreigner?

The woman at the well was another Samaritan. Another foreigner. Why was there a story about her? What was the point of telling that story? Might it be that Jesus was letting everyone know that this woman, who was also a foreigner, was an “Equal to the Apostles” in her witness?

It’s worth noting that the story doesn’t end with the unnamed woman becoming a disciple. She was tortured and died a martyr for Christianity in the Orthodox tradition.

A Roman centurion represented his servant, often thought of as a Pagan, and therefore a foreigner, did not believe his home fit for Jesus to enter it. He begged for healing for his servant. Jesus was so moved, he not only healed the servant

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from afar; he also took the opportunity to lecture his own followers about the faith of this foreigner, and how this man’s faith was stronger than all who came from Israel.

learn on the topic, and might it be more nuanced than “for and against?” We encourage you to study multiple sources - not just the ones which confirm your existing opinions - from diverse experts, and then to also read what the Bible has to say about immigrants. When you’ve finished, you’ll be ready to create your church’s Statement on Immigration.

The Syrophoenician woman begged Jesus for healing for her daughter. First rebuffed - or perhaps tested, as some interpretations offer - and told that “it’s not right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs,” the woman then humbly responded that even dogs deserve A few verses to get you started: crumbs. Many see this as a turning point • Leviticus 19:34 in Jesus’ teachings, where he came to realize that his teachings were not just for • Malachi 3:5 his in-group, but were also for others - the • Acts 7:6 foreigners like this woman. The woman’s • Deuteronomy 16:14 humility and faith, along with Jesus’ grace and mercy, might be an illustration of how • Leviticus 16:29 modern Christians should react when faced • Leviticus 19:9-10 with “others.”

• Deuteronomy 10:18-19 The United States is a nation founded by immigrants. Many immigrants who settled this land came in search of freedom to live and practice their faith without the government’s interference. Others were brought to this land against their will, usually shackled in the bowels of ships, with many perishing along the way. Others came to escape persecution, poverty, natural disasters, and more. The ones who were originally on the land were then cast as “others” by the new immigrants.

Consider these ideas as you discuss your church’s stance on immigration.

Over the centuries, the United States has seen much reform and change, often based on world events, leadership changes, fear, and more. Today, immigration is a hotbutton issue, a political buzzword used to sever ideologies into two categories: for and against. Might there be more to

• Exodus 23:9

• 1 Kings 8:41-43

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 • Galatians 5:14 • Luke 10:29-37

• Matthew 8:10-11 • Romans 12:9-13 • Hebrews 13:1-3 • James 2:1-4 • Isaiah 1:17

• Jeremiah 7:5-7

• Deuteronomy 27:19 Fill in the blanks on the next page to create your Statement on Immigration (or recreate it). Feel free to display this statement on your website, in your building, and on your social media. Share your statement with the Conference office at editor@okumc.org.

Statement on Immigration

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Church Name, Location _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Date ________________ Our congregation feels strongly about immigration. We feel it is our responsibility to create a statement to let the world know where we stand when it comes to dealing with immigrants.

We believe that immigrants are _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

We believe that immigrants are not __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

We stand in solidarity with __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

We reject the principles of __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

The purpose of the church is to _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

Where it relates to immigrants, we will continue our work in ___________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

If immigrants seek our assistance, we will _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________.

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