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from the editor
Afriend 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?
A TALE OF TWO GIRLHOODS - and two women with so much in common
The Girl from Jalingo
By Bwayisak Tanko
It all began in a small classroom at UMCN Junior Seminary in Jalingo, Nigeria. As a child, I vividly remember the presence of American missionaries who came not just to teach but to serve. One of them, Mr. Ronald Wilmot, left a lasting impression on me. He gave of himself entirely, his time, his energy, his heart, and even his life (bless his soul).
I still remember receiving a tote bag filled with school supplies; “Boron Iowa,” they called it, the bag from Iowa. Those books and pencils were unlike anything I had ever seen, but even more impactful was the spirit in which they were given: love without expectation.
At just nine years old, I made a quiet vow: one day, I would go to the United States, not only to study but to learn the kind of service that changes lives. I wanted to understand the heart behind it, to embody it, and to return that gift to others.
Nineteen years later, that dream became reality. I earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield. My education expanded my understanding of media, culture, and justice, equipping me with tools to amplify stories that matter and serve the communities I care deeply about.
As an international student, I have learned many lessons. One of the first was how quickly assumptions can form based on the way you speak. Yet within those challenges, I also found opportunities to
engage many in meaningful dialogue. I turned my experience into a documentary film, titled “Accents and Acceptance,” which explores the communication experiences of international students from Ukraine, Venezuela, China, India, GabonCongo, and Nigeria, during acculturation.
I discovered a profound truth: that we, too, are missionaries in our own right, sharing our lives and cultures with the communities that welcome us. International students not only benefit from being here, but they also enrich this country. They bring new perspectives to the classroom, contribute to research and innovation, and serve as bridges between cultures.
After graduation, I moved to Oklahoma to join my husband, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma. It was through him that I was invited to the Wesley Foundation. In some way, that discovery felt like home again.
Adjusting to life in a new state brought its challenges. Navigating the immigration landscape as an international graduate on Optional Practical Training (OPT) was daunting. The one-year window, the weight of uncertainty, and the difficulty of securing employment under shifting immigration policies made the transition even harder. I was qualified yet constantly reminded of my limitations.
Then came Wesley!
The Wesley Foundation didn’t just offer me a job; after three months of volunteering for them, they offered me a position. They
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!
Sometimes I will walk into the kitchen at The Wesley and have no clue the conversation going on. I could feel left outbut I AM THE HOST! These students are letting me know that they feel comfortable in my space by being vulnerable enough to speak their mother tongue. Each week I try the food that is prepared by our students and staff that shares their culture. It is often beyond my spice preference. But I try it each time no matter what; it helps our cooks know I value their time and talents.
And those are the easy moments of hospitality. I have had to learn about different visa statuses and green card application processes, and help students understand changing tax law. Over the years I have been in ministry with students who have lost love ones to death, received rejection from their priority jobs or graduate schools, endured the end of relationships they thought were forever.
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 and relationships with our people and then return home. To do so they must navigate our unique laws and immigration system. The relationships with different countries are also in flux. Global politics can change quickly and impact enrollment ability between one semester and the next without any input from the students who are studying. When we enter into the responsibility of a faith community we commit to be their friends through it all. And we at The Wesley can’t do that well without our UMC connection. With your help we have a wider net to catch students when in need. Or celebrate them when they succeed. Or eat with them when the food is spicy.
Elizabeth Horton-Ware is the Campus Pastor/Executive Director at OU Wesley. She is slowly learning the words “thank you” and “hello” in the languages spoken at The Wesley often.
Create an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement
from the Native Governance Center
Key components:
Start with self-reflection. Before starting work on your land acknowledgment statement, reflect on the process:
• Why am I doing this land acknowledgment? (If you’re hoping to inspire others to take action to support Indigenous communities, you’re on the right track. If you’re delivering a land acknowledgment out of guilt or because everyone else is doing it, more self-reflection is in order.)
• What is my end goal? (What do you hope listeners will do after hearing the acknowledgment?)
• When will I have the largest impact? (Think about your timing and audience, specifically.)
Do your homework. Put in the time necessary to research the following topics:
• The Indigenous people to whom the land belongs.
• The history of the land and any related treaties.
• Names of living Indigenous people from these communities. If you’re presenting on behalf of your work in a certain field, highlight Indigenous people who currently work in that field. Indigenous place names and language.
• Correct pronunciation for the names of the Tribes, places, and individuals that you’re including.
Use appropriate language. Don’t sugarcoat the past. Use terms like genocide, ethnic
cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal to reflect actions taken by colonizers.
Use past, present, and future tenses. Indigenous people are still here, and they’re thriving. Don’t treat them as a relic of the past. Land acknowledgments shouldn’t be grim. They should function as living celebrations of Indigenous communities. Ask yourself, “How am I leaving Indigenous people in a stronger, more empowered place because of this land acknowledgment?” Focus on the positivity of who Indigenous people are today.
Additional factors to consider:
Don’t ask an Indigenous person to deliver a “welcome” statement for your organization. Cantemaza McKay (Spirit Lake Nation) explains this very clearly. Check out our land acknowledgment event livestream, and hear his comments at the 27-minute mark.
Build real, authentic relationships with Indigenous people. In addition to normal employment and family obligations, Indigenous people are working to heal their traumas, learn their languages, and support their nations. If you reach out for help, lead the conversation by asking an Indigenous person what you can do for them. Chances are, they’re likely overworked and could use your help.
Compensate Indigenous people for their emotional labor. If you do plan to reach out to an Indigenous person or community for help, compensate them fairly. Too often, Indigenous people are asked to perform emotional labor for free.
Understand displacement and how that plays into land acknowledgment. Land
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
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.
United Methodists: From those
who have occupied this land the longest
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.
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 be slow to change–but we must keep trying because this is our calling.
had to speak at OIMC revival services, as well as having their leaders speak at the churches I have served.
Rev. Kris Mayberry is a member of the Muscogee-Creek Nation.
Something that I appreciate about the 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
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 trying to share a pizza.
Kris Mayberry is the pastor at Pryor United Methodist Church.
The People Called Methodists
by Rev. Cody C. Robinson
Iencountered 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
‘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.
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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Epworth Villa: Where Faith and Community Flourish
Pastor Laura Glover Epworth Villa Sr. Chaplain
Rev. Cody C. Robinson is a member of the United Keetoowah Nation.
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
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.
We’re all from somewhere.
Blaine Markle
Chrisa Markle
Brian Bakeman
Connie Taylor
Thomas Ho mann
Nancy Ho mann
Anonymous contributor
Jena Barber
Carlos Ramirez
Jinx Barber
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.
to those who have been citizens of the U.S. for a matter of years
Who are the immigrants?
by Rev. Carlos Ramirez
In 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-
migration to our country. The rhetoric used to describe the immigrant was appalling: gang member, disease ridden, and plaguejust 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).
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
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
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.
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 people outside of these categories were frontier dwellers, savages (agents of chaos), a threat to civilization and pagans (a threat to Christianity). While in fact this country was settled by immigrants, these settlers never saw themselves as such. This fact has massive repercussions. It determines who is “in” and who is “out.” It determines what kind of people better “fit” into the “American” idea. It translates into legislation that bars certain people from entering the country. It manifests in xenophobic and racist attitudes that get codified as law.
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.
Rev. Carlos Ramirez immigrated to the US from Mexico. Here he demonstrated his bullfighting skills at age 14.
In 2018 I became a US citizen. I did not take lightly my decision to do so. I became a citizen out of conviction. I believe in the high ideals our country stands for. I believe in a country where “all people are created equal” and where the “pursuit of happiness” is real. I believe in a country where
President Lincoln said the following at the Gettysburg Address, “Our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” I think we are living through a pivotal moment in the history for our country where we are faced with a similar decision as at the time of Lincoln. Will we truly embrace the proposition that all humans are created equal or will we let xenophobia and racism win the day? Will we rise up to our highest ideals? I believe our resolve to live to our highest ideals will trump any fears and misplaced suspicions. I believe in us as country. I am confident that we will finally affirm, without a doubt, “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”
God Is on Your Side
by Rev. Dr. James Kim
There 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
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.
The Gospel today speaks about a man who quickly forgets the grace he received. This is how the story begins: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, one of his servants, who owed him ten thousand talents, was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the king ordered that he be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, so that payment could be made.”
Does this sound too harsh? Or you may wonder: why didn’t he just file for bankruptcy? Well, this was a common practice in the days of Jesus. Paying back what you owed was that serious. The servant fell down before the king and begged him, “Please, be patient with me, and I will pay back everything.” Here, the question is: Was he really able to pay off the whole debt of ten thousand talents?
The basic monetary unit in Israel was the denarius. One denarius was a common worker’s daily wage. One talent was worth 6,000 denarii. So, to earn one talent, a person would have to work for
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 from God? Have you been disappointed in yourself because you keep falling back into the same sin over and over, even after repenting? Have you ever feared that God might not like you anymore or that He no longer wants to forgive you? You may feel anger, depression, despair, frustration, hopelessness, or deep sadness.
The first three years of my life in America were not enjoyable. I was 23 years old when I came to the States. Here in America, if you don’t speak English well, every day is a challenge. My first job was cleaning office buildings after business hours. I worked from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., six days a week, while also attending school to learn English.
On Sundays, I worked as the director of youth ministry for a Korean church. During those three years, I experienced things I had never encountered in my 23 years in Korea. I faced disrespect, humiliation, offense, and scams because of language barriers and cultural differences. I felt lonely and helpless. Then I became defensive and pessimistic. Eventually, I began to blame my parents for bringing
me to America, and I blamed myself for falling short in everything.
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.
One Sunday evening, I had the chance to attend a spiritual revival for Korean young adults as a member of the praise team. There, I met the pastor who had come as a guest speaker. He looked at me and said, “Your face! It’s full of worries. What is it?”
I responded, “I’m worried that God doesn’t like me anymore.”
you. God’s grace is greater than our sin. His grace is amazing.
Dr. James Kim immigrated to the US from South Korea.
He grabbed my hands and prayed for me. After a long prayer, he said, “James, you’re right - God doesn’t like you.” He paused, then continued, “God doesn’t like your attitudes - the way you’re living. But God knows your heart. God still loves you, and God forgives you. You’d better ask God why He brought you to this country, instead of complaining every day.” That conversation changed me - my attitude, and my life.
I don’t know what’s in your heart or what you’re going through. But I want you to know this: if you need help, God is on your side. If you feel guilty for any reason, remember that God knows you and loves
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 wagethe 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, just as he had begged the king. However, the servant grabbed his friend and began to choke him. He threw him into prison until he could pay the debt. He had just received an amazing and indescribable grace, yet he refused to offer a small act of kindness when he was in a position to do so. The Bible teaches that this is evil - and it is a sin.
When the king heard about this, he was furious. He called the servant back and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you a tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have shown mercy to your fellow servant, just as I showed mercy to you?” Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. Pay attention to what the king said: “You should have mercy on your friend just as I had mercy on you.” And Jesus says, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brothers and
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
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.”
Hope, Education, Ministry, and American Citizenship for a Refugee
by Rev. Gerard Nsabimama
As 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
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
meant to legally work in the United States.
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.
Because of faithful United Methodist servants like Rev. Chuck Ellinwood and his late wife Mrs. Sue Elliwood, I was given an opportunity to come and study in the United States. When I arrived at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2002, the United Methodist Church welcomed me through the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Campus Ministry). My campus minister did not simply welcome me as a fellow United Methodist but rather as his own brother. His now late wife and his children also embraced me as their brother.
in this country.
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.
Rev. Gerard Nsabimama immigrated to the US from Burundi.
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 who are seen without “papers” in the United States or anywhere else around the world are first and foremost humans made in God’s image. Let us never forget that every one of us, whether we were born in the United States of America or anywhere else around the world, we are all given a gift of being created in the image and likeness of God. Let us never forget that as Christians (including United Methodists) we are called to love God and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
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.
IMMIGRATION
is a matter of perspective
Create A Statement on Immigration: Your Church’s Guide
Do 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
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.
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 crumbs. Many see this as a turning point in Jesus’ teachings, where he came to realize that his teachings were not just for his in-group, but were also for others - the foreigners like this woman. The woman’s humility and faith, along with Jesus’ grace and mercy, might be an illustration of how modern Christians should react when faced with “others.”
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.
A few verses to get you started:
• Leviticus 19:34
• Malachi 3:5
• Acts 7:6
• Deuteronomy 16:14
• Leviticus 16:29
• Leviticus 19:9-10
• Deuteronomy 10:18-19
• Exodus 23:9
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
• 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
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 _____________________________________
