Borderless is a ministry initiative of Africa Inland Mission. Teams serve in strategic communities around the globe where significant populations of ethnic Africans have settled. Borderless partners with local churches to build relationships and share the hope of Christ with people groups we might not otherwise have the opportunity to work among.
"It’s just us, we don’t have our people here. What you did for us is just so kind. Thank you."
If you’re like me, you have a heart for people who have lost their community. Especially people from a part of the world where it is commonplace to be surrounded by friends, family, extended family… and more friends. Meeting needs, being there for the big moments, squelching fears or worries through the experiences of those who have gone before you — this is the norm for so many of my friends from the Middle East. However, for my friends that have journeyed to the United States, a whole new community must be built, from scratch. This is no ordinary task.
Recently, I was part of a baby shower for one of my English as a Second Language (ESL) students. She is from the Middle East and has been so wonderful to have in class. For many weeks I was praying for her and her family, specifically for her interest in the Bible and that we would be able to meet her whole family.
Leading up to the event, we prayed and prayed that we would be able to show them the love of Jesus. The result? We were able to shower my student and her husband with gifts and truly be there for them as they prepared for their child. It wasn’t particularly clear just how impactful this was until I was blessed with a private conversation with the family as I was helping them carry things to their car.
"It’s just us, we don’t have our people here. What you did for us is just so kind. Thank you," they said.
They shared about missing their community and feeling like they just didn’t have the same resources or people around them here in the United States. While there is some family here, it just wasn’t the same as having their community. Our students and teachers were able to come alongside of them and show them such love that they were so thankful. They recognized how we cared for them like their home community would. We are becoming a part of their new community here.
If you’re like me and are wondering, how can I love my least reached neighbors? Then, may I offer this: pray that we can become a part of their new community, their new people.
What can that look like?
Here's some pictures from one of our Borderless teams, where the author of this article serves. You'll notice food and prayer are common here.