|
BALTIMORE, May
12, 2003—“God calls in many ways.
And we respond in many ways,” says LIRS President
Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, Jr. “We have talked to pastors
who have reached out to migrants with programs of job
training, child care, English classes, native-language
literacy training, tutoring for schoolchildren, women’s
groups, social activities, welcoming centers and legal
services to name just a few. These pastors all speak of
the great gifts that immigrants bring to the church, the
community and our nation.”
It was for these churches—each
striving to find a way to reach out to newcomers—that
this manual was created. Responding to The
Call: A Manual for Congregations Reaching Out to Immigrants
Through Ministries of Service and Justice,
is built around four case studies of Lutheran congregations
that accepted God’s call to welcome the stranger—immigrants
and refugees. It is intended to offer advice, spark new
ideas and raise questions for churches to consider as
they embark upon this rewarding journey.
|
 |
|
