Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/89

Contributor - Alfred C. Kwong

Title - Strangers in A Strange Land

Topic - Outreach

Abram fled Negev to go to Egypt because of a famine in the land, and he went down to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you." (Gen. 14-10-13)

From the above passage, our living Bible understands the plight of men in exile, of their anguish in coming to a new land. However, the story of Abram's flight to Egypt did not end there. God, who watched over them, made sure no harm came to them; and when Pharaoh took Sarai to be his wife the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household. Pharaoh then realized that Sarai was Abram's wife, not sister, and disappointed by Abram's deception, told them to leave the land. (Gen. 14:20)

What this reveals to us is Abram's lack of faith - lack of confidence that the Lord would indeed look after him and Sarai, resulting in the deceit he manifested. Yet, for this falsehood, the Lord did not meet him with reproof, but continued to protect Abram.

This short passage from Scripture is sometimes forgotten - even by Christians who embark on their long journey, to seek sanctuary and a new home.

Canada has accepted many people to her shore -- people running from famine, war, political instability, and economic hardship. Like Abram, they come to stay here -- some, for a while; others, for the rest of their lives. Like Abram, they carry apprehension and fear. If they have come from a country accustomed repression and persecution. They too, like Abram, resort to falsehood and extreme secrecy. Their "Sarai's" are not their spouses, but their material possessions, their history, and even their culture. They have become strangers in a strange land.

As Christians, we believe in evangelical work -- in missions of conversion and faith propagation. We send people overseas, to harsh worlds and trying times, so that they may spread the Word of the Lamb. Yet, sometimes we forget that right in our own land, we can become evangelists to these strangers in a strange land.

Congregations like ours, the Fookien Evangelical Church, serve an important function in this area -- to serve as a hospitable adjustment ground for newcomers. Activities such as family nights with pot-luck dinners, sermons delivered in the Fookien dialect, and Bible studies allowing expression of ideas in Chines become an outreach to the lonely and the apprehensive new Canadians, displaying the Christian spirit in action.

In order to be effective, our actions must reflect a deeper understanding of their anxiety, and with understanding, an empathy towards their situation.

FEARS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

In general, they carry the following impressions which can be likened to Abram's warning to Sarai to tell everyone that she was his sister:

Mistrust - as newcomer, they are afraid to reveal too much of themselves. For some, this stems from an unfamiliarity with intimacy and the inability to communicate in the new language. Uncertain of the laws and regulations of the new land, they are leery of strangers and of circumstances that could endanger their new found status. Our church activities aim to create an atmosphere of trust and welcome, removing some of their fears (unfounded or otherwise).

Over qualifications - many of them come from places where they have been recognized as highly professional people, with good educational backgrounds, but, in the new land they are faced with employers who expect Canadian working experience as part of their qualifications. How many times have we heard of lawyers, doctors, and accountants working in low-paying jobs because their experience in their former country has not been recognized? It is to this apprehension that we must lend a sympathetic ear. Programs to help them with their job resumes, interview techniques and providing employer leads, reinforce the concept that we do care about them.

Complicated regulations and a highly taxed country - being unfamiliar with the local regulations and laws, they sometimes find it incomprehensible as to why the tax rates in this country are so high. Although we do not advocate becoming apologists for the tax system in this country we must try to give them a general overview of the important social programs undertaken by our government (e. the medical care package, tit assistance to the poor, etc.).

Inability to speak proper English - even when they come from an English speaking county, usage and accent are different in the new land. The phrase "proper" is used here in a general context (i.e. including -local idioms and expressions). Because of this perception, they find communication somewhat difficult.

Racism - because of unfamiliarity. they come across situations' where they misinterpret certain reactions as signs of racism. Unkind words and misunderstood phrases become racial slurs in their eyes. The issue of racism 'in any context, is a very touchy subject since it is often manifested in a subtle way. ne idea is to bridge the gap, not widen it - by program which seek to reinforce mutual understanding of culture.

In our evangelical zeal, we must help them to adjust and, perhaps, to eliminate some of these misconceptions, and when we speak of newcomers, we also refer to the unconverted.

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.-I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance," our Lord said (Luke 5--31), for "the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19: 10)

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world -but you protect them from the evil one.

They are not of the world, even as I am-not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world..." (John 17:15-18) Jesus Christ prayed for his disciples.

We are sent into the world to care. We must care for these strangers in a strange land.

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