An immigration policy that reflects our true character

The immigration debate has taken a difficult turn in the last week. The challenge of formulating an appropriate policy has been loaded down with political rhetoric and maneuvering for position. It's something we've gotten used to, it seems.

But this situation is a bit different. As we debate and argue, kids are sitting in detention centers separated from their parents. Some are no doubt traumatized; all are confused. No matter your opinion, it's hard not to see that these kids are being used as political pawns in a game that is terribly unfortunate.

What does all this say about our character as a nation?

I've decided not to question the integrity of those making decisions, but to pray that the decisions being made reflect our values as a compassionate people. I've decided to pray for children in detention centers and for the workers suddenly charged with their care. I've decided to pray for leaders who are bold enough to set aside rhetoric, and for border patrol officers who have to make challenging decisions every hour of every day. Like you, I pray for families who are escaping the trauma of poverty only to encounter the trauma of separation.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions quoted Romans 13 in his defense of the "zero tolerance" policy, in which St. Paul encourages the persecuted Christians in Rome to strive for peace by living according to Roman law. I wish Sessions would have read the rest of the chapter, when Paul reminds them and us that the ultimate law is rooted in love. Quoting Jesus he said, "God's law is summed up in this word, to 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' for love does no wrong to a neighbor" (Romans 13:9-10).

Big decisions will be made in the next few days. Let's pray that these decisions will be rooted in love and compassion for all.

Thanks so much for scattering the seed this week. We'll see you in church.

Juliana stares down the volcano

The news from Guatemala was hard to hear. Although students at our school are safe, far too many extended family members and friends have been affected. Some have lost their lives. As teachers, students, and parents clean up the ash and learn to live with face masks, we give thanks for their blessed community and pray for blessed peace.

Juliana Anderson is a college student from St. John's who is spending the summer helping at Escuela Integrada. Her responsibilities have shifted considerably these last few days. Here's what she had to say in a text earlier this morning:

"It's been a scary past couple of days. We didn't realize on Sunday how big the explosion was until we saw the videos. The death toll has been rapidly increasing. We're thanking God that all of the kids at the school are safe, but a new friend at a school closer to the volcano lost four of his students. Others were severely burned. There was already a lot of need in Guatemala, and now entire towns have been destroyed, jobs lost, and loved ones killed. The need is even greater now than ever."

Pray for our friends in Guatemala, especially those already living in extreme poverty. If you would like to contribute to disaster relief, the school has set up a contribution page on their website. I'd encourage you to visit it for information and updates, wearegraces.org/disaster-relief.

Blessings to you this week. Thanks so much for your partnership in the Gospel.

Farewell, Freya

In the next few weeks, we will bid farewell to Freya Obermuller, who has lived with us as an exchange student since last August. Freya, from Hamburg, Germany, has become a wonderful addition to our family — our fourth child, it seems — leading Carter and Matt to call her Freya OberWoolly. She’ll certainly be missed.

I want to thank you for your gracious hospitality toward Freya. She came to us after a mid-summer plea from the high school, when her assigned host family in Oregon needed to back out at the last minute. Early on, we asked that Freya and her parents understand that I’m a pastor, and her involvement in worship and youth activities would be a given. There was no hesitation whatsoever.

The first week after arrival, she started rehearsing with the chancel choir in preparation for last fall’s German language play, “In God’s Own Country.” Along the way, she’s developed solid friendships with members of the youth group, participating in all their activities, trips, and as a reader on Youth Sunday. She’s enjoyed her first (and only) prom, glass-bottled Cheerwine, and joined her American sister, Anna, as a member of the undefeated Salisbury High soccer team.

On her last Sunday in worship, June 3, we’ll be singing Freya’s favorite hymn, “The Canticle of the Turning,” a contemporary Irish hymn that includes a phrase well-suited for these days of farewell:

“My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws hear, and the world is about to turn.”

Our hope is that this relationship will continue to grow through the years, so that our “goodbye” might only be temporary.

In the meantime, thank you, again, for your warm embrace. You have helped Freya and all of us see that God’s family extends far beyond these four walls. What a blessing!