Pro-immigrant groups are divided
Some fear boycott of work, school will hurt efforts
NEW YORK -- Now that immigrants have grabbed the nation's attention, backers of efforts to legalize undocumented workers are divided about how to keep their movement going.
(Monday) was set aside for immigrants to boycott work, school, and shopping to show how much they matter to their communities. But with some growing tired of street protests, and others afraid they will be deported or fired for walking out, some people are planning to support the effort in other ways.
Rallies, voter registration drives, and religious services have been organized in many states, including Massachusetts, so people can show their support without engaging in an economic boycott.
Some will work but buy nothing today. Others will protest at lunch breaks or at rallies after work. There will be candlelight vigils, picnics, and human chains.
The range of activities shows both how powerful the immigrants' rights movement has become in a matter of weeks, and that organizers do not have a consensus on its next step.
story courtesy news.google.com, 05/01/06 & photo courtesy images.google.com
21"Do not oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.
WHAT DOES GOD'S WORD TEACH CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF FOREIGNERS?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide some insight:
22:21 God warned the Israelites not to treat foreigners unfairly because they themselves were once foreigners in Egypt. It is not easy coming into a new environment where you feel alone and out of place. Are there foreigners in your corner of the world? refugees? new arrivals at school? immigrants from another country? Be sensitive to their struggles, and express God's love by your kindness and generosity.
The issue of illegal immigration is a huge problem in the America right now. While followers of Jesus may have different views on what our country must do, there can be no debate on how we must act. We are to love those who have come to the US (legally or illegally) just like Jesus does.
As we show the love of Christ to others, they will be drawn to "citizenship" in Heaven.
Thank God that through Christ Jesus, you have become a citizen of Heaven (Ephesians 2:19). Ask for God's wisdom for our government leaders to come up with some solutions for the overwhelming problem in America. Ask Jesus to empower you to do your part by loving others in the same way He does.
- Pray every day for the compassion of Jesus to be real in you as you interact with those around you.
- At school, at work, in your neighborhood, look for the opportunities Jesus gives you to love someone who is a foreigner.
- Read Ephesians 2:11-22 to learn more about being a member of God's family.
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.