Invisible Neighbors

Some of the most ‘invisible’ people for Christians are frequently their neighbors. Yes, we occasionally say hello, with the pre-functionary “how are you”? But rarely do we seek to form relationships which might lead us to sharing the Gospel with them. Not too long ago I was talking to a local leader in his church and he mentioned they had a new neighbor who he wasn’t a believer. So, I asked him about his plan to get to know this neighbor, so he might be able to share the Gospel with him. His response caught me off guard, when he curtly said, “I don’t have a plan”. I have often wondered that if we saw our neighbor’s house on fire wouldn’t we rush over, pound on their door, warning them of their pending doom. Yet, when it comes to sharing the gospel with them and telling them of coming judgment we see no such urgency. For all practical purposes our neighbors are all too frequently “invisible”. Invisible Refugees in our Community Spokane has over 25,000 refugees within its borders. They come from Nepal, Myanmar,Bhutan, Iraq, Cuba, Congo, Eritrea, Somalia and more. 400-500 more are coming to Spokane each year. They are Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindus; they are a mission field right in our backyard. We spend countless dollars to send missionaries overseas to share the Gospel with these same people groups which may very well be fine. But, for the most part, the refugees in our midst remain “invisible’ to most Christians even when they venture into our churches. It is my observation that it is much easier to ‘give money then to be involved in the lives of those we profess we want to hear the Gospel message.Many of these refugees are open to hearing the Gospel if we first become their friends. If you are able, invest in their lives with your time and friendship.

Invisible People part 1

Invisible Homeless

Spokane and most likely your city, have hundreds of homeless people, men andwomen of all ages, they live on the edge of main stream society and for the most part occasional ‘panhandler’ on the corner holding a sign asking for ‘money’ or ‘will work’.We try not to make eye contact or worse we mutter something about them getting a job.We lock our car doors before passing by them. I know I’ve done it and if you are honest, so have you. But I have yet to hear of them attempting a car invasion. But for every one you see panhandling there are probably another one hundred who live in the shadowsof ‘invisibility’. They are from almost every ethnic background and age; some addicted to drugs, some to alcohol, some just fleeing an abusive situation or having lost their job.They live under the Freeway, in the alleys, behind a dumpster; but they are visible if we open our eyes. We all have one thing in common; God loves them as much as you andme. He came to die for them too! Who will share the “Good News” of salvation, healing and redemption with them? Or will they remain ‘invisible’ because we choose to look away?

From Every Nation

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20

Over the past 6 years Loretta and I have been involved with the resettlement of refugees
here in Spokane, focusing on the Chin Burmese community. Five years ago, we were
privileged to host the first Chin Burmese couple and their 6 month old son in our
home when they arrived in Spokane. It was through them that we became aware of the
persecution of believers in Myanmar, but also for the tremendous opportunity to support
indigenous Pastor/Evangelists, who share the gospel in this primarily Buddhist country.

We are now providing monthly support for indigenous Pastor/Evangelists. Additionally
our focus is on supplying the printing costs of the Gospel tract, Quest for Joy, which
has been translated into Burmese and seven (7) dialects. Also the discipleship materials
In our Joy and For your Joy, which have been translated into Burmese and Tedim
Chin to indigenous Pastor/Evangelists. We obtained these materials from Desiring God
International and they have helped financially in the printing costs.

We rejoice in having heard of more than 400 people coming to know Christ and who are
now being discipled in their local churches.

One such testimony among many:

I am Kaih Mang Lian, although I grew up in a Christian family, I did not follow Jesus.
My father told me about Jesus, but I did not listen to his words. One day, when I had
left school, I ran away from home to a big city. I went to the railway station and sat on
a seat, feeling very sad and lonely. A man came to me and asked, “Where do you want
to go?” I did not reply, Instead, I cried. After I spent sometime in the railway station,
I was given a paper called Quest for Joy in Burmese. I read it carefully. The message
was the same message what my dad told me every day! But on that day, really the Holy
works in me and I accepted the Lord Jesus as My Lord and Savior. I ran away back to
my home and my parent welcome me with tears and said, “My son you are alive today,
thank God”.

Recently a donor supplied the funding of over 450 Bibles in Burmese and the Tedim
Chin dialect for distribution to new believers.

Some testimonies:

My name is Zam Suan Niang and I did not have a Bible, but was given one freely and I
am very grateful.

My name is Naing Naign and I was without a Bible for several years, thank you so much
for giving me a Bible at free cost. God bless you.

My name is Thang Za Mang. I thank you so much I have received a Bible at free cost,
many others are thanking you for free Bibles.

God has orchestrated and directed this ministry throughout and to Him goes all the
praise!

Christmas Under the Overpass

Yes, Christmas came even to the homeless who live in large part under the freeway. For many Christmas is a time of loneliness, with bitter sweet memories. But tonight was different for the 185 guests who were served a meal prepared by a professional chef and donated by a UGM family. The menu of pork loin roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and various kinds of pie, were just the beginning of the evening.Thanks to a Union Gospel family’s generosity and a group of about 40 people, mostly teenagers and men from the UGM to serve them, tonight was special. Not only did thehomeless have a warm place to eat, be served a truly great meal, but there were bingo games with practical prizes like all-day bus passes and warm coats. Each one who came was given a gift bag of new socks, toiletries and candy. As one who was able just to observe, my heart was touched to see how much the homeless got into playing bingo and just spending time in warm place and enjoy beingwaited on by the young people.. During the clean up time at the conclusion of theevening, the young people were laughing, playing a little bit of basketball and just havingfun. One of the men from the mission, caused tears to well up in my eyes, when he said: “I wish I hadn’t missed the innocence of youth, as I was abused in those years.”As we left a haunting picture remains in my eyes that of a woman sitting alone on thecold dark steps of the church. Where was the innocence of her youth? Where would she be on Christmas day? Who would be there to wish her a Merry Christmas?

Friday night and Outreach time at the Union Gospel Mission.

Friday night and Outreach time at the Union Gospel Mission. Once again it is Friday night Outreach time at the Mission. As we leave the rain is already starting, as evidenced by the drops on the windshield of the van. The group this evening has a number of new faces and some are veterans in this ministry. As we arrived in the alley behind the House of Hope the line has begun to form and soon it is nearly a block long. We set up and gather for prayer for God's blessing and then begin to serve.

I am struck by the number older teenagers that are in line. Pretty young girls whose faces do yet show the signs of living on the street, but whose eyes have already begun to show it's effects. Where are the mothers and fathers of these girls? Are their mother's at home on their knees praying for a prodigal child, or are have they become the next generation of addiction? Are their fathers at home praying for the safety of a daughter living on the street, or are they absentee fathers who barely know the name of their child?

As line keeps coming the rain and the discomfort increases, they are wet and more are under the influence of alcohol as they seek to ward off the cold. Those that come seem to come from the shadows, like the movie "If you build it they will come". As they are served, they disappear back into the night. The fortunate women will have a room for the night at the House of Hope. Others will drift off to an encampment under the freeway. The question arises in my mind about the young women, will they fall prey to the older "wiser" men of the street. Will their faces soon bare the marks of addiction and homelessness?

Are these that Christ spoke about when he told the disciples to see that the 'fields were already white unto harvest' and to pray that their would be more labors in the field?

Once again we gather together to reflect on the evening. As we stand in the circle, I feel the strong embrace of one who not long ago was one of those who lived a life on the street. We share and pray, The alley is nearly empty now, the homeless have once again retreated into the shadows. On the ride back to the mission the people in the van are subdued, there is little in the way of conversation, many are deep into their own thoughts.Thankful perhaps that they have place where they are safe and warm and surrounded by people who care.

As I head for home my clothes are soaked by the rain, but I enter a warm dry house and am greeted in love. I fall into bed in the embrace of a loving wife, but sleep escapes me as *I see the many faces in the line once again". When I see a panhandler, do I multiply him or her by the 100's who are not visible? Would I welcome with arms of love those we have served in my church this Sunday? The song "Why me Lord" again resonates in my mind. "Try me Lord, if you think there's a way I can try to repay, all the I've taken from you, Maybe Lord I can show some one else what I've been through myself, on my way back to you."

Lord let me not be overcome with feelings of pride or superiority,but with humility seek to serve.