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.