Podcasts about evangelical immigration table

What happens when the very systems meant to help refugees end up hurting them instead?  And what can the Church do to help? In today's episode, Kent Annan and Dr. Jamie Aten talk with Matthew Soerens from World Relief about the real impact of U.S. refugee policies—especially the dramatic changes under the Trump administration.  Matt pulls back the curtain on what's happening behind the scenes: families stuck in limbo, staff furloughs at resettlement agencies, and churches stepping in to help. We also talk about how policy decisions can create ripple effects that last for years.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about justice, faith, and showing up for vulnerable communities. Plus, Matt shares ways churches can advocate, volunteer, and help cut through the noise to create real change. Explore resources mentioned in the podcast: (11:27) Christian statement on Refugee Resettlement  (14:10) Notre Dame Study on the economic benefits of refugees (15:33) Lifeway Research on Evangelical opinions towards immigration (16:48) The Heritage Foundation research on vetting refugees  (17:39) Study - Immigrant groups are less likely to commit violent crimes than US citizens  (18:03) Research on the connection between refugee resettlement and terrorist activity (25:36) I Was A Stranger Scripture Reading Challenge (26:38) 2018 Policy reversal on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the influence of Christian advocacy About Matt Soerens  Matthew Soerens is the Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, where he provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions of World Relief. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values. He is the co-author of Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church (2022), Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, & Truth in the Immigration Debate (2018), and Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (2016). Resources from Matt Soerens/World Relief: “Immigrants, Pets and the Sin of Slander in a Social Media Age “On the Conservative Divide Over Refugee Resettlement, Where Will Trump Fall?” State of the Golden Door report (with Open Doors US) Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Temple veil torn in two?  Holy saints raise from the dead?  Dave Buehring of Lionshare helps us look at some of the shocking events of Holy Week.  Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table talks about the long-time crisis in the US refugee program along with border issues, which has taken an different turn since the current Presidential administration came to office.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here      

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let's step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let's get the good and the gold from today's guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.Matthew Soerens is the Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, where he provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions of World Relief. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.Matthew previously served as US Director of Church Mobilization, where he helped evangelical churches understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. His World Relief journey began as a Department of Justice-accredited legal counselor at World Relief's local office in Wheaton, Illinois and, before that, with World Relief's partner organization in Managua, Nicaragua. He's also the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016).

Pastor Daryl Crouch, also of Everyone's Wilson, reflects on Mike Huckabee becoming the US ambassador to Israel, and reminds us that we are to God's ambassadors to the world.  Let us live the values of His Kingdom and communicate its message to the world.  Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table talks about the effects of an presidential executive order that harms those who legally entered the US through the refugee resettlement program.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here    

Matthew Soerens of the Evangelical Immigration Table and World Relief talks about how our broken immigration system, what the next presidential administration is saying about immigration policy, and what principles the Bible has to guide our response to the ongoing immigration crisis.  Counselor Lauren Whitman, author of "When Parents Feel Like Failures," offers hope from God's Word to help us when we think we failed our kids.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Pastor Ben Applebee looks at some important voting guide topics and has a conversation about these topics, through a biblical lens. Today's episode focuses on Immigration, where Pastor Ben talks with Matthew Soerens. Matthew is the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Policy for "World Relief", where he helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.Show Notes:Matthew's Organization, World Relief:https://worldrelief.org/wisconsin/get-involved/advocate/Matthew's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Welcoming-Stranger-Justice-Compassion-Immigration/dp/0830833595Want to learn more about Watermark?Visit: https://watermarkoc.com/We would love to start a conversation with you!

Noah has an in-depth conversation with Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table on immigration, particularly as it relates to what the Bible says and the rhetoric being used by politicians in this election cycle. Matthew explains what immigration policy is and responds to the primary concerns Americans have about immigration. Noah and Matthew talk about the public witness of the Church during this season of history with the aim of bringing us closer to the heart of Jesus.    Matthew Soerens serves as Vice President of Advocacy and Policy for World Relief and the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical organizations of which World Relief is a founding member. He is the co-author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press, 2018), Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016) and Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church (InterVarsity Press, 2022). He is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL), where he also has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership graduate program. Matthew also earned a Master's degree from DePaul University. He lives with his wife Diana and their four children in Aurora, Illinois.   Read the poem Home by Warsan Shire   Read Scripture that relates to immigration   Read and sign World Relief's presidential open letter on immigration   Listen to Noah's first podcast interview with Matthew Soerens on immigration from August 2016   You can also watch the podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3RYcHzIN8VE   Flip Side Notes: Join an upcoming Beyond the Battle online group at www.beyondthebattle.net   Support Flip Side sponsor Angry Brew by using promo code FLIP at angrybrew.com or fivelakes.com to pick up some Angry Brew or Chris' Blend coffee at 10% off.   Get a free month of Covenant Eyes at www.covenanteyes.com using promo code BEYOND   Get a free month of Accountable2You keyword accountability: a2u.app/beyond (do not use “www”)   Support the show and get some sweet swag by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/noahfilipiak – includes exclusive access to email the show and request topics.   Purchase Beyond the Battle and Needed Navigation by Noah Filipiak.

Along with reviews of the new movies "Average Joe" and "Piece by Piece," Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about how not only worldviews make their way into entertainment, but blatant agendas that often cheapen the media offerings.  Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table helps us look at the global immigration crisis and how to be part of a balanced response to the need. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here    

Matthew Soerens is the US director of church mobilization and advocacy for World Relief and the national coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table. This week, Matthew will give a message titled, “Who is my Neighbor?” 

In this special bonus episode, Pastor Carl Ruby responds to the hatred and racism in Springfield, OH spurred by political current events. "Carl is very involved in the community as a spokesperson on a variety of issues of social justice, and is particulary passionate about welcoming immigrants to our community. Prior to becoming pastor [at Central Christian], Carl was part of the Evangelical Immigration Table, a group advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that respected the human dignity of immigrants." (https://www.ccspringfield.org/team/carl-ruby) Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

The Kamala campaign launched "Evangelicals For Harris" today. It's perfect timing for viewers of the Sean Spicer Show as Megan Basham's deep dive research and new book blow the lid off of George Soros' Open Society funding organizations like Evangelical Immigration Table, National Immigration Forum and others to polarize the illegal immigration crisis and streamline immigrants to hold liberal, progressive views and vote for Harris. Megan follows this all the way to churches and pastors that have sold out to adopt a leftist agenda. After that, Mehek Cooke tears into Kamala's radical history from refusing the death penalty for cop killers, voting on the spending bill that now has the country at 20% inflation and the absolutely destructive immigrant invasion she allowed as the border czar. Featuring: Mehek Cooke Republican Lawyer and Consultant Commentator | FOX, Newsmax, GOP Surrogate Megan Basham Reporter | Daily Wire NYT best-selling author New book: Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda https://a.co/d/48AF1gw -- Available Now! Watch my documentary Front Row Joes or gift it to a friend at the links below. Front Row Joes https://frontrowjoes.movie/ Watch episode one of Front Row Joes now: https://watch.salemnow.com/series/zffpDnKocxu3-trumps-front-row-joes -- Sponsors: Ramp Want $250?? Ramp has easy-to-use cards, spend limits, approval flows, vendor payments, and more. Ramp makes all your spending smarter with seamless integration! Join Ramp now and get $250 upon sign-up. Just go to https://ramp.com/SPICER 4Patriots Get a FREE solar panel when you purchase the Patriot Power Generator 2000X. Just goto https://4patriots.com/SPICER -- Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ #politics #news #theseanspicershow #seanspicer #conservativemedia #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisIon Layer - Go to ionlayer.com and use code FPT to get $100 off your first kit!Buy “Shepherds for Sale” - https://amzn.to/46rLDLWFollow Megan Basham - https://x.com/megbashamSummaryIn this episode, Chase Davis interviews Megan Basham about her book 'Shepherds for Sale'. They discuss the compromises within the church on various issues such as homosexuality, government tyranny, funding models, and immigration. They also delve into the topic of how Christians should engage politically, focusing on an organization called the After Party and its funding sources. They explore the Evangelical Immigration Table and its ties to left-wing foundations, including George Soros' Open Society. The conversation highlights the need for discernment and critical thinking when it comes to the influence of these organizations and their impact on the church. The conversation explores the infiltration of progressive ideologies into Christian organizations and the need for discernment and accountability. It discusses the compromised nature of certain Christian institutions and the negative impact it has on the church. The conversation also touches on the importance of standing firm on biblical principles and the challenges faced by women in the public square while remaining faithful to their calling as wives and mothers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:48 Compromises within the Church09:18 The After Party: Political Curriculum in Churches13:13 The Evangelical Immigration Table and Left-Wing Funding18:30 Exercising Discernment in the Church22:50 The Infiltration of Progressive Ideologies in Christian Organizations24:20 Compromised Institutions and the Negative Impact on the Church29:50 The Influence of Left-Wing Funding33:42 The Need for Discernment and Accountability38:24 Balancing Roles as Women in the Public SquareSupport the Show.Sign up for the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisFollow Full Proof Theology on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullprooftheology/Follow Full Proof Theology on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullprooftheology/

"What does a healthy community look like? This beautiful image of being unafraid, of everybody having what they need, of everybody having the opportunity to reach their dreams, everybody being able to take care of themselves and not having it taken away from them—all of those are part of the vision of a good life. It's not just an individual good life, it's a communal good life.  Concertación, if you were just literally translate it, means 'coming into harmony' and the way that it works in our communities is to hear somebody else with your heart. You hear them from the heart. And when you hear them from the heart, you spontaneously shift. You are automatically standing on common sacred ground and you just shift generously." (Alexia Salvatierra)Wellbeing begins with we. “If your community is not well, then you are not well.” Thriving is collective. But our atomic individualism and narrow focus on ourselves is constantly pulling us away from the mutual belonging, reciprocity, and vibrant flourishing that can only be found by seeking the good of the wider human community—the neighbor, the stranger, the migrant, the farm worker, and the poor.Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is a scholar, organizer, activist, and pastor, and is Academic Dean of the Centro Latino as well as the Assistant Professor of Integral Mission and Global Transformation at Fuller Theological Seminary.She offers a healing message for those who wrestle with the pain and suffering caused by structural and systemic injustice, calling for listening, empathy, and action. Alexia's faith is rooted in community and kinship. She affirms the wisdom of the body and cautions against over-intellectualization, offering instead a larger emotional vocabulary, emotional attunement, and the ability to hold and live with complex feelings.The power of community is on display in our ability to celebrate and suffer together. And in Alexia's work as an activist, she shows how fractured communities can reconcile through the power of a shared dream.In this conversation with Alexia Salvatierra, we discuss:The unique wisdom that Latin- a/o culture brings to spiritual and theological conversations about thriving and spiritual healthThe complex, communal, and collective nature of thrivingHow her theology as a Lutheran pastor was formed by compassion and concern for the poorThe challenge of Western Christians to see beyond individualistic rationality and the atomic unit of the self when thinking about wellness and thrivingThe transformative potential of a common dream to unify and reconcileThe power of beautiful stories that are deeply connected to truth and goodnessSeeing relationships as not just an end goal of thriving, but a means to thriving.About Rev. Dr. Alexia SalvatierraRev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is the Academic Dean of the Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary, as well as the Assistant Professor of Integral Mission and Global Transformation. Her work is a beautiful mosaic of immigration reform, faith-rooted organizing, cross-cultural ministry, and building vital holistic Christian community. Throughout her career, she's played a central role in founding and convening communities for social justice, including the New Sanctuary Movement, the Guardian angels Project. Matteo 25 a bipartisan Christian network to protect and defend families facing deportation, the Evangelical Immigration Table, and the Ecumenical Collaboration for Asylum-Seekers. She is co-author of God's Resistance: Mobilizing Faith to Defend Immigrants and Buried Seeds: Learning from the Vibrant Resiliency of Marginalized Christian Communities.Show NotesExplore Alexia's work in God's Resistance: Mobilizing Faith to Defend Immigrants and Buried Seeds: Learning from the Vibrant Resiliency of Marginalized Christian Communities.“If your community is not well, then you are not well.”Pam King introduces Alexia SalvatierraMision Integral and Liberation TheologyAlexia Salvatierra answers, “What is thriving?”Bien estar—”wellbeing”Isaiah 65:17-25: “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.”The sounds of healthy communityEqual valueWe all want to belongFrederick Buechner: “Vocation is where the world's deep hunger and our own deep gladness meet.”Trauma and faith, agency to combat hopelessnessSpiritual gift of justiceDolorismo: ennobling suffering, suffering in silenceOrthopathos: when suffering can be useful to make a change“The Holy Spirit is your consolation, your consuelo.”Surfing the Spirit: Fluidity and dynamic balanceSerenity Prayer“I don't make the collective an idol.”The importance of freedom, while critiquing “super-individualism”Discern in the context of communityIndividual discernmentLiberation theology: “You learn by doing.”Meditative Prayer Practice: The Serenity Prayer (In English and Spanish)Civil War in Guatemala and PanamaDr. Oscar Arias of Costa Rica—informal peace process behind the scenesThe Dream Exercise and Concertación (”coming into harmony”)The difference between concertación and negotiation“It's about generosity.”Generosity vs dividing up the checkDream Exercise“As poor people, we have trouble believing that our dreams can come true, period.”Eli Finkel's All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages WorkSocial capital and trustJesuits in AsiaEnculturation: Encountering the truth (and each other) at the intersections of cultureOrthopoesis and beautyKnowing God through beauty, not just truth or goodness“De Colores”—the joy of all the colorsAdrienne Marie Brown and Community Social TransformationPeter Heltzel and “revolutionary friendships”“We're a very graceless society. A society at war is a graceless society.”Reconciliation: Navajo on opponents instead of enemies, and South AfricaHoyt Axton's “Less Than The Song” (1973)—”I cannot rest easy until all your dreams are real.”The co-evolutionary relationship“Seeing the wholeness of the other” in concertaciónLoving the child in the other; calling the best forth in each other.Truth, Beauty, and GoodnessPam King's key takeaways:If your community is not well, then you are not well. Thriving is collective.We all have a core psychological drive to belong and be received and contribute in our families and communities.Caring for our emotional brains and bodies is essential in seeking collective thriving.Thriving involves a necessary commitment to justice, and is beautifully captured by terms like shalom and concertación.The Christian tradition of compassion and concern for the marginalized can pull us out of our heads, out of our tunnel vision, and move us toward the transformation of society.Communicating a common dream or shared vision can help us move from an atomic individualistic mentality to loving community and reconciliation. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Facing brutal cold across the country, many Americans took Monday to reflect on the civil rights work of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Evangelical Immigration Table and World Relief issued a letter Jan. 11 signed by more than 500 evangelical Christians to U.S. presidential candidates urging them to consider biblical principles when drafting solutions to the immigration crisis. And, while the Scriptures speak about many issues, they do not speak to all issues. A piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox offers some suggestions on how believers can understand what God thinks about an issue when there is no specific, related Scriptural reference.

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table looks at the long-term problem at the US-Mexico border, how his organizations are advocating for Biblically-based solutions, and how churches on the border are working to offer help and hope to those seeking refuge. National Day of Prayer Taskforce's Kathy Branzell talks about making prayer a priority in 2024 as you both as an individual and in community with others seek for God's help and direction. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Last month I had the opportunity to go to the Mexico/United States border with Women of Welcome and World Relief. A group of friends and Happy Hour listeners joined me and we had the opportunity to gain proximity to those who were living the experience of immigration, as well as meet with pastors, community leaders, and border patrol officers to learn more about this issue. This was my third trip and I still walked away immensely impacted by the stories shared. In this month's bonus series you'll hear from two leaders who led the trip and a few voices from those who attended. On the final episode of this three part series, I have a conversation with the leaders of the trip, Bri Stensrud and Matthew Soerens. Bri Stensrud is an author and human dignity advocate who leads a nationwide Christian women's community called Women of Welcome. The community is dedicated to diving into the whole of scripture to understand God's heart for the immigrant and refugee in an effort to live out biblical hospitality in an authentic way.Matthew Soerens is the Vice President for Advocacy & Policy at World Relief and the National Coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table. He's the coauthor of several books including Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate and Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church. He lives in Aurora, Illinois with his wife Diana and their four kids.Immigration may be a topic that has been politicized, but I believe it's a topic that is close to the heart of God and should be important to every Christ follower. My prayer as you listen to these episodes is that you'll be filled with questions and the desire to learn more about what God's Word says on this topic. I pray that we are moved to be compassionate and loving to all of our neighbors. SHOW NOTES:The Little LiarGive them GraceFree Family Refugee Guide World Relief, The PathGood Neighbor TeamsWomen of WelcomeMatthew Soerens article on Holy PostWelcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration DebateInalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American ChurchSeeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis Connect with Jamie

On the next episode of Humanity Chats, we are thrilled to welcome Brandon Baughn, Office Director of World Relief Upstate South Carolina, and Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy for World Relief. They join Marjy Marj to shed light on the vital work of World Relief and the upcoming "Welcoming the Stranger" event. World Relief Upstate SC's mission and privilege is to empower local churches to embrace our refugee and immigrant neighbors with the love of Jesus. However, integration challenges often hinder our new neighbors from fully flourishing in our communities. The upcoming event aims to explore how the church and the community can collaboratively support their holistic well-being and overcome these challenges. Having returned from nearly 15 years in Pakistan and Indonesia working on community and educational development, Brandon Baughn brings his experience and knowledge to the discussion. His time overseas, from managing a mobile literacy school program for nomadic groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to serving as the Program Director for YICF's refugee education program in Jakarta, Indonesia, has prepared him for his current role in South Carolina. Matthew Soerens, with his experience as the Vice President of Advocacy and Policy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, is an advocate for immigration reforms rooted in biblical principles. He is also the co-author of the books "Welcoming the Stranger" and "Inalienable," which align with the theme of the event.Join us for this enlightening episode of Humanity Chats discussing the "Welcoming the Stranger" event. The event will feature insightful conversations led by Bri Stensrud (Women of Welcome), Pastor Charles Kenya (Neema Church), Kristel Acevedo (Transformation Church), Dr. Tony Beam (North Greenville University), and Matthew Soerens and Todun Afolabi from World Relief. Together, they will delve into God's heart for the sojourner and how we can express Jesus's love through actions and words. Join World Relief at North Hills Church at 4952 Edwards Road Taylors, SC 29687 on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Doors Open at 8:30 a.m. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.mTogether, we can learn how to provide love, welcome, and support to our newest neighbors.Visit WorldRelief.org to learn more.Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far. Thank you for listening. Share with a friend. We are humans. From all around the world. One kind only. And that is humankind. Your friend, Marjy Marj

Today on Truth in Politics and Culture, NFL football loses a legend, President Biden does a full back flip with a half gainer on building a border wall, The U.S. Supreme Court turns down an appeal from multiple pro-life activists, and I will interview Matthew Soerens, VP of Advocacy and Policy for World Relief and National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table.    

Matthew Sorens Matthew Soerens is the US Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, where he helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values. Matthew previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited legal counselor at World Relief's local office in Wheaton, Illinois and, before that, with World Relief's partner organization in Managua, Nicaragua. He's also the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis. Key Points Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are vulnerable to human trafficking, especially labor trafficking, because they are in a foreign country and often come with vulnerabilities. Resources World Relief Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S. | The New York Times More than 100 children illegally employed in hazardous jobs, federal investigation finds; food sanitation contractor pays $1.5M in penalties | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)g  

Does the American evangelical church need a wake-up call? Have we become unaware of our blind spots? Our guest on this episode is Matthew Soerens. Matthew is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, where he helps evangelical churches understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He is also the national coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table. He previously coauthored Welcoming the Stranger and Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis. His latest book, coauthored with Eric Costanzo and Daniel Yang, is Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church (InterVarsity Press, 2022).   Matthew Soerens and his coauthors suggest that we must listen to the voices of global Christians and the poor who offer significant insights and hope from the margins, and to the ancient church which survived through the ages amid temptations of power and corruption. By learning from the global church and marginalized voices, we can return to our roots of being kingdom-focused – loving our neighbor and giving of ourselves in missional service to the world. Purchase their book from Byron and Beth Borger at Hearts & Minds Bookstore. You can order online through their secure server or call 717-246-333. Mention that you heard about this book on the Reintegrate Podcast and get 20% off! >> Thanks for listening! Your hosts for the Re-integrate Podcast are Dr. Bob Robinson (@Bob_Robinson_re) and David Loughney (@David_Loughney). Go to re-integrate.org for the latest articles on reintegrating your callings with God's mission and online resources for further learning. You can also find out about a Bible study book that you can use in your small group or individual devotions: Reintegrate Your Vocation with God's Mission. On Reintegrate's podcast page, you'll find more episodes and ways to email us to comment on this podcast. Music provided by Brian Donahue.

In this final episode of season two I continue discussing the relationship between the Bible and organizing. I begin by talking to Keisha Krumm, who opened the first episode of season one (you can hear more about her journey there). Here she gives a reading of Luke 18, or what she renames the parable of the tenacious widow, and reflects on what Scripture means to her in her work. I then talk to Alexia Salvatierra. Alexia shares something of her background, her formation as an organizer, and of her work with predominantly Evangelical churches.  I was keen to talk to Alexia as she has developed a compelling vision of the specific role and gifts of churches in broader social movements and democratic coalitions.  Scripture is central to her vision of the meaning and purpose of democratic politics. Alexia also gives a reading of the tenacious widow, one that compliments and amplifies Keisha's, as well as the story of David and the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12. She situates her readings within a broader account of what she calls serpent and dove power, a framework derived from the exhortation in Matthew 10.16: "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."GuestsKeisha Krumm is lead organizer for Greater Cleveland Congregations, a nonpartisan community organizing coalition in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Since 2001, she has previously organized and built community organizations in Los Angeles, Seattle-Tacoma, and Milwaukee. Her work entails developing leaders within congregations, educational associations, nonprofits, and labor unions to tackle issues ranging from job creation, quality education, affordable health care, mental health, to racial justice. Keisha has a master's degree from the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Christian Community Development. She is a devoted wife and mother who has committed her life to justice seeking.Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is a Lutheran Pastor with over 40 years experience in combining congregational ministry with community organizing. She is currently the Academic Dean of the Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Assistant Professor of Integral Mission and Global Transformation. She is the author with Peter Heltzel of Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World (Intervarsity Press) and Buried Seeds: Learning from the Resilience of Vibrant Marginalized Christian Communities with Rev. Brandon Wrencher (Baker Academic, 2022). In addition to her academic work, she coordinates the Ecumenical Collaboration for Asylum Seekers and serves on the leadership team of Matthew 25/Mateo 25––a bipartisan Christian network to protect and defend families facing deportation in the name and spirit of Jesus.  She has been a national leader in the areas of working poverty and immigration for over 25 years, including co-founding the national Evangelical Immigration Table in 2011, the 2007 New Sanctuary Movement, the Guardian Angels project for unaccompanied migrant minors in 2014, and Matthew 25/Mateo 25 in 2016. From 2000 to 2011, she was the Executive Director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in California—a statewide alliance of organizations of religious leaders who come together to respond to the crisis of working poverty by joining low-wage workers in their struggle for a living wage, health insurance, fair working conditions, and a voice in the decisions that affect them.Scriptures discussed: 2 Samuel 11-12; Matthew 10; Luke 18.  For more information & relevant updates follow me on Twitter: @WestLondonMan For readings to download relevant to or discussed in an episode visit: https://ormondcenter.com/listen-organize-act-podcast

Beth Moore denounces her generation's role in Christian celebrity culture; is Tish Harrison Warren being a ‘Pollyanna' with this view of LGBT rights?; and we start the first of 12 Days of Prayer & Action for a Christmas Miracle for Immigrants from the Evangelical Immigration Table. Today, add your name to this letter to your U.S. Senators, and send a quick message to encourage your pastor to do so as well. Follow The Common Good on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Hosted by Aubrey Sampson and Brian From Produced by Laura Finch and Keith ConradSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, advocates for 500,000 students on 188 campuses in the United States and beyond. She talks about the diversity among evangelical Christians and why Christians are called to interfaith work: “The CCCU wants to stand for Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, Hindus, and other faiths to practice fully and flourish.”Guest Bio: A visionary leader who is passionate about Christian higher education and the role it plays in the common good, Shirley V. Hoogstra became the seventh president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities in September 2014. She has focused on expanding diversity and inclusion on CCCU campuses and making education available, accessible, and affordable to all students. Hoogstra serves on the steering committee for the Washington Higher Ed Secretariat, is a leader for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and serves on the boards of the American Council on Education, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Trinity Forum.Visit Interfaith America to learn more about the organization and our podcast.Apply for a $250 grant to host a podcast listening party or win a $25 gift card for sharing your feedback. Learn more.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes, interfaith stories, and our programs.

What kind of immigration policies are in keeping with God’s view of mankind and Biblical thinking?  How can we, as Christ-followers, live out these principles in our church, communities, and nation? What does it mean to welcome the stranger? We will be looking to the Scriptures as we engage our heart and minds around these crucial questions today on Equipped. Download your free e-book: Thinking Biblically about Immigrants and Immigration from the Evangelical Immigration Table  

(00:00-08:58): Aubrey was joined by her husband Kevin Sampson. Kevin is the Lead Pastor for Renewal Church in West Chicago. Aubrey and Kevin talked about why they thought it was important for their church to be a multiethnic community when they planted the church seven years ago. (08:58-19:24): Matthew Soerens is the US Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief and the National Coordinator for Evangelical Immigration Table. He joined Aubrey and Kevin to talk about his new book “Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church” (19:24-28:49): Aubrey and Kevin have had some communication issues with the Gen Z-ers in their lives, so they tried to learn some terminology of the younger generation.  (28:49-37:47): Kevin has been reading the book “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.“ Aubrey and Kevin talked about how to build good habits and break bad ones. (37:47-47:23): Aubrey and Kevin shared some church leadership lessons from the latest revelations in The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast. (47:23-57:17): Kevin has been teaching from the Book of Malachi and shared some important lessons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Pastor Josh and Will talk with Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, who is a fellow at the Center for American Progress about the Christian Left. They discuss a wide range of issues from a progressive viewpoint, and even discuss some political issues where the religious right and the religious left can see eye to eye. Guest Bio:Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is a fellow for Religion and Faith at American Progress. His work focuses on a wide range of issues related to the role of religion in American public life, including promoting a progressive vision of religious liberty that champions LGBTQ rights and amplifying how faith communities empower social and economic justice.Prior to joining American Progress, Graves-Fitzsimmons worked with national faith leaders on two high-profile issue advocacy campaigns: opposing the Muslim ban and passing comprehensive immigration reform. He served as the associate director of the Rights and Inclusion Collaborative at ReThink Media, where he worked to promote Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian rights. He was previously the faith coordinator at the National Immigration Forum, where he helped start the Evangelical Immigration Table.He is the author of the book Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity. His writing on religion and politics regularly appears in national media outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post. He's also the founder of The Resistance Prays, a daily devotional aimed at spiritually and politically defeating Trumpism.Graves-Fitzsimmons received his undergraduate degree from American University and his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, where he was the William Sloane Coffin Scholar. He and his husband, both native Texans, now live in Louisville, Kentucky.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithpolitics)

(00:00-9:32): Brian and Aubrey discussed the CNN article, “Omicron might mark the end of Covid-19's pandemic phase -- unless a certain scenario happens,” and Aubrey shared about her experience having COVID-19. (9:32-27:29): Matthew Soerens, US Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy for World Relief, National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and Co-author of “Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis” & “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate,” joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about the work of World Relief in 2021, some of their goals for 2022, and the ways people can urge Congress to provide a path to permanent status for Afghan Parolees. Learn more about World Relief at worldrelief.org and connect with Matthew on Twitter at @MatthewSoerens And learn more about how you can urge Congress to provide a path to permanent status for Afghan Parolees at evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/afghans (27:29-35:53): Dr. Alex Earl, Chiropractic Physician and Founder of Active Health and Restoration in Carol Stream, joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about the benefits of chiropractic care and ways to make health a priority in the new year.  Dr. Alex is offering a Complimentary Longevity & Anti-Aging Health Assessment for listeners of The Common Good! Learn more at myactiverestoration.com/longevity And learn more about Active Health and Restoration at myactiverestoration.com or call (630) 765 0575 (35:53-45:07): Brian and Aubrey reflected on an encouraging message from Dr. King, “Martin Luther King Jr. 'Love Your Enemies' November 17, 1957.” (45:07-54:09): Brian and Aubrey shared their thoughts on Tim Challies' Churchleaders.com article, “10 Sure Marks of Humility.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table joins me today on the podcast to talk about immigration from a biblical perspective. Welcoming the Stranger, one of the books Matt co-authored on the subject, was recently released in a revised and updated edition in order to stay current with the laws and policies … Continue reading Episode 118 – Matthew Soerens

This week, Pastors Scott and Matt connect with Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table to get an update on the refugee situation in Afghanistan.

As the border surges at the same time that crime surges while a national economic crisis is unfolding around us, many discerning people are beginning to wonder why their church leaders are not addressing the problems at the border. Why are our laws being broken and the national security of the United States being put at risk? Why are there no pastors or religious leaders speaking against this? The problem started many years ago with “Bibles Badges and Businesses” where the evangelical leaders capitalized on the opportunity to receive an incredible amount of revenue from our government to resettle immigrants. National Immigration Forum 2012 Impact Report (PDF): https://sovereignnations.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Richard-Land-NIF-2012ImpactReport-3.pdf Eventually, agreements between church leaders, legal authorities and corporations led to the organization that was birthed out of “Bibles Badges and Businesses” called The Evangelical Immigration Table. https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com Much of the praxis of critical race theory began at this time in churches and businesses across the nation. Michael O'Fallon explains how “Bibles, Badges, and Businesses” eventually led us to the destructive plan of “Build Back Better” in 2021. https://sovereignnations.com Support Sovereign Nations: https://paypal.me/sovnations https://patreon.com/sovnations Follow Sovereign Nations: https://sovereignnations.com/subscribe https://facebook.com/SovereignNations https://twitter.com/SovNations https://youtube.com/SovereignNations https://instagram.com/sovnations/ https://minds.com/sovnations?referrer=sovnations https://parler.com/profile/sovnations Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/sovereignnations https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-causes-of-things/id1383339158?mt=2 https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnNvdW5kY2xvdWQuY29tL3VzZXJzL3NvdW5kY2xvdWQ6dXNlcnM6NDQ1NTczODAwL3NvdW5kcy5yc3M https://open.spotify.com/show/3mNCQcQAdawzIYAAuHfy8r https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sovereign-nations/the-causes-of-things © 2021 Sovereign Nations. All rights reserved.

(00:00-9:05): Brian and Aubrey discussed the following news stories: “Newsom Signs Bill Allowing Children to Hide Abortions, Transgender Treatments from Parents” “Biden Endorses Controversial Bill Guaranteeing Abortion 'Without Limitations'” (9:05-25:06): Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas and Host of Pathway to Victory, joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about his new book, “Invincible: Conquering the Mountains That Separate You from the Blessed Life.” Learn more about Dr. Jeffress and his new book at ptv.org and connect with him on Twitter at @robertjeffress And tune in to Pathway to Victory weekdays at 8:30am (CT) on AM 1160 Hope for Your Life.  (25:06-43:14): Matthew Soerens, US Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy for World Relief, National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and Co-author of “Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis” & “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate,” joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about the border crisis and how we can support the work of World Relief.  Learn more about World Relief at worldrelief.org and connect with Matthew on Twitter at @MatthewSoerens (43:14-49:37): Brian and Aubrey commented on the Daring To Live Fully blog post, “60 Lists to Make When You Need a Mood Lift.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the Bible say about diversity and immigration? How can we faithfully apply that in our country today?   The suggested diversity resource for this episode are two ministries that deal with immigration from a Christian perspective: the Evangelical Immigration Table (https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/) and The Immigration Coalition (https://theimmigrationcoalition.com/). 

Why are refugees a Christian and biblical issue? Are they a drain on the economy? Should we get involved politically, personally, or both? If so, how? These questions and more are discussed by Barney Aspray and Matthew Soerens. Relevant links: - Learn more about World Relief, the organization Matthew works for. - Learn about the Evangelical Immigration Table of which Matthew is the national coordinator. - Check out Matthew's two books, Seeking Refuge and Welcoming the Stranger. This podcast is produced in collaboration with The Tablet. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/faith-at-the-frontiers/message

As the United States departed from Afghanistan, there remains an urgent humanitarian crisis in the country, both for the U.S.'s Afghan allies and those fearing persecution from the Taliban.Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Matthew Soerens, the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief to discuss how and why Christians can serve Afghans who qualified for the Special Immigrant Visa Program and the Refugee Resettlement Program.Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, where he helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.Matthew previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited legal counselor at World Relief's local office in Wheaton, Illinois and, before that, with World Relief's partner organization in Managua, Nicaragua. He's also the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016).Resources from the Conversationad: Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis by Stephan Bauman, Matthew Soerens and Dr. Issam SmeirRead: Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny YangSend Relief's Response to the Afghanistan Refugee CrisisLearn more about World ReliefSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

(00:00-9:42): Brian and Aubrey discussed the situation in Afghanistan and talked about praying for God to intervene in miraculous ways in that region.  NBC News: “Trapped by Taliban takeover, Afghans who helped the U.S. fear they've been abandoned” Christine Caine: “Can't quit thinking about this from an email a friend sent me yesterday. … “most expect to meet Jesus face to face in the next two weeks.”  (9:42-27:38): Matthew Soerens, US Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy for World Relief, National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and Co-author of “Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis” & “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate,” joined Brian and Aubrey to chat about the conflict in Afghanistan and the earthquake in Haiti. Learn more about World Relief at worldrelief.org (27:38-36:37): How can we find peace while we're waiting on the Lord? Brian and Aubrey explored this topic and commented on a video from Matt Chandler.   (36:37-46:06): Why isn't abortion a motivating issue for many evangelicals? Brian and Aubrey commented on Ryan Burge's Religion News Service opinion article, “Abortion just isn't the motivating issue for evangelicals it once was.”  (46:06-55:17): Brian and Aubrey talked about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. “7.2-magnitude earthquake kills more than 1,400 in Haiti” “A Tropical Storm Is Drenching Earthquake-Stricken Haiti” “How to Pray for Haiti After Another Deadly Earthquake” Support the people of Haiti at foodforthepoor.org (55:17-1:05:12): Is social media making us stupid, stressed, and fake? Brian and Aubrey talked about the positive and negative effects of social media.  (1:05:12-1:14:03): Brian and Aubrey shared their thoughts on Lysa TerKeurst's Proverbs 31 devotion, “When Comfort Is My Enemy.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Yang took us to church on today's episode! With almost 20 years of experience working on policy around immigrant and refugee issues, Jenny is an incredible communicator, and clearly articulates the need for Christians to better understand the overarching story of migration in scripture. This is important to our understanding of how to think about, and relate to, immigrants (what the Bible calls strangers and foreigners). She offers helpful advice for engaging in difficult discussions with our loved ones and how we can take action in our daily lives. Side note, one of our favorite bits is that Jenny bakes, and as the Policy Director at World Relief, has won the employee bake off. You will laugh, be informed, and encouraged by our friend Jenny. Mentioned on today's episode: Evangelical Immigration Table: https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/ Women of Welcome: https://womenofwelcome.com/ World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/ Welcoming the Stranger Book: https://www.amazon.com/Welcoming-Stranger-Justice-Compassion-Immigration/dp/0830845399

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Matthew Soerens of World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency, to the roundtable to talk about what happened with President Biden's decision on the refugee admissions ceiling. The group also discusses the Evangelical Immigration Table advocacy both for refugee policy and for solutions to the ongoing migration humanitarian crisis at the U.S. southern border.“Rhetoric is no refuge for the persecuted — we need action. The refugee resettlement ceiling should be raised immediately so our nation can welcome those we already vetted. … We know the program is a secure and thorough process by which America can serve as a beacon of freedom and safe harbor for the oppressed, including persecuted Christians and other imperiled religious minorities.” — Russell Moore on April 16, 2021“I'm thankful President Biden revised his decision on the refugee ceiling. This action is the first step in bringing admissions back to the historical average and our nation back to our own ideals as a beacon of freedom.” — Russell Moore on May 4, 2021Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens serves as the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical organizations of which both World Relief and the ERLC are founding members. He previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited immigration legal counselor for World Relief's local office in suburban Chicago. Matthew is the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016) and Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press, 2018). Matthew earned his Bachelor's degree from Wheaton College (IL), where he also has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership graduate program. He also earned a Master's degree from DePaul University's School of Public Service. Originally from Neenah, Wisconsin, he now lives in Aurora, Illinois with his wife Diana and their four children.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about World ReliefLearn more about the Evangelical Immigration TableCheck out Matthew Soerens' books about seeking refuge and the immigration debateRead EIT's advocacy statements to President BidenEvangelical Leaders Urge President Biden to Revise Refugee Resettlement Ceiling Immediately, April 16, 2021Evangelical Leaders Commend President Biden for Raising Refugee Ceiling, May 4, 2021Listen to previous episodes on immigration and refugeesLaura Collins on immigration and border policy solutionsJonathan Hayes on how our government shelters unaccompanied migrant childrenRead Jeff's article at Providence: A Case for Rebuilding the US Commitment to RefugeesRead the ERLC and EIT's series on Thinking Biblically about ImmigrationSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

(00:00-10:17): Brian and Aubrey reacted to the following news stories:  Fox News - “Critics erupt on Fauci after he says to not eat indoors, even after getting vaccine”  NBC News - “Minnesota police chief says he believes officer meant to grab Taser before shooting Black man during traffic stop” (10:17-28:13): Matthew Soerens, US Director of Church Mobilization & Advocacy for World Relief, National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and Author of “Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis” & “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate,” joined Brian and Aubrey to talk about the work of World Relief, how we can help refugees, and the Washington Post article, “Biden set to accept fewest refugees of any modern president, including Trump, report says.”  Learn more about World Relief at worldrelief.org/advocate and connect with Matt on Twitter at @MatthewSoerens (28:13-38:14): Brian and Aubrey chatted about their TOP FIVE 80's & 90's TV Shows.      (38:14-47:56): When someone makes a mistake, can we separate the message from the messenger? Brian and Aubrey chatted about this and the dangers of money as they unpacked the following articles: “BLM founder Patrisse Cullors' $1.4M home draws criticism, call for investigation” and “Marxist BLM leader buys $1.4 million home in ritzy LA enclave.” (47:56-56:36): Brian and Aubrey shared their thoughts on Russell Moore's Moore to the Point Newsletter, “Why the Church Is Losing the Next Generation.”  (56:36-1:04:52): Brian and Aubrey discussed Eugene Cho's Religion News Service opinion article, “How the church can be a better evangelical witness to displaced people.”  (1:04:52-1:14:41): Brian and Aubrey chatted about some articles from the Good News Network:  This Cancer Surviving Girl Scout Broke the Record, Selling 32K Boxes of Cookies – With Proceeds Going to Sick Kids  School Surprises Hero Custodian With $35,000 Collected As Special Gift of Thanks  Travel Agent Helps Aging Veteran Pilot Pals Go On Dream Boys' Trip – Without Costing Them a Dime  Affordable Housing Landlord Starts Eviction Fund and is Shocked –Raising $9Mil Kept 3,000 Families in Their Homes  Nearly-Retired Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Who Just Lost Their Parents: ‘If not us, then who?'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table addresses the issue of what's happening on the US-Mexico border.  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer looks at the latest crises in Lebanon and Myanmar, plus in light of Altanta shootings she shares her experience as an Asian-American woman.

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table addresses the issue of what's happening on the US-Mexico border.  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer looks at the latest crises in Lebanon and Myanmar, plus in light of Altanta shootings she shares her experience as an Asian-American woman.

World Relief's Matthew Soerens, who is also part of the Evangelical Immigration Table, talks about the opportunity and needs of ministries that serve refugees as Biden plans to allow more refugees come to the US.  Tara Beth Leach, author of "Radiant Church," talks about ways the church better reflect Jesus.

World Relief's Matthew Soerens, who is also part of the Evangelical Immigration Table, talks about the opportunity and needs of ministries that serve refugees as Biden plans to allow more refugees come to the US.  Tara Beth Leach, author of "Radiant Church," talks about ways the church better reflect Jesus.

On opposition to DACA, family separation, an almost complete shutdown of the refugee program, and a host of other immigration policies, many evangelical groups and leaders either opposed those policies or worked to alleviate the unjust effects of those policies. With the change in the presidency and Senate control, these evangelicals are hoping for less cruel, more just immigration policies and legislation.   Matthew Soerens is U.S. Director of Church Mobilization at World Relief, a global humanitarian organization that aids refugees, and National Coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical groups that advocates for bipartisan and biblically based solutions to immigration reform.   Welcoming the Stranger: https://worldrelief.org/welcoming-the-stranger/    Evangelical Immigration Table: https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Liz Dong joins us on the podcast this week! Liz previously worked full time in immigration advocacy with World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table. She shares with us the Biblical call for God's people to care for strangers and how churches can participate in that work in their own communities. Some of the resources shared with us during this episode: World Relief - https://worldrelief.org/www.worldrelief.org The Evangelical Immigration Table - https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/ Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate by Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang

(00:00-09:20): Trump administration officially authorizes Biden transition. The administration has been slow-walking the transition process as the president vows to fight the results. PLUS, Donald Trump doesn't need to concede. (09:20-17:43): Jamie Ducharme writes “Why You're Regressing to Your Teenage Self During the COVID-19 Outbreak” in Time. (17;43-27:12): Teena Dare writes “I’m So Busy. How Can I Rest?” in The Gospel Coalition. When God was forming his people after the exodus, one of the most important things he emphasized was Sabbath. (27:12-36:47): Vaneetha Rendall Risner writes “When My Life Fell Apart, I Needed a Bible That Wouldn’t” in The Gospel Coalition. (36:47-45:55): Tyler Huckabee writes “Inside TikTok’s Wild COVID-19 Vaccine as Christian Persecution Meme”. BRian and Ian discuss this bizarre trend. (45:55-1:05:42): We spoke with by Author and U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, Matt Soerens. He wrote an article in Christianity Today called “The US Will Re-Open to Refugees. Is the U.S. Church Ready?” that touches on Biden’s plan to raise the refugee ceiling. Is the church and nation ready? (1:05:42-1:14:40): As we go into the Thanksgiving season of this strange and difficult year, we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, as well as reminisce on fun Thanksgiving memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:00): Ronald Sider and Richard Mouw write “We are pro-life evangelicals for Biden” in Christian Post. They provide perspective and evidence that Joe Biden’s administration is more pro-life overall than Trump’s (09:00-37:49): We were joined this hour by Author and U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, Matt Soerens. Already with a loaded resume, Matt advocates for both action with understanding and compassion for refugees. World Relief joined with our parent organization, the National Association of Evangelicals, to publish a statement this (by 10/14, next) week in the Washington Post called A Call to Civic Responsibility For the Health of the Nation. In a contentious and polarizing electoral season when we think many outside and even inside of American evangelicalism have a rather narrow view of what it means for evangelical Christians to engage politically, the goal of this statement is to call evangelicals of all political affiliations – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – to ground our engagement in our commitment to the authority of the Bible. (37:49-46:54): John Fea writes in The Way of Improvement “What James Dobson Said in 1998 About Moral Character and the Presidency”. PLUS, Brian refers to remarks from John MacArthur back in 2016 about how "Morality doesn't define us anymore". (46:54-56:22): We were joined by Senior Vice President, National Program Development at Salem Media Group, Chris Gould. This year, due to the pandemic and our inability in many cities to host gatherings in person, Salem Media Group is showing our appreciation the entire month of October by bringing ministry leaders and pastors a virtual program. Each Thursday, beginning October 1st, we will release a new virtual program featuring national speakers, music artists, and local pastors and ministry leaders encouraging one another to continue to fight the good fight during these frustrating and uncertain times. To register, please click here now. (56:22-1:05:07): Irwin Ince writes “The Call—and Cost—of Beautiful Church Community” in The Gospel Coalition. Brian discusses this and how important it is to have diverse and welcoming community as a Christian. (1:05:07-1:13:48): Luke Holmes writes “4 Ways Social Media Can Be Leveraged For Discipleship” in LifeWay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is a fellow with the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative at American Progress. His work focuses on a wide range of issues related to the role of religion in American public life, including promoting a progressive vision of religious liberty that champions LGBTQ rights and amplifying how faith communities empower social and economic justice.Prior to joining American Progress, Graves-Fitzsimmons worked with national faith leaders on two high-profile issue advocacy campaigns: opposing the Muslim ban and passing comprehensive immigration reform. He served as the associate director of the Rights and Inclusion Collaborative at ReThink Media, where he worked to promote Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian rights. He was previously the faith coordinator at the National Immigration Forum, where he helped start the Evangelical Immigration Table.He is the author of the forthcoming book Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity. His writing on religion and politics regularly appears in national media outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post. He’s also the founder of The Resistance Prays, a daily devotional aimed at spiritually and politically defeating Trumpism.Graves-Fitzsimmons received his undergraduate degree from American University and his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, where he was the William Sloane Coffin Scholar. He and his husband, both native Texans, now live in Louisville, Kentucky.

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is a fellow with the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative at American Progress. His work focuses on a wide range of issues related to the role of religion in American public life, including promoting a progressive vision of religious liberty that champions LGBTQ rights and amplifying how faith communities empower social and economic justice.Prior to joining American Progress, Graves-Fitzsimmons worked with national faith leaders on two high-profile issue advocacy campaigns: opposing the Muslim ban and passing comprehensive immigration reform. He served as the associate director of the Rights and Inclusion Collaborative at ReThink Media, where he worked to promote Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian rights. He was previously the faith coordinator at the National Immigration Forum, where he helped start the Evangelical Immigration Table.He is the author of the forthcoming book Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity. His writing on religion and politics regularly appears in national media outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post. He’s also the founder of The Resistance Prays, a daily devotional aimed at spiritually and politically defeating Trumpism.Graves-Fitzsimmons received his undergraduate degree from American University and his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, where he was the William Sloane Coffin Scholar. He and his husband, both native Texans, now live in Louisville, Kentucky.

What is immigration? How does modern society view immigration and immigration reform? Christians are called to help those less fortunate than ourselves, so how do we get involved with immigration reform and ensure that we are defending those that seek help? Today's episode will set up a Biblical framework for immigration reform in today's America. Guest: Matthew Sorens serves as the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief. He previously served as the Field Director for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical organizations of which World Relief is a founding member. You can get his latest book, Seeking Refuge, from Moody Publishers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-36:43): We were joined by the Executive Director of Ignite Church Planting, Lance Hurley. He shared the heart and mission behind this ministry. Ignite is a church-planting ministry located in one of America's greatest cities with a huge population base; Chicagoland and NW Indiana is home to 10 million people. It is estimated that almost 6.5 million people have no relationship with Jesus or his church. Ignite will change that reality by starting new churches. (37:40-1:16:05): We were joined this hour by Author and U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, Matt Soerens. Already with a loaded resume, Matt advocates for both action with understanding and compassion for refugees. In the book “Welcoming the Stranger” World Relief staffers Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang move beyond the rhetoric to offer a Christian response. Interwoven throughout are true stories of immigrants' experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, they debunk myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just as they offer concrete ways for you and your church to welcome and minister to your immigrant neighbors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rondell Trevino joins the show to teach Andrew about his nonprofit organization; The Immigration Coalition.  He seeks to give a biblical balanced view on immigration and to seek compassion and honor the law. He hosts a podcast called The Balance.  Rondell Treviño is the Founder of The immigration Project—a faith-based organization that inspires the Church to view Immigration and love Immigrants the way God intended. Before founding The immigration Project, Rondell worked as a Southeast Mobilizer for the Evangelical Immigration Table. Rondell speaks on issues of Immigration from a biblical perspective at Churches, organizations, and conferences throughout the country, and meets with legislators on how to better create, implement, and sustain just and good Immigration policies and practices geared toward the flourishing of society. Rondell received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University (2014), and a Master of Divinity from Capital Seminary and Graduate School (2016). Rondell is happily married to Laura Treviño, and is the proud father to Sofia Treviño. The Winter Faith Podcast is focused on creating conversations to promote emotional and spiritual growth through tough conversations about faith, apathy, and everything in between. Follow @winterfaithandy and @winterfaithpodcast on Instagram, Twitter, and join the Winter Faith Podcast on Facebook. Podcast music by Josh Cleveland. Purchase his album Root of a Man on Apple Music and Amazon Music. Podcast coffee by J Brooks Coffee Roasters. J. Brooks Coffee Roasters was founded in 2010. What is a Roastinality? Subscribe to the Winter Faith Podcast on Apple, Anchor, or Spotify. Support the show for as little as $1 a month on Patreon. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/winterfaithpod/message

Episode 8 (recorded 26 June 2020). -- Bishop Jack Lumanog sits down for his first ever interview for Pod Bless Us! 8 days before today's recording, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 5-4 blocking the Trump administration from going ahead with its plan, announced in 2017, to end a program called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). For an Evangelical point of view following this recent Supreme Court decision and an in-depth discussion on how to think biblically about immigrants and refugees, Bishop Jack talks with Matthew Soerens, the US Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief and the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values. Find out more at www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bishoplumanog/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bishoplumanog/support

(00:00-09:31): Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday released new guidelines for Illinois as the state looks to move into phase four of its reopening plan on Friday. Brian and Ian talked about what that will mean for their daily lives. (09:31-19:01): After the Father’s Day hangover, Brian and Ian talked about how dads are represented in Sticoms. (19:01-28:32): How anxious will you be to shake hands when this is all over? Brian and Ian talked about why this might be the Christian side hug’s big moment (28:32-37:50): Brian and Ian tackled the issue of Christians Labeling and Categorizing Each Other (37:50-49:41): The ESPY’s on Sunday night started with a video on race. Brian and ian shared their reaction. (49:41-1:09:54): Matthew Sorens is the US Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, the National Coordinator for Evangelical Immigration Table and co-author, Welcoming the Stranger, Seeking Refuge. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about World Refugee Day over the weekend and the Supreme Court Ruling on DACA. (1:09:54-1:15:33): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LINDA MIDGETT is an independent documentary filmmaker, TV producer and screenwriter with writing, producing and directing credits on many major networks, including NBC-Universal, The History Channel, A&E, Discovery, PBS, National Geographic and LMN (Lifetime Movie Network). Her work has won numerous awards, including two Emmys. Linda’s documentary credits includes Hometown Stories: The Greek-Americans of Charlotte for PBS, which won a regional Emmy for best cultural documentary; Through My Eyes, a documentary about teens struggling with suicide, depression and eating disorders. Through My Eyes was nominated for a regional Emmy, and was awarded the national Voice Award for excellence in mental health programming; The Line, a film about people living below the poverty line, commissioned by social justice organization Sojourners; and The Stranger, a film on immigration reform commissioned by the Evangelical Immigration Table. Linda lives in Baton Rouge, LA with her husband, John, and two children. INSTAGRAM: suzukiingerslev Website: www.suzukiingerslev.com If you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.com Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=true Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/ Twitter twitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook www.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397

LINDA MIDGETT is an independent documentary filmmaker, TV producer and screenwriter with writing, producing and directing credits on many major networks, including NBC-Universal, The History Channel, A&E, Discovery, PBS, National Geographic and LMN (Lifetime Movie Network). Her work has won numerous awards, including two Emmys.Linda's documentary credits includes Hometown Stories: The Greek-Americans of Charlotte for PBS, which won a regional Emmy for best cultural documentary; Through My Eyes, a documentary about teens struggling with suicide, depression and eating disorders. Through My Eyes was nominated for a regional Emmy, and was awarded the national Voice Award for excellence in mental health programming; The Line, a film about people living below the poverty line, commissioned by social justice organization Sojourners; and The Stranger, a film on immigration reform commissioned by the Evangelical Immigration Table.Linda lives in Baton Rouge, LA with her husband, John, and two children.INSTAGRAM: suzukiingerslevWebsite: www.suzukiingerslev.comIf you liked this podcast, shoot me an e-mail at filmmakingconversations@mail.comAlso, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: www.kweli.tv/programs/the-peopl…xton?autoplay=trueDamien Swaby Social Media Links:Instagram www.instagram.com/damien_swaby_video_producer/Twittertwitter.com/DamienSwaby?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorFacebookwww.facebook.com/Damien-Swaby-213805135363397

COVID-19 has impacted lives around the world, and persecuted Christian refugees are no exception. Christy Staats, who works with the Evangelical Immigration Table, says it's important to clear away the misconceptions people often have of refugees in order to understand God's heart for them. Listen as Staats shares with host Jenny Rose Spaudo what believers in the West can do to help and pray today.

On this episode we're joined by someone living the Gospel in the area of immigration, one of our Nation's most significant moral, economic and political challenges. Christina Staats shared biblical ways of engaging that reflect Christ and the gospel to a world that desperately needs to know.Christy StaatsChristy Staats is from Stow, Ohio, and went to Miami University. She worked as a missionary with Cru for 15 years, 11 of which were in the UK and is now affiliate staff. She helped create Crossings, a refugee ministry for her church in 2015 and Cru’s IIR (int’l, immigrant and refugee) initiative simultaneously. It was in training churches in northeast Ohio in cross cultural ministry to help them get involved in welcoming refugees that she discovered our broken our immigration system. She now does advocacy work that includes mobilizing churches on behalf of the Evangelical Immigration Table, a broad coalition of Christian denominations and organizations focused on encouraging distinctly biblical responses to the challenges and opportunities of immigration in the U.S. She is nearly finished with her Masters in Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

What is the conservative vision for tomorrow's schools? I'll talk it over with education expert Michael Petrilli, co-editor of the book, "How to Educate an American." Plus: A former Southern Baptist Convention president and Evangelical Immigration Table signatory is the new head of the denomination's compassion ministry. But what else should Christians know about Dr. Bryant Wright's views on refugees? We'll tackle it all on Wednesday's JANET MEFFERD TODAY.

Eugene Cho is a passionate pastor, author, and activist who has learned how to maintain his convictions without condemning those who do not share them. Sometimes that learning has come through failure, and other times it’s been discovered at a dinner table with those he disagrees with. Cho has compiled his lessons into a new book, “Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics.” Also this week: Will the coronavirus force churches to think outside the box? A court says Christian college students must be allowed to evangelize in Chicago’s most popular park. And a poll by Christian politicians backfires spectacularly. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk by Eugene Cho https://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shalt-Not-Jerk-Christians/dp/0781411157 Sign the Evangelical Immigration Table’s Restitution petition: http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/restitution/

In this episode of Polemics Report, JD mostly discusses the Baptist Press and Baptist Standard's lies about Soros' funding of the Evangelical Immigration Table and his support of the ERLC. And then, JD asks if Founders Ministries is drunk or something, with having Chris Bolt blog for them TEXT or Leave a voice messageBTWN Feedback Line (320) BTWN - GUY

Click here to keep up with the latest Goose News: http://wildgoosefestival.org/signup/ Sarah Heath interviews Alexia Salvatierra about what is really happening at the border. What is the difference between refugee and asylum, who do children belong to once parents are deported, and how do we find hope? Rev. Alexia Salvatierra is the author with Dr. Peter Heltzel of Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World (Intervarsity Press). She is a Lutheran Pastor with over 40 years of experience in congregational and community ministry, including church-based service and community development programs, congregational and community organizing and legislative advocacy. She is an affiliate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and adjunct at four other academic institutions. In addition to coordinating the Guardian Angels Project and assisting at Hope Lutheran Church, she serves as a consultant (training, facilitating, organizing and leading strategic planning) for a variety of national/international organizations, including World Vision, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Christian Community Development Association. She is a national leader in immigrant justice, co-founder of the New Sanctuary Movement, the Evangelical Immigration Table and M25 (Matthew 25/Mateo 25).   Rev. Sarah Heath currently serves First United Methodist Church in Costa Mesa California, where she is the lead pastor for a church re-start and revitalization. Along with being a pastor Sarah is a speaker and a writer. She is the author of “What’s Your Story? Seeing your life through God’s eyes” and “The Authenticity Challenge: 21 days to a more content life.” She is the host of Sonderlust the podcast. You can hear Sarah featured on the litrugists podcast, Homebrewed Christianity, A tiny Revolution with Kevin Garcia and other podcasts or catch her on youtube with buzzfeed for ask a pastor anything. www.revsarahheath.com

Mega podcast on Russel Moore's comments at the National Immigration Forum, Evangelical Immigration Table's "Restitution" statement, Weird things at SWBTS, the attempt to smear Paige Patterson for racism, an announcement on FBC Naples, AND how to keep young people from going SJW. www.worldviewconversation.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/worldviewconversation Subscribe: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-that-matter/id1446645865?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldviewconversation/ Follow Us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/conversationsthatmatterpodcast Follow Us on Gab: https://gab.ai/worldiewconversation Follow Jon on Twitter https://twitter.com/worldviewconvos Subscribe on Minds https://www.minds.com/worldviewconversation More Ways to Listen: https://anchor.fm/worldviewconversation Mentioned in this Video: Robert Lopez Article: https://amgreatness.com/2019/11/16/i-didnt-have-to-die-on-this-hill-but-i-did/ Stand Against Marxism Conference video: https://vimeo.com/369595023 Adam Greenway's Social Justice Sermon: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qp5n54b5f53ir5x/CBC_10202019.mp3?dl=0 Enemies Within the Church Donate: http://enemieswithinthechurch.com/#donate The South in the Reformation Tradition: https://www.abbevilleinstitute.org/blog/the-antebellum-south-in-the-reformation-tradition/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/worldviewconversation/support

Alan Cross, consultant with the Evangelical Immigration Table, looks at changes to the US refugee resettlement program and the call of the Church to help the vulnerable. Alex Seeley, author of "Opposite Life," joined us again to talk about living out the upside down kingdom of God.

Alan Cross, consultant with the Evangelical Immigration Table, looks at changes to the US refugee resettlement program and the call of the Church to help the vulnerable. Alex Seeley, author of "Opposite Life," joined us again to talk about living out the upside down kingdom of God.

"Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is a national leader in immigrant justice, co-founder of the New Sanctuary Movement, the Evangelical Immigration Table and M25 (Matthew 25/Mateo 25). She is a Lutheran Pastor with over 40 years of experience in congregational and community ministry, including church-based service and community development programs, congregational and community organizing and legislative advocacy." Our conversation with Pastor Alexia was deeply impactful and eye-opening. As human beings we need to acknowledge the deep of amount of fear that is currently being fostered towards people seeking asylum in our country.  We are created for community, not only in our cities but on a global scale. There is still hope, but we have to choose love over our fears everyday. Click here to find out more about Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and for this episode's show notes. *Please note content may not be appropriate for all ages.

First of all, Facebook Quizzes. Guys, we love them. Okay, Ashley loves them, but it is important to know how many states we've traveled to, and which Disney princess we are, right? Okay, maybe not, but the big takeaway is, it's okay to evolve. (Especially beyond FB quizzes.) In every season of life, we are becoming, and we have to allow ourselves to grow, and give ourselves permission to make necessary changes, and to step into a gap when there is a need. Noor Inayat Khan, the Indian princess (as the BBC calls her) spied for Britain. She was born in Russia (1914) to a father from India and a mother from New Mexico, was a children's book author, a Red Cross trained nurse, and eventually went on to become a spy in Nazi Germany. She sent wire-tap coded messages back to England to aid in overthrowing the Axis powers during WWII. She was executed in Dachau concentration camp before she turned 30, while holding the hand of another female political prisoner of war. Noor was brave, powerful, and allowed herself to evolve, as her life's context evolved, and did an incredible amount of good with her one and only life. We want you to know that you can make changes too. If something's no longer working for you, you can stop. If you have a job right now, but know there's something burning within you, you can pursue it. If you see a need, you can absolutely step in to meet it, even if your contribution feels small. A whole lot of smalls, can bring a whole lot of healing. Dear listener, we'd love for you to take a moment to rate and review our podcast, as it helps others to find our show! To find out more about Tiffany's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at http://www.tiffanybluhm.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/ To find out more about Ashley's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at https://ashabercrombie.org/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie/ For more information about helping those who are detained at our borders, check out the Evangelical Immigration Table: http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/ If you'd like to make a donation we recommend giving to Together Rising, who distributes all resources to organizations on the ground, providing immigration attorneys, advocacy and practical care and resources: https://togetherrising.org/

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel has no better friend than President Trump. So why did most Jewish Americans vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016? I'll talk it over with David Rubin, founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children's Fund and author of "Trump and the Jews." Plus: The Soros-funded Evangelical Immigration Table is pushing a new initiative to "think biblically" on immigration. I'll share my thoughts on it - tune in to Friday's JANET MEFFERD TODAY.

Confused about the current standoff in Washington over the president’s border wall? Matthew Soerens, U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief and National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, is back to help us make sense of it all. He explains how the failure of immigration bills since 2013 got us to this place, and why neither Democrats nor Republicans are pursuing a common sense compromise. He also offers his thoughts on why so many Christians fail to see immigration as a biblical issue. Also this week: Phil pokes Mary Poppins, Trump is evangelicals’ Goliath, and the international competition to build the tallest Jesus statue.

Welcome back to the Columbia Metro Connection, a podcast where you can go to get valuable, relevant, and quality resources for you and your congregation.   SUBSCRIBE:  iTunes| RSS | Stitcher | TuneIn Radio | Google Play        The Columbia Metro Connection is sponsored and supported by the Columbia Metro Baptist Association and the almost 100 family churches that support the ministry of the CMBA.   Hosts for this week’s episode are George Bullard, the Director of Missions, Strategic Leadership Coach and Lead Missiologist at Columbia Metro Baptist Association and Chris Reinolds, Lead Pastor a Killian Baptist Church.   Joining us this week is Alan Cross, a missional strategist, President of Community Development Initiatives, and voice at the Evangelical Immigration Table.  Alan’s ministry focus is helping to connect people's orthodoxy with tangible orthopraxy, in that he seeks to help communities, churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals grow and develop in ways that facilitate human flourishing by developing creative partnerships to bring spiritual, social, and economic transformation to communities around the world.   Highlights   The context for ministry in America is heavily affected by this conflict of race, ethnicity, and who’s from where; so it seems like planting the cross [of Jesus Christ] somewhere in the middle of that is a pretty good way from people to hear about Jesus.   The big question that I had to come to grips with was how do we turn away from inside ourselves to our neighbors of different backgrounds and cultures.   When you talk about immigrants and refugees there is a tendency to frame your view on the view of your favorite political commentator.  The question is, “What does the Bible say?” There is a difference between the role of the church and the role of the state.  As Christ-followers we must understand our role in the issue of immigration is to represent the heart of God to the state. The caravan immigrants are coming with the intention of claiming asylum, which is a legal way of coming to the United States. As Christ followers, the church should be welcoming the stranger and the sojourner. I'm against immigration, but once they're here, as the church, what should we do? Resources: Twitter:  @AlanLCross Email:  Across@cdionline.org

Adam Estle of the National Immigration Forum and Alan Cross of the Evangelical Immigration Table join the guys to talk about the Migrant Caravans that are making their way through Mexico and (reportedly) to the United States Border.  The four of them go over the facts as they know it, the policy as it is currently enforced, and the response that the church should give.   HHIEOY:  Ryan: The politics and convictions of young people!  Phillip: The solemn act of voting Segment 4:  The Dallas Cowboys traded for who? 

Our special guest is Matthew Soerens, author of the book Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and Truth in the Immigration Debate. He is the US director of church mobilization for World Relief and the national coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table. Previously, Matthew served as a Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited legal counselor with World Relief's local office in Wheaton, Illinois. Immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time. Voices on all sides argue strongly for action and change. Christians find themselves torn between the desire to uphold laws and the call to minister to the vulnerable. In this book World Relief immigration experts Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang move beyond the rhetoric to offer a Christian response to immigration. They put a human face on the issue and tell stories of immigrants' experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, they debunk myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just as they offer concrete ways for you and your church to welcome and minister to your immigrant neighbors.

Last month, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed to enforce a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to immigration. Here’s one way he described how this would look: "If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said. "If you don’t like that, then don’t smuggle children over our border." Months before he made this promise, Sessions had already started making good on it. Three weeks prior, the The New York Times had reported that since October, more than 700 children have been taken from adults claiming to be their parents, including more than 100 children under the age of four. As Sessions’ immigration policies have drawn national attention, evangelical leaders have been increasingly speaking out. A letter from the Evangelical Immigration Table said this to President Trump: While illegal entry to the United States can be a misdemeanor criminal violation, past administrations have exercised discretion in determining when to charge individuals with this offense, taking into account the wellbeing of children who may also be involved. A “zero tolerance” policy removes that discretion—with the effect of removing even small children from their parents. The traumatic effects of this separation on these young children, which could be devastating and long-lasting, are of utmost concern. Other Christian female leaders also started a #notwithoutmychild campaign in which they wrote a letter with more than 2,500 signatures to Sessions and Department of Homeland Security secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sister Norma Pimental, the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley on the border of Mexico, has seen most of this situation unfold firsthand. “We need to look at our laws and make sure we protect our laws and country, but at the same time, we cannot overlook that we are talking about human beings,” said Sister Norma. “Our laws can be humane and can be a process that can address things correctly without ignoring that these are human beings, and we must listen to their story and understand why they’re here.” Sister Norma joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss the reality of what’s happening on the United States–Mexico border, her relationship with border control, and what impact the attorney general’s words have on those traveling north.

The boys are back in podcast town and they're joined by Liz Dong, Midwest Mobilizer of the Evangelical Immigration Table. Liz talks to the guys about what a Christian's perspective on immigration should be, while sharing her own journey and how her youth pastor played a part in it.  Subscribe, Rate, and Share. Thanks for listening!

City transformation is possible when protecting our way of life is no longer our top priority. In this episode of the For Our City podcast, Alan Cross helps us recognize attitudes and biases that keep us from loving our neighbors and helping the most vulnerable people around us, and then offers a way forward. Alan is a writer, pastor, advocate for racial unity, and champion of the stranger. Few people provide a clearer Gospel lens for serving the vulnerable than Alan Cross. He is the author of When Heaven and Earth Collide: Racism, Southern Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus. Alan also gives leadership to the Evangelical Immigration Table, a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for immigration reform consistent with biblical values. Follow Alan on Twitter here. This episode is sponsored by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. "Wherever you're going, Southeastern can help you get there." Please visit For Our City for more resources, to listen to previous episodes, or to subscribe to the podcast. You can also subscribe at iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play. And feel free to comment on this episode in the comments section below.

Liz Dong is two things that usually don’t go together - an undocumented immigrant AND an evangelical Christian.  She’s also a immigrant advocate with World Relief, as well as a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table.  Having read a piece she wrote for Time Magazine, we invited Liz to stop by the studio and talk about her life story and the issues involving DACA, immigration and the church.  Plus, we pause for a moment to remember Hugh Hefner.  Okay - that was long enough.

Our special guest is Michelle Ferrigno Warren, author of The Power of Proximity: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action. Michelle is the advocacy and strategic engagement director for the Christian Community Development Association. She is an immigration, education, and human service policy specialist and is an adjunct faculty member at Denver Seminary. With over twenty years’ experience working in Christian community development, Michelle is a part of the national Evangelical Immigration Table and helps consult for the National Immigration Forum. She is a founding staff member of Open Door Ministries, a large community development corporation. We can see evidence of injustice all around us, whether in continuing incidents of racial inequality or in the systemic forces that disenfranchise people and perpetuate poverty. It's important to learn about the world's inequities and to be a voice for the voiceless any way we can. But in an age of hashtag and armchair activism, merely raising awareness about injustice is not enough. Michelle Warren knows what is needed. She and her family have chosen to live in communities where they are "proximate to the pain of the poor." This makes all the difference in facing and overcoming injustice. When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change. Proximity changes our perspective, compels our response, and keeps us committed to the journey of pursuing justice for all. Move beyond awareness and experience the power of proximity.

Rev. Alexia Salvatierra is the founder and “madrina” of the Faith-Rooted Organizing UnNetwork. She is a Lutheran Pastor with over 35 years of experience in community ministry, including church-based service and community development programs, congregational and community organizing, and legislative advocacy. She is the author with Dr. Peter Heltzel of Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World. She has been a national leader in the areas of working poverty and immigration for over 20 years, including the co-founding of the national Evangelical Immigration Table. In this episode of RePlacing Church, she joins me to discuss: What is faith-rooted organizing How to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves Why organizers need to appeal to more than people’s self-interest for social change Why faith-rooted organizing needs to be open sourced The compassion of Jesus The questions we must ask as we pursue “justice in the process” *Get your free RePlacing Church Resource List, a guide to being and becoming the church in the neighborhood. SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW the RePlacing Church Podcast on iTunes, or listen on Stitcher, Google Play, or Podbean. Sign up for RePlacing Church updates at www.replacingchurch.org. Like on Facebook, Follow on Instagram. Episode Song Credits: "Another Wrong to Right" and "You Won't Walk Alone" by Mercir. "Closed" by Zadok Wartes. Used with Permission. Production Assistance by Nate Tubbs.

“The Compassionate Justice of Jesus” Alexia Salvatierra coordinator Welcoming Congregations Network of Southern California ELCA | co-author Faith-Rooted Organizing | adjunct faculty Fuller Seminary, New York Theological Seminary Alexia Profile PicRev. Alexia Salvatierra spoke at our 2014 VJN conference, and her engaging stories and winsome approach to “dove power” challenged us all. She is the author with Dr. Peter Heltzel of “Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World” (Intervarsity Press). She is a Lutheran Pastor with over 35 years of experience in community ministry, including church-based service and community development programs, congregational and community organizing, and legislative advocacy. She currently serves as a consultant (training, facilitating, organizing and leading strategic planning) for a variety of national/international organizations, including World Vision USA/World Vision International/Women of Vision, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Christian Community Development Association. She has been a national leader in the areas of working poverty and immigration for over 20 years, including the co-founding of the national Evangelical Immigration Table (a very broad coalition of moderate and conservative evangelical leaders and institutions advocating for immigration reform). She is adjunct faculty at the New York Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary and New Theological Seminary of the West, and has taught at Vanguard and Biola Universities as well as lecturing at a variety of academic institutions, including the University of Southern California and UCLA.

In this podcast, Bethany Anderson shares from her work with Los Angeles-based Solidarity Rising on how people of faith can approach the hot topic of immigration reform with a sound, biblical worldview. Bethany's workshop explored the topic of immigration from a biblical viewpoint and our call as followers of Christ to welcome the stranger. She also examined the current political realities of our immigration system and how we can interact well as individuals and congregations. This podcast was recorded at the 2014 VJN Conference: Kingdom Justice, Vineyard Values. Bethany Anderson is a graduate of Hope International University and has worked with Solidarity in Fullerton for the last 9 years. She currently serves as the Immigration Initiative Director and also served as a local mobilizer for the Evangelical Immigration Table where she focused on church engagement and education on the issue of Immigration. Bethany has regularly participated in Legislative advocacy locally, in Sacramento and in Washington D.C. Bethany is currently completing her accreditation to practice immigration through the Board of Immigration Appeals.