By Sara Hilgenberg
This fall, I spent three weeks at a military base serving as a part of Operation Allies Welcome aiding in the response efforts for the Afghan refugee crisis. The majority of those whom I served, were at risk because they served alongside American soldiers throughout these past 20 years. At the end of my fifth day, I burst into tears at all I had seen and heard of their hardship. Upon arriving to my hotel at the end of the day, I reached an elevator and began to cry in private — but a new friend, an Afghan interpreter on the base, intervened. This man, who had been forced to leave his homeland behind, stood quietly and told me: Hold onto hope!
I witnessed Christ there in those who suffered and felt closer to God as I worked to serve them. I listened to their stories, saw their scars firsthand, cried and laughed with them. They taught me to hope. More importantly, they showed me how important it is that we seek to give them hope in turn.
These Afghan evacuees are our neighbors, and we should welcome them to Texas as such. Hundreds of refugees are set to resettle here in our home state, and they want the same things we do.
Like us, they’re doing the best they can. They all hope for a good, quiet life. Like us, they are farmers, teachers, engineers, soldiers, doctors, lawyers. Like us, they are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers. They want to stand alongside us once again, as they’ve stood alongside us in Afghanistan for so many years. Let’s help them do so.
In fact, we have an obligation to help them. As a Christian, I believe in the biblical truth that all are made in God’s image. As such, they bear inherent dignity and deserve love — radical love, like that shown by Jesus Christ. Helping these refugees safely and successfully establish homes and lives in our state is an opportunity to open our hearts and hands to our new neighbors in Christian friendship (Mark 12:31).
But this isn’t just an obligation. It’s also an incredible opportunity to grow closer to God. In countless moments during my time on the military base, I experienced the nearness of the Lord through “the brokenhearted” and “crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Each day I was amazed at what I can only describe as divine provision.
One day I shared a meal with Special Immigrant Visa holders from Afghanistan who served as interpreters on the base, and had moved to the U.S. to start new lives after working alongside us in their homeland. Another day I worked with children. Every day, with each encounter, I was astounded and humbled by their strength and hope. I was given the opportunity daily to witness and bear witness to Christ.
Of course, not everyone will be able or inclined to serve for weeks as part of a first responder team. This ministry takes many forms, and all kinds of local Texas ministries are already working to welcome them home. These Afghans’ needs are many and complex. The ways in which we might serve them are as well. Some, like myself, can personally be involved in their resettlement. Some may choose to take advantage of the programs that accept financial donations or household items, such as World Relief North Texas or the International Rescue Committee in Abilene.
If these aren’t possible for you, advocacy is one almost universally accessible way to help them. Many of these Afghan refugees are being resettled on a “parole” status, meaning their legal status is temporary. They deserve to make America their home — not just for a little while, but permanently. They deserve security, safety and hope.
The Evangelical Immigration Table is already taking action, inviting people to sign a letter to Texas Senators urging Congress to offer our new Afghan neighbors a complete welcome and a permanent solution for their legal status.
Fred Rogers said that “in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.” I pray and work in the hope that we allow our hearts to be opened to our fellow man, and in doing so “participate in something sacred” by welcoming our new neighbors to our shores with grace and love. They deserve hope. Let’s give it to them.
Sara Hilgenberg is the minister of Family Programming and Church Outreach at First Christian Church of San Angelo, Texas.
