Serving God in a Migrant Crisis: Ministry to People on the Move

by Patrick Johnstone, Dean Merrill

Some call today's refugee crisis a disaster. Patrick Johnstone sees divine blessings. Millions are on the move, driven by war, drought, terrorism, poverty, failed states, environmental catastrophes, disease, revolutions, and the desire for a better life. Christians have a unique perspective because Jesus was a refugee. So was Abraham. So was Joseph. So was Moses. 'God has used migration for millennia to achieve His purposes for His people,' says Johnstone, the pioneering missionary researcher and author of the bestselling book Operation World. 'He is doing so again in our time.' Today, some turn their backs on refugees. Patrick Johnstone helps us understand what's causing today's refugee crisis, explore Christian theology and tradition on migration, and see how Christian workers around the globe are opening their hearts to embrace these modern outcasts. 'The world has literally come to our doorstep,' says Johnstone. 'Will we open the door?'

Genres: Social Issues, Nonfiction, Justice

148 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2016

About the author

Patrick Johnstone was brought up in England as the eldest of six siblings, children of an Irish father and a Dutch mother. He was converted to Christ in 1959 during his first year as a student at Bristol University, while reading Chemistry in preparation to become a research scientist. At a Christian Union meeting, he heard Glyndwr Davies speak about the evangelistic work of the Dorothea Mission in urban townships in southern Africa, and he rose to the challenge and committed his life to serve as a missionary evangelist. He went to South Africa in 1962, completing his theological training at the Dorothea Mission Bible College in Pretoria.

It was during this time that he met Jill Amsden, a fellow worker from the UK serving in the Dorothea Mission. Patrick and Jill eventually were able to marry in 1968 on their first home leave. Thereafter, they served together in Zimbabwe, where their three children, Peter, Timothy and Ruth, were all born.

During his first six-year term on the field, Patrick served in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia). In the last of these, he led the first Dorothea Mission team in evangelistic outreach in towns and cities across the country. He learnt a number of African languages, including siNdebele, chiShona and Afrikaans, and also became involved in translating part of the New Testament into chiNambya, a language spoken in northwest Zimbabwe.

It was during this time that he also began the work of gathering data about the world both to inform prayer and for the first editions of Operation World. The first printed booklet with that title, which came out in 1965, was just 30 pages long. The second edition appeared in 1973 and covered nearly every country of the world. It was reprinted several years later by Ralph Winter of the USCWM, and also prompted George Verwer to set in motion an OM-backed rewrite of the book for global distribution. This was completed in 1978 and led to many openings for wider ministry. The impact of Operation World is incalculable. Over 2.5 million copies have been distributed around the world in seven editions and some 16 languages, and the book has played a key role in developing the global vision of African, Latin American and Asian missions.

The 1978 edition also led to some big changes in Patrick's ministry. The first was to join the OM ship, the MV Logos, for a year in Asia and the Pacific in 1979. The second followed an invitation to become part of the leadership team of WEC International, a large pioneer church-planting mission. Patrick's main responsibilities in 1980 were strategy and research and he worked in that role for the next 22 years, playing a part in the considerable growth of the mission as it addressed new unreached peoples and countries. For six years, he was also WEC's deputy international director.

Patrick was long involved with the Lausanne Movement. During the 1980s, he was a member of the Strategy Working Group that helped to formulate many of the definitions for its ethno-linguistic peoplegroup databases. In the '90s, he was co-leader with John Robb of World Vision of the "unreached peoples track" of the AD2000 and Beyond Movement. He has worked closely with David Barrett and Todd Johnson of the WCE and other researchers in sharing information and developing databases, and also played a part in the formation of Global Mapping International (GMI) and the Joshua Project and its listing of people groups.

Jill became ill with cancer in 1990 but she continued to write her children's version of Operation World and had almost completed it by the time of her death in 1992. The book was published as You Can Change the World, and later (by Daphne Spraggett) as Window on the World.

In 1995, Patrick married Robyn Erwin from the US, who had been a co-worker with Jill before her death. Patrick and Robyn now live in Cambridgeshire, England, where they currently serve as regional directors for WEC's European bases.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Concisely sets forth the scope of our present-day global refugee crisis, how as Christians we might think about all this, and several levels of action steps we may take.

We are facing an unprecedented refugee crisis. Corrupt regimes. Violent gangs. Climate change driven migration. Religious persecution. Ethnic cleansing. All these causes and more are leading people to do something no one wants or easily chooses to do--leave home, sometimes paying large sums to shady figures, with no certainty of finding refuge on the other end.

Patrick Johnstone is well known to many as the author of successive editions of Operation World, a guide that has helped many of us pray, or even be led to go to parts of the world and people groups who have not heard the Christian message. His study of these people groups made him keenly aware of these unprecedented movements of people, and the possibility that the very people we hope to reach with the Christian message may be on our doorstep. The question is not, how will we reach them, but will we welcome them?

Johnstone begins by inviting us to connect with our own immigrant histories and by drawing our attention to the one who we follow, who was himself a refugee as a child. In the first part, he explores the unprecedented human tide of immigrants, one out of every 122 on the planet. He turns to fears real and imagined and separates fact from fiction. Then he looks at the factors driving the refugee and migrant crisis, arguing that there is no end in sight and that more developed nations will be dealing with this for some time to come.

In the second part of the book, he focuses on what we need to know. First of all, he helps us understand why people leave their homes, often taking great financial and safety risks to do so. He reminds us that the biblical story is an immigrant story. God even causes some immigration. Our savior was an immigrant. Immigrants are not the "other,"  but rather are people who are "one of us." Johnstone asks whether our immigration discussions ought to begin with policies and legalities, or with a concern of the humanity of the immigrant. Whatever we, and our nations do, it will have some kind of profound effect on the lives of real people, many of them among the most defenseless in the world. On the other hand, we often do not consider is that these people may turn out not as a problem to be solved, but a blessing. They provide needed workers in low-birthrate countries, some are fellow believers who rejuvenate the faith of complacent Christians, and some of our most respected scientists, political leaders, and business people have been immigrants.

So, what should we do? That is the concern of the final chapters in the third part of the book. He begins by suggesting five starting points:

1. Appreciate the strategic opportunity. God is bringing the world to us!
2. Recognize and admit our past mistakes.
3. Become more sensitive to other cultures.
4. Believe that God truly cares about migrants.
5. Start praying.

This last point literally struck home. The author quotes a Ghanaian theologian who participated in African immigrant revivals, praying for the awakening of the West in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. I live in Columbus and my church hosts a Ghanaian congregation. It made me wonder if some of those worshiping in our church building were among those the theologian was praying with. It makes me wonder if we are the ones being blessed by their presence and what they might teach us about prayer and spiritual warfare in the post-Christian West.

He then concludes with four action levels: the individual, the church, what Christian agencies can do and what the global body of Christ can do. This lasts challenges us both in speaking to ourselves about the need at hand, and speaking to our governments.

What was so refreshing about this book is that it stepped aside from media circus and the political fray and centered the discussion on the reality of the human crisis behind the policy debates and the biblical convictions and dispositions of the heart of people who follow Jesus the refugee. While not ignoring the important role Christians can have in challenging the government, it also focused on the critical role Christians can play in their home church communities by hosting refugees, welcoming immigrants into our homes, networking them into work opportunities, and sharing our faith with them.

This last phrase will be a problem for some. Certainly, we should do all that we can for the immigrant whether they believe or not. But Johnstone makes a telling observation that comes out of his years of work among many people groups: "Immigrants will think it odd if you don't introduce your faith. They will wonder if you are ashamed of your beliefs for some reason." This reminds me that the greatest tragedy of yielding to the fears and insecurities that feed political bases and media ratings; is that in so doing we miss the opportunity to love the alien and the stranger, see them become friends, and perhaps witness their turning to new life in Christ. What others see as a crisis and a problem, Johnstone recognizes as a great opportunity. Will we?

____________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are moving and people are being displaced. There are immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers all wishing to leave there country of origin, for a variety of reasons poverty, environmental catastrophes, terrorism, nations destabilized by war and revolution, and the promise of a better life somewhere else. “There are about 60 million people on the move . . . . 1 out of every 122 people on the planet today is out of there natural home” (15). “The world has literally come to our doorstep. Will we open the door?” (back cover).

In Serving God in the Migrant Crisis, Patrick Johnstone and Dean Merrill teamed up to examine the causes of today’s refugee crisis and the global displacement, explore the Christian response towards immigrants and aliens, and describe actional steps that individuals, churches, non-profits and the global body of Christ can do to respond to immigrants, refugees and vulnerable strangers in crisis. Johnstone is the original author of Operation World (a global prayer guide for Christians), and a number of other Operation World resources. He served on the leadership team for Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ (WEC International) for 32 years and has been active in writing, in advocating for and ministering to refugees in his home, Derby, England. [Merrill is the author or coauthor of more than 40 books, but the ‘I’ voice throughout the book, is Johnstone’s].

The book divides into three sections. In part one, Johnstone examines what’s going on. Chapter 1, describes the scope of the global migrant crisis. Chapter 2 explores our attitudes toward immigrants. Notably, Johnstone speaks to several fears people have about migrants. Against the charge that immigrants will take advantage of us and be drain on resources, Johnstone posits that once migrants start working, their payroll tax contributes toward social funding (25-26). He also challenges the notion that immigrants have ill will in their hearts (or maybe secret terrorists). Certainly, there is a risk, which government officials are aware of and work to neutralize, but the vast majority of immigrants are more likely to be victims of crime then they are to be perpetrators. Johnstone quotes Michael Collyer of the University of Sussex:

Where rapid urbanization coincides with a significant rise in urban violence migrants are often blamed. However, newcomers are over-represtened amongst poor and marginalized groups who typically suffer the most serious consequences of violence—they are much more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators (26).

Against the idea that helping people will only increase the flood of immigrants into our country, Johnstone allows that while may be true and that there are complicated issues around who immigrates and how (e.g. no one has argued for completely open borders), he reminds us that as Christians we ought to continue to treat immigrants as Divine image bearers (27). In chapter 3, Johnstone argues that with continued political unrest—failed states, and states which are on ‘shaky ground—as well as other factors, there seems to be no end in sight to global migration.

In part two, Johnstone describes what we should know as we seek to respond to the migrant crisis. Chapter 4 describes why people run—the things that push refugees out of their homelands, and the things that pull them to seek asylum in the West (e.g. security, hope and the promise of a better life). Chapter 5 provides a brief overview of immigrants in the biblical story (e.g. Jesus, Moses, the people of Israel, etc). Chapter 6 exhorts us to behave compassionately towards immigrants and refugees and to challenge the policies that are harmful toward them. Often government policies in the developing world, leave refugees languishing and at-risk in their countries of origin:

Whatever our nationality, citizens who care about justice for the “alien and stranger” need to work to reform these polices and practices. After all, 99 percent of the world’s refugees are not being savely restelled whether inside the borders of their own country, in a nearby country, or accross the ocean. Instead, they are waiting, waiting, waiting, often in squalid conditions as months and years tick by” (63-64).

Johnstone challenges us further, to not let fear or politics get in the way of helping the stranger:

Let it never be said that we “would have liked to” help today’s refugees, but the policy environment was not conducive, and so we turned to other activities. “Of course we want to keep terrorists out of the country,” says Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals (United States) “but let’s not punish the victims of ISIS for the sins of ISIS.

His collegue Matthew Soerens, United States director of church mobilization for WOlrd Relief, adds, “With governemetn doing its job of screening and vertting, our role can’t be to ask, “Is it safe?” We have to ask, “Who is my neighbor?”

The need for real people—God’s highest creation—must always trump poitical arguements and personal fear. (68).

Chapter 7 argues that the contributions of immigrants to society will both re-energize a complacent society, and a complacent faith (i.e. often refugees fleeing primarily Muslim countries, are Christians).

In part three, Johnstone explores what we can do. Chapter 8 describes where we start. First, as an evangelical Christian committed to mission, Johnstone argues that we ought to appreciate the strategic opportunity of the world knocking on our door (82). Second, Johnstone argues that we need to admit and acknowledge our past mistakes, namely how Christian enmeshment with empire and colonialism is a driven a good deal of the current migrant crisis (86-89). Third, we need to become more sensitive toward other cultures (88-90). Fourth, we need to believe that God really cares about migrants (90). Johnstone points to a number of examples from the Bible that demonstrate God’s care for the immigrant (cf. Leviticus 19:33-34, Leviticus 24:22. Deut. 10:18-19, Deut 24:14-15, Deut. 27:19, 1 Kings 8:41-43, Psalm 146:9, Ezekiel 47:21-23, Zechariah 7:8-10, Hebrews 13:2).

The remainder of the book, (chapters 9-12) describe what individuals, churches, organizations and the world church can do to minister to migrants.

This is a short book, and certainly, Johnstone does not untangle all the issues. However, there are several aspects of this book I really appreciated. First, this book is certainly non-partisan. Johnstone is an old school evangelical but from a British, not American context. Many of the issues he describes were already pertinent before our current U.S. President took office. The current political rhetoric in this country makes it sound like Democrats care about helping people and Republicans lack compassion. The truth is that Republicans and Democrats have both been bad about carrying for immigrants. Second, I appreciate how much Johnstone sees the migrant crisis as an opportunity to care for others, to share our faith and to bless the world.

Johnstone is more of a practitioner than a scholar and this is a popular level book (134 pages. I read it on a plane ride). Certainly what is said here can be nuanced but if you are looking at the world and wondering how as a Christian you ought to respond to the millions of displaced peoples, this is a good place to start. I give this four stars. ★★★★

Notice of material connection: I received a copy of this book from InterVarsity Press in exchange for my honest review.

[George P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Millions of people are on the move today. They cross international borders fleeing war or persecution, seeking better economic prospects, or both. How should Christians respond?

A 2016 Lifeway Research survey of 1,000 U.S. pastors revealed ambivalence. On the one hand, “Most pastors say Christians should lend a hand to refugees and foreigners, and believe caring for refugees is a privilege.” On the other hand, “pastors say their churches are twice as likely to fear refugees as they are to help them.”

Patrick Johnstone, writing with Dean Merrill, thinks Christians need to be more hopeful: “I firmly believe that for Christians today, the current migrant surge is not a problembut a potentiality” (emphasis in original). He surveys the state of global immigration today, outlines a biblical and practical case for welcoming immigrants, then identifies what Christians individuals, churches, and relief agencies can do.

I largely agree with Johnstone. As a Christian in America, I believe we are a big enough and wealthy enough nation to welcome immigrants. The strengths of Johnstone’s book are that it humanizes the immigrant crisis, shows why fears of immigration are overblown, and outlines  biblical attitudes about and actions toward “foreigners.”

The weakness of Johnstone’s book is that it doesn’t wrestle with questions of law or public policy in a sustained or realistic way. On a handful of occasions, Johnstone concedes that he is not arguing for “open borders.” He then criticizes existing legalimmigration policies, even as he downplays the problem of illegalimmigration. “The needs of real people—God’s highest creation—must always trump political arguments and personal fear.” If immigrant need always trumps policy, then what’s the point of trying to enact policy in the first place?

So, read Serving God in a Migrant Crisis to see how you and your church can respond to immigrants and refugees both at home and abroad. But if you’re looking for Christian guidance on immigration policy, keep looking.

Book Reviewed
Patrick Johnstone with Dean Merrill, Serving God in a Migrant Crisis (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2018).

P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.

[Marti Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Our world is full of war, poverty, terrorism, corruption, failed states, and ecological disasters, all of which uproot people and send them searching for a better life,” write Johnstone and Merrill. “I have news for you. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

This brief but informative and compelling book puts today’s migrant crisis in perspective, describing its causes, effects, complexities, and implications for the global church. Each chapter concludes with thoughtful questions for readers to ask themselves. Several chapters explore what individuals, local churches, Christian agencies, and the global body of Christ can do.

Both readable and well-documented, this book also surveys relevant biblical passages and principles. It does a good job steering clear of preaching or self-righteousness. It also points to helpful resources. Though more could be said about any of the topics covered, sometimes brevity is best. This book feels balanced and up to date. It might make a good study for your small group.

Note that this is second in a series of books by Johnstone and Merrill on challenges facing the global church. The first is "Serving God in Today’s Cities: Facing the Challenge of Urbanization."

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Johnstone’s new book, Serving God in a Migrant Crisis, is a call to Christians to treat the migrant crisis engulfing the world not from a legal or political point of view first, but as a moral issue in response to Jesus’ command: I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt.25:35). He cites contemporary research findings that show Christians’ apprehension about welcoming migrants into their countries. Speaking from a Biblical standpoint he then challenges that apprehension with the words: “The Christian’s care for people operates on a higher moral plane than the Christian’s concern for economic policy”(p. 53).

Johnstone’s book is very well written, well documented, and appropriately challenging since “a staggering 42,500 people are uprooted every day. That’s one person every two seconds. Half of them are children” (p.5). The politics of this issue are rending nations apart, but Johnstone puts a human face on the complex problems involved and helps people understand why the migrants keep pouring out of their war-torn, gang-controlled countries, risking everything to find safety and hope in our broken world. This is a must read. M.L.Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 8/25/16

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good quick read targeted, I think, at those faithful people who have questions about immigration -who have hesitations about just flinging open the borders.

Those who are already quite pro-immigration will find much to like, and those who are decidedly anti-immigration will find much to chew on.

Important and timely introduction for believers to an issue that isn't going anywhere any time soon.

[Lacy Monahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“And so, because of a bloody, senseless civil war, a Muslim from a remote village in North Africa found herself forging a new friendship with a Christian. By every account, her life seems a tragedy. She’s certainly a victim of great evil. But what is equally clear, for those with eyes to see, is that God is up to something good.”

I have read quite a few refugee/immigrant books, but thoroughly enjoyed this one. Lots of compelling stories, data and questions to consider.

[Marti Wade]

Read the 2015 edition from GMI when it first came out. The 2018 edition from InterVarsity seems to be identical.