Opening Our Hearts and Doors: How Churches Can Serve New Americans in Columbus

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." - Mark 12:17

In an era where immigration discussions often become polarized political debates, the church in Columbus has an amazing opportunity—and a biblical mandate—to rise above the fray and respond with the heart of Christ. This isn't about taking political sides; it's about recognizing the divine calling to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their immigration status or the complexities of our current system.

A Personal Perspective: Understanding the Immigrant Experience

As someone who lived as an immigrant in Russia and has two green card holders in my family, I understand firsthand the challenges of starting over in a foreign land. More recently, my family unexpectedly returned to Columbus in 2022 after 25 years on the mission field—forced to flee due to the war in Ukraine. Even with our strong network of friends, family, and church support, the transition was extraordinarily difficult. For my wife and kids, it was - at times - brutal.

If it was that challenging for us, with our advantages and support system, imagine the struggle faced by the Afghan family who courageously supported our troops during the war, or the Venezuelan fleeing tyranny who was granted temporary status by the State Department. Picture the overwhelming task of navigating a completely different culture, language, school system, and healthcare network—all while carrying the trauma of leaving everything familiar behind.

The Missionary Opportunity at Our Doorstep

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Likewise - “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5) Few verses speak more directly to our moment than these.

My years as a missionary have taught me this: regardless of shifting political winds or cultural change, the call remains the same—to win people to the King of Kings. And through my own experience as an immigrant, I’ve discovered something remarkable. There are few people more open to the gospel than immigrants in seasons of uncertainty and need. Simple acts of genuine kindness—offered when life feels overwhelming—often open doors to spiritual conversations in ways that are deeply profound.

Here’s a truth many Christians overlook: you no longer need to get on a plane to be a missionary. The nations have come to us. The harvest field Jesus spoke of is no longer “somewhere else”—it’s right here in Columbus, Ohio. The real question is whether our political opinions will blind us to the extraordinary spiritual opportunity standing in front of us.

Not long ago, I met a family from Belarus. They arrived in the United States through the Cincinnati airport, where I met them and drove them to relatives in Columbus. They were stunned that a stranger would show them such kindness. As we spent time together, God began to stir my heart. I prayed for ways to serve them—and for opportunities to gently open the mystery of God’s salvation to new friends.

That led to very ordinary things: helping them buy cars, finding them furniture, translating documents, speaking with landlords, answering questions, and eventually sitting beside them as they walked into a church service for the very first time.

None of it would look “profound” in the eyes of the world. But it was profound to them—and I believe it was deeply pleasing in the eyes of God.

Practical Ways to Get Involved

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations—and those nations are now living in our neighborhoods. Here are concrete ways your church and individual believers can engage:

Established Ministries Needing Your Support

International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) is actively reaching the foreign student population across Columbus. They desperately need volunteers of every skill level and background. Whether you can offer conversation practice, cultural orientation, or simply friendship, there's a place for you.

FESTA operates family ESL programs in four locations across Columbus, providing essential language learning in a family-friendly environment. These programs need teachers, childcare volunteers, and administrative support.

The Kite serves as both a daycare and immigrant services organization, specifically focused on serving and equipping immigrant women. They need volunteers who can help with childcare, job training, cultural navigation, and spiritual mentorship.

Within Your Own Congregation

Look around your church (and community) this Sunday with fresh eyes. Most likely, you will see people from other countries are already there—we just need to notice them and intentionally welcome them. Here's how:

• Learn basic greetings in other languages. A simple "Hola" or "Bonjour" even said wrongly, communicates immediate acceptance and recognition. Simply starting a conversation with them breaks down walls of fear and resistance.

• Extend dinner invitations to your home. Few things communicate love like sharing a home-cooked meal around your family table. In many cultures, hospitality and a family meal is absolutely central to building trust and real friendship.

• Show genuine interest in their stories. Ask about their life before America and what led to their decision to immigrate. Listen with your heart, not your assumptions.

• Be ready to respond when God opens opportunities to help practically or spiritually. Approach these moments with the sacrificial, loving heart that should characterize every follower of Jesus.

The Heart Behind the Action

This isn't about ignoring the complexities of immigration policy or pretending that systemic issues don't exist. It's not even about the issue of illegal immigration or who should have the right to live in the US. It's about recognizing that while we give to Caesar what is Caesar's—respecting governmental authority and legal processes—we must give to God what is God's: our obedience to love our neighbors, welcome strangers, and share the hope of the Gospel.

Every immigrant family represents real people with real stories, real fears, and real hopes. They're not political talking points or statistics—they're souls created in the image of God, many of whom are incredibly open to hearing about His love.

The early church thrived not because they had political power or perfect circumstances, but because they loved radically and served sacrificially. They welcomed strangers, shared their resources, and proclaimed the Gospel both through their words and their deeds.

A Call to Action

I challenge every believer reading this to ask God to open your eyes to the immigrant community around you. Pray for opportunities to serve them, to build relationships with them, and to share the hope of Christ with them, regardless of their immigration status. Connect with organizations like IFI, FESTA, and The Kite. But most importantly, start with foreigners in your own church family or community.

The harvest truly is plentiful, and it's right here in Columbus. The question isn't whether God has called us to reach the nations—He has. The question is whether we'll recognize that the nations have come to us, and whether we'll respond with the heart of Christ.

In a world full of division and political rhetoric, let the church be known for something different: radical love, genuine hospitality, and the power of the Gospel lived out in practical service. This is our moment to demonstrate what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just in word, but in deed.

The author served 25 years on the mission field before returning to Columbus in 2022. He and his family understand both the immigrant experience and the heart of cross-cultural ministry.