"I Was Once an Undocumented One and Stranger in a Foreign Land"

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 "I Was Once an Undocumented One and Stranger in a Foreign Land"

(Danny Bawibikthawng)

Photo Source: UNHCR Malaysia 

Introduction

The call to love and show compassion is at the heart of our Christian faith. In a world marked by divisions, fears, and misunderstandings, the issue of immigration serves as a powerful reminder of this call. Today, I want to share my personal story as an undocumented immigrant and reflect on the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger. My journey and the teachings of Scripture challenge us to embody God’s love in how we treat those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and seeking refuge. Through this message, let us explore how our faith informs our response to one of the most pressing moral and social issues of our time.


My Story: A Stranger in Malaysia

I was once an undocumented immigrant, a stranger in a foreign land. Due to the political turmoil in Burma under a military dictatorship, I fled my homeland and sought refuge in Malaysia. However, Malaysia is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention. This meant that individuals like me, who entered the country without proper documentation, were deemed illegal immigrants. Instead of finding safety, we faced threatened, arrest, imprisonment, and deportation.


Living under such conditions was a profound struggle marked by fear and uncertainty. Yet, even in those challenging times, I encountered acts of kindness from Malaysian people who showed me love, compassion, and care. Their love reflected the heart of God, reminding me that no matter our circumstances, God’s light can shine through the actions of others.


The Biblical Mandate to Love the Stranger

Scripture consistently calls God’s people to care for the stranger and the vulnerable. In Leviticus 19:34, we are commanded but not just asked: "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." This verse emphasizes the importance of empathy, urging us to remember our shared experiences of vulnerability and the ways God has cared for us.


Similarly, Exodus 22:21 instructs: "You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt," while Deuteronomy 10:19 exhorts us: "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." These verses root our treatment of others in God’s justice and love, reminding us that we too have experienced His care in times of need.


The Example of Jesus

Jesus’ life and teachings exemplify God’s heart for the stranger. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Him. He declares, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." These words challenge us to see Christ in every stranger, urging us to extend love and hospitality without prejudice.


Furthermore, Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Jesus Himself was a refugee when His family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree (Matthew 2:13-15). This profound reality underscores His identification with the displaced and vulnerable, calling us to follow His example in showing compassion and care.


Historical Voices on Compassion

Throughout history, great men and women of faith have echoed the call to love and welcome the stranger. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, wrote: "We are not simply to bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, but we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself." His words challenge us to move beyond passive sympathy to active advocacy for justice and systemic change.

Mother Teresa famously said: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Her ministry to the poorest of the poor reminds us that love transcends borders and legal statuses. Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. declared: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." These voices inspire us to stand against injustice and extend God’s love to all people, regardless of their status.


Reflection on Bishop Budde's Inaugural Prayer Service Message

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, in her inaugural prayer service message, emphasized the moral imperative to welcome the stranger and uphold the dignity of all people, regardless of their status. She reminded us that immigration is not merely a political issue but a deeply spiritual one. Bishop Budde called for compassion and solidarity, urging Christians to align their actions with the teachings of Jesus, particularly His call to care for the marginalized.


Her message resonates deeply with my own story. She spoke of the transformative power of communities to change lives through love and hospitality. Her emphasis on advocating for humane immigration policies challenges us to not only pray but also act, working towards systemic changes that reflect God’s justice and mercy.


Research and Contemporary Insights

Immigration is one of the most pressing global issues today. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 100 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or environmental factors. The church has a unique opportunity to serve as a beacon of hope by addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.


Faith-based organizations like World Relief, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Refugees Services, and other resettlement agencies are actively supporting immigrants and refugees through legal assistance, housing, and community integration programs. Additionally, many churches are creating sanctuary spaces, offering shelter and resources to those in need. Theologian Miroslav Volf, in his book Exclusion and Embrace, argues that welcoming the stranger is at the heart of the gospel. He writes, "God’s reception of hostile humanity into divine communion is a model for how human beings should relate to the other."


Our Response as Christians

How should we, as followers of Christ, respond to the complex issue of immigration? First, we must prioritize people over politics, remembering that every individual is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Second, we are called to advocate for justice, as Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts: "Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."


We can also extend practical support by volunteering with organizations that serve immigrants, donating to causes that provide aid, and building personal relationships with those who feel isolated. Romans 12:13 encourages us: "Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers."


Conclusion

Loving the stranger is a biblical mandate and a fundamental aspect of our faith. As we navigate the complexities of immigration, let us remember that we were once strangers and that Jesus commands us to love and welcome the stranger. Reflecting on my own experience as an undocumented immigrant and Bishop Budde’s powerful message, I am reminded of the transformative power of love and compassion. Let us strive to be a community that welcomes the stranger, shows kindness to those who are struggling, and reflects the heart of God.


Final Thoughts

We must not forget that many of our ancestors were once immigrants seeking a better life. Their struggles and the kindness they received remind us of the importance of extending the same love and compassion to others. May we, as Christians, continue to embody Christ's love in our interactions with all people, regardless of their immigration status.

Bibliography

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. Translated by R. H. Fuller. New York: Touchstone, 1995.
King, Martin Luther Jr. Letter from Birmingham Jail. Philadelphia: American Friends Service Committee, 1963.
Mother Teresa. No Greater Love. New York: New World Library, 1997.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "Figures at a Glance." Accessed January 2025. https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html.
Volf, Miroslav. Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996.

 

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