Would I Invite Them In?

I had been wanting to step out of my comfort zone and serve a population that was completely different from my own, so when my church scheduled a trip to serve refugees in Clarkston, Georgia, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I spent a week learning about the difficult plight of refugees, most of whom leave their home countries not because of choice, but because of survival.

One of our group’s tasks was to hand out fliers at an apartment complex informing the tenants of a weekly program where the adults could learn English while children could play games, with the hope that the summer and vocational missionaries who live there could use this program to eventually have gospel conversations.

Surprising and Completely Unexpected

Knocking on doors resulted in a wide variety of responses…some people slammed the door without taking the flier; others took the flier but either weren’t interested or didn’t understand, despite our best efforts to use Google Translate. Some were appreciative and genuinely interested in coming. But one encounter was surprising and completely unexpected.

After knocking on one door, an Afghan woman dressed in traditional Muslim clothing answered. She smiled as we explained our purpose for being there, and soon got the attention of her children and a woman in her late 50s or early 60s, who I assume was her mother or mother-in-law. I fully expected that my partners and I would hand the women the flier, then move on to the next unit, but to our surprise we were invited in.

They Wanted Us To Feel Comfortable

Though the language barrier was significant, and the apartment sparsely furnished, it was clear our hosts were proud of their home and wanted us to feel comfortable.

We played with the children and were offered what I later found out was milk tea. The cup was steaming, so hot that I was concerned that it would burn my mouth. Realizing this and wanting us to feel comfortable, our hosts put the cups in front of fans to cool them. We spent about 30 minutes with this family before thanking them and going on our way.

This experience made me do some self-reflecting. If a Muslim family knocked on my door, would I invite them in? Would I offer them a soft drink and invite them to sit in my living room? When my nephews were small children, would I have allowed this family to play with them?

More Like Jesus

This was a family who, on the surface, had nothing in common with me. There were significant differences in our language, culture, clothing, interests, world perspectives, and most importantly, our faith.  Yet they welcomed me into their home anyway. And, if I’m truly honest, they behaved more like Jesus than I would have if the roles had been reversed.

I think about this family often. I wonder if they’re still living in that apartment and if those gospel conversations have taken place.

Open My Eyes, Lord

I also have asked the Lord to open my eyes to the people around me, specifically to those I encounter every day on my university’s campus. Would I invite “in” those colleagues who have different lifestyles, traditions, political persuasions, and religious beliefs? Would the student who seems angry or sad be invited to have a chat? Will I buy a cup of coffee for that colleague who is difficult to work with?  

Will I step out of my comfortable life and see everyone, from my students and colleagues to custodians and cafeteria workers, as possibly a lost soul who needs a Savior?

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Jill Day

Kinesiology and Health Promotion

University of Kentucky