Flight To Egypt
Immigrants and refugees are our brothers and sisters. The following is a letter patterned after one appearing in the New Testament I wrote earlier this year. Welcome these men and women searching for peace. Do not turn them away.
Dear Phil,
Timothy and I, prisoners and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, send you warm greetings from Beaverton, Oregon. Please share our greetings with your faith community including our sister Alice and earnest brother Art. God’s grace and peace be with the whole community in Abilene, Texas.
You are always in my prayers. I give thanks for the great faith and love in Jesus and the holy ones you and your community has exhibited in word and deed. You follow Christ’s example of service to others.
Time has passed since we first met and I shared the good news of Jesus Christ with you, your family and others. During that time of sharing, I met Hector, who was in your employment. He had moved from Mexico to work. You had given him work and a promise to help him gain citizenship. As work became scarce and he heard nothing regarding his citizenship, he became fearful and followed me to Beaverton.
He has become my spiritual son, just as you have been these many years. He was once useless to you but is now useful to you and me. I am old now and my Spanish language skills are limited. Hector has been a great help in sharing the Gospel with the Hispanic Community.
I would have liked his assistance longer to serve me and the Lord. Knowing you to be an honorable man, I am sending Hector back to Abilene. Phil, see him as not undocumented alien, but as a beloved brother in Christ just as you would welcome me. My request is from my heart as a partner with you in doing the work of the Lord.
If Hector has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self. Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. I know you will fulfill my request and more.
Finally, please prepare a guest room for me, for I hope to be granted to you through your prayers.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
In Christ and Peace,
John Marshall Francis Kingery