2 - In the World, But Not of the World

2022 No 2

“As You sent Me into the World, I have also sent them into the world.”
--John 17:18

Migration research can be a challenging field. One would think that the skies would be clear at an altitude of 40,000 feet! Such is not the case at all. Migration is a hot-button topic in our world today, and everyone seems to have a role to play and a thought to offer. One cannot go a day without a headline that describes the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants. In today’s environment, migrants have become the pawns on the chessboard of a broad array of geopolitical ambitions. Without a doubt, governments hold significant influence on both the push and the pull factors that underlie most human movements. When things become too difficult or perhaps too delicate for the politicians and diplomats to manage, they often designate resources for others to step in. Undoubtedly, there is no lack of non-governmental organizations to draw from those funds to fulfill their humanitarian objectives. Then, of course, there is the ever-present buzz of the media. They are the ones writing all the stories, keeping the world informed of where things are working well and where they are not. In certain areas like the Mediterranean Rim, the skies are so full of governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and media that even a seasoned air traffic controller could not sort them out.

Our Purpose Determines Our Partners

Even at their best, the world's goals cannot compete with our ultimate goal. The purpose of the church is the gospel. Her objective is to see people come to faith, for her members to grow into the image of Christ, and that they may then share the love of Christ with their neighbors.

And then there are folks like us. We serve the One who gave authority to the rulers of our day. And while existing governments may be making our world a better, or perhaps a worse place to live, we are the ones called to minister God's love and grace to those around us, our neighbors. Most who migrate do so to find a better life for themselves and their families. Most do so voluntarily and along legal pathways. We meet them every day in the marketplaces of our lives. But there are also those who have landed in some challenging places by either misfortune, misinformation, or simply desperation. They are also our neighbors... and we are called to care for them as if they were our own family. Why? Because God intends that they become a part of His family.

That being the case, we are often in a position where we need to fly in the same airspace as others. We sometimes need to work with or alongside these organizations, even if our objectives are different. And whether the governing authorities or their representatives desire our presence or not, it is up to us as God's servants to build relationships and to work responsibly while maintaining our testimony of Christ. Such may not be easy and requires both patience and persistence. To understand where we fit, one must realize that three groups are at play when one speaks of migration management.

Governmental Organizations: First, there are governmental organizations (GOs). As the name implies, these are agencies and ministries within countries or associations between countries that are tasked to manage migration issues on behalf of their respective governments. They are typically large and powerful groups like the United States Department of State, the European Union, the World Bank, etc. They have dedicated departments and divisions that focus specifically on migration issues. You will often read about the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), among others. Their role is to help create and manage the policies of these governments in the context of migration.

The work of governmental organizations is an important job. Why? Because they are the only ones who can significantly impact the primary drivers of migration such as war, poverty, rural flight, urbanization, educational systems, transnational movements, and the like. And in the end, it will be those governments who become the primary source of resources to fund any efforts for development or relief. We should neither diminish the role of governments nor discount the representatives and civil servants who work on their behalf. Remember, many are followers of Christ.

Non-Governmental Organizations: Second, there are non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations, and they are multitude, have evolved to provide relief for the many challenges faced by migrants. As their name implies, they are not controlled, in theory, by any government. Why in “theory”? Because many are fully funded by governments! To be supported, or even to gain access to anything touched by a governmental organization, these NGOs must align with governmental belief systems. This is not to say that some might be funded by private resources and may at times take a position that may conflict with governmental policies. Generally speaking, however, they serve as the arms and legs of governmental organizations.

The list of NGOs is long and includes some well-known entities such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, CARE, Amnesty International, and others. Most of these organizations focus on providing humanitarian relief for refugees and internally displaced persons. Some seek to address issues that create migration, while others conduct research to understand the broader contexts of migration. These are groups like the Migration Policy Institute, Mixed Migration Center, Migrants Rights International, etc. While their data certainly helps to inform our work, it is helpful to remember that their primary role is to serve the governmental, humanitarian, and academic side of migration management.

Faith-Based Organizations: Finally, there are faith-based organizations (FBOs). These are organizations founded upon certain religious beliefs, and they hold to a mission that is based upon their particular social and moral values. Technically, they could be considered an NGO, but FBO’s tend to remain separated from any governmental control unless they are working on a joint project. You might recognize international FBO's such as World Relief, Save the Children, Samaritans Purse, and SEND Relief (formerly Baptist Global Response). Remember that an FBO is not necessarily a large organization. It may be as simple as a church, temple, or mosque. It can be a denomination, a seminary, a mission board, or even an orphanage or hospital. In the context of migration, FBO’s are often focused on more than just humanitarian relief; they are seeking to offer spiritual direction to those who are on migratory pathways.

It is essential to recognize that these three organizations have unique purposes and roles, and their relationships can become very complex. For example, governmental organizations, GOs, are typically secular in their orientation. Consequently, governments can be hesitant to work with FBOs. A prime example would be some of the government-established refugee camps. In these locations, anyone from a Christian organization may have difficulty gaining access. Why? Because governmental administrators recognize that our agenda is not always their agenda. Other NGOs may enter and work in these locations because their objectives align with the government sponsoring the camp.

While this can sometimes be frustrating, such should not be entirely unexpected. Imagine a refugee camp where the residents have suffered greatly and have been highly traumatized. According to God's word, the role of the government is to provide for their basic needs while protecting them from further victimization. Even if there is indeed a recognition of spiritual need, how does a government or a sponsored NGO protect the refugees from religious exploitation? The easiest response, particularly from humanistic backgrounds, is to deny access. But that comes at a loss, particularly when the government is intervening in a community with deep faith traditions.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon FBOs to build relationships with GO’s / NGOs and engage such contexts with transparency and integrity. There is indeed a place for faith workers in such environments, and how they seek to serve can be very influential in a secular world. Part of our role, as researchers, is to help faith groups to understand how they can walk such pathways and discern their place in the larger picture. Fortunately, some have taken up this mantle and are doing an impressive job.^[1]

Considering the vast amount of activity among these three groups, the skies are certainly crowded… even at 40,000 feet! Unfortunately, in the changing world of migration, not everyone has a flight plan. Many are not even aware of others around them. Care must be given so faith-based organizations can move free of conflict, if not collision. Certain GOs and NGOs are producing valuable data that can be very helpful to those seeking to minister to migrants. Others are meeting physical needs in ways that would financially overwhelm most churches and mission organizations. If given the proper attention, FBOs can certainly find a place to engage and often provide what others could not… the hope of the gospel.

It is perhaps here where clarity is often needed. We may be in the world, but we are not of the world. Even at their best, the world's goals cannot compete with our ultimate goal. The purpose of the church is the gospel. Her objective is to see people come to faith, for her members to grow into the image of Christ, and that they may then share the love of Christ with their neighbors. As such, it is our purpose that determines our partners. Care must be taken to build and maintain the relationships that can help the church achieve her goal, that is, the transmission of the gospel. Otherwise, we can become distracted by doing good things, and miss our place in God's design.

In reality, the church is most often serving in locations where governmental agencies are not active. For most churches, their neighbors receive little to no help from any authority and at times, may actually be repressed by those in power. In these cases, the church can learn from and perhaps even find a resource among certain NGOs. There is a movement today to recognize the value of FBOs. Many recognize that the local church is in the best position to serve her neighbors. As such, they can often bridge the gap between the faith community and government officials. These partnerships can become a key component of a comprehensive ministry strategy. But even in the absence of such resources or partnerships, the church and her people continue to do what few others find possible. That is to be a neighbor, to share their meals together, to support one another, and to suffer together while trusting in the manifold grace of our Lord.