Ministry to Immigrants: Responding to the Call to Love Our Neighbors
Across the globe, millions are fleeing their homes due to war, persecution, natural disasters, and economic collapse. These displaced individuals often embark on perilous journeys with little more than hope, facing danger, rejection, and uncertainty at every turn. Their stories are marked by loss, struggle, and resilience. Yet, amidst this global crisis, a quiet revolution of compassion is unfolding. Christians are opening their homes, hearts, and lives to welcome those who have nowhere else to go.
This ministry to immigrants is not without conflict. Societies often resist change, and the arrival of newcomers can spark fear and division. In this tension, the ministry of hospitality becomes a bold and countercultural act. It challenges the norms of self-preservation and instead reflects the love of a God who calls His people to care for the vulnerable and the stranger.
Christina, a 52-year-old mother of two from the south of France, embodies this courageous love. Her life once seemed ordinary—a stable
career as a sales manager near Cannes, evenings spent playing basketball, and hobbies like crocheting. But her life took an unexpected turn when she met three young migrants who had crossed the Mediterranean Sea, risking their lives to escape dire circumstances. With no family and little support, they faced a daunting road ahead. Christina felt compelled to act, but answering this call brought unforeseen challenges.
Welcoming these young men was not a simple decision. Christina faced logistical hurdles, cultural differences, and the weight of their traumatic experiences. The migrants, scarred by their journey, were wary of trusting anyone. Meanwhile, Christina had to navigate the practical realities of helping them integrate into a new society, including language barriers and job opportunities. At times, the effort felt overwhelming.
The ministry to immigrants stretched Christina in ways she hadn’t anticipated. The young men needed more than food and shelter—they needed someone to believe in them, to guide them, and to offer a sense of belonging. There were moments of doubt when Christina questioned whether she was making a difference. Yet, her resolve deepened as she saw small victories: a breakthrough in communication, a job opportunity, or even a simple smile of gratitude.
Christina’s own story fuels her passion. She once lived without faith, an atheist who had never considered God until the age of 33. In a moment of desperation, she cried out, “If you exist, come and show me.” That prayer was answered, leading to a profound transformation. Christina’s journey from skepticism to belief taught her the power of grace and gave her the courage to extend that same grace to others.
Her ministry is not without personal cost. Balancing her professional responsibilities, personal life, and this deep calling requires sacrifice. Yet, for Christina, these challenges pale in comparison to the joy of seeing lives begin to heal and hope rekindled in the hearts of the young men she has welcomed. She prays for them daily, asking God to bless their efforts, guide their paths, and draw them into a relationship with Him.
The conflict inherent in ministry to immigrants is real, but it is also redemptive. It challenges assumptions, disrupts comfort zones, and calls for unwavering commitment. Christina’s story reminds us that ministry is not always about grand gestures; it is often about small, faithful acts of love that ripple outward in powerful ways.
Christina’s example is a challenge to us all. How can we step into the lives of those in need? Whether it’s offering a meal, providing shelter, or simply listening with compassion, every act of kindness reflects the heart of the gospel. The ministry to immigrants is not about solving every problem but about being a vessel of hope and healing.
As Christina continues her journey, her story invites us to reflect on our own call to love our neighbors. Will we take the risk of stepping into the tension, offering the same grace we’ve been given? May her courage inspire us to embrace those in need, transforming lives through the power of God’s love.
Ministry to Immigrants: Equip Yourself with Ministry Hosting Skills
The global crisis of displacement has created unprecedented challenges for individuals and families forced to flee their homes. This has opened a unique opportunity for Christians to step forward with compassion, offering both practical and spiritual support. Ministry to immigrants is one of the most tangible ways believers can live out the call to love their neighbors.
To meet this need, the Christian Leaders Institute offers the Ministry Hosting Skills course (2 CDS Units), taught by Professors Henry Reyenga and Abigail Dominiak. This transformative course equips Host Ministers to create environments where displaced individuals and families can find safety, support, and spiritual renewal.
What the Course Offers
This course is perfect for anyone called to serve in ministry to immigrants or other unsettled populations. Whether you feel led to open your home, provide emotional care, or support those in transition, the skills you gain here will empower you to minister effectively.
Key Benefits of the Course:
- Biblical Foundations of Hospitality
Learn how Christian hospitality, deeply rooted in Scripture, was modeled by the early church and is vital in today’s ministry. - Practical Hosting Skills
Gain hands-on tools for managing hosting environments, setting healthy boundaries, resolving conflicts, and navigating cultural differences. - Trauma-Informed Care
Understand the signs of trauma and how to offer compassionate care to those experiencing emotional, spiritual, or physical distress. - Spiritual Growth and Healing
Incorporate prayer, Bible study, and spiritual guidance into your ministry to nurture personal growth and healing. - Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
Learn how to create welcoming environments that respect and celebrate cultural differences, ensuring all guests feel valued and understood. - Guiding Successful Transitions
Equip your guests for their next steps by assisting with stable living arrangements, job readiness, and other essential resources.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for anyone involved in ministry to immigrants, refugees, or displaced families. It’s also a valuable resource for those already offering hospitality through shelters, churches, or community programs and looking to enhance their skills with a Christ-centered approach.
Become a Certified Host Minister
By completing this course, participants will be certified as Host Ministers. You will be equipped to serve where ministry and hospitality intersect, whether by providing temporary shelter, spiritual care, or practical support to those in need.
Why Ministry Hosting Matters
Displaced individuals face the loss of their homes and the challenge of rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar surroundings. The Ministry Hosting Skills course empowers Christians to be the hands and feet of Jesus, creating safe, structured environments that foster healing, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
If you feel called to make a difference in the lives of those seeking refuge, this course is your next step. Join the movement of believers stepping up to meet the needs of a hurting world.
Enroll in the Ministry Hosting Skills course at Christian Leaders Institute today and start transforming lives through Christ-centered hospitality.
Christina’s Full Testimony
English Translation with original French below
My name is Christina, and I live in the south of France. I am honored to be 52 years old and have two children: Ambre, who is 23, and Nathan, who is 16. I was born in England to a British mother and a French father.
God has blessed me with three young migrants for whom I am a godmother. They crossed the Mediterranean Sea and arrived in France, risking their lives hoping for a better future. They have no family here and courageously work hard to integrate into our country.
Professionally, I am a sales manager at a boat repair shipyard near Cannes. In my free time, I play basketball on a team that participates in a regional championship, and I love creative hobbies, especially crocheting. My favorite projects include creating baskets, hats, scarves, and small bags.
As for my conversion, how did I encounter God? I was completely atheist until the age of 33, when I was blessed with the baptism of the Holy Spirit after calling out to a God I didn’t know: “If you exist, come and show me.” Afterward, I discovered who Jesus was and began reading the Bible.
Regarding my calling, for several years, I have felt in my heart the desire to follow a path toward becoming a pastor. My church in the south of France does not ordain women as pastors. While this is possible in other parts of the world, it is not in France. A month ago, I informed my pastor of my intention to follow my calling to serve. He is not very convinced and believes I should not leave the church. However, this year, my calling has grown stronger. While searching online, I came across ILC (Christian Leaders Institute), and its training program caught my attention. God has asked me to prepare myself.
Currently, my engagement is with young people through basketball and with women through crochet. If you can pray, please pray for all the people God sends my way, that they may be blessed and come to know God personally.
Original French Text
Je m’appelle Christina et j’habite dans le sud de la France. J’ai l’honneur d’avoir 52 ans et j’ai deux enfants: Ambre 23 ans et Nathan 16 ans.Je suis née en Angleterre d’une mère britannique et d’un père français.
Dieu m’a bénie avec 3 jeunes migrants dont je suis la marraine de cœur. Ils ont traversé la mer Méditerranée et sont arrivés en France en risquant leur vie, pour avoir un avenir meilleur. Ils sont sans famille ici et sont courageux de travailler dur et de tout faire pour s’intégrer dans notre Pays.
Au niveau de l’activité professionnelle, je suis responsable commercial dans un chantier naval de réparation de bateaux à côté de Cannes. Dans mes loisirs, je suis joueuse de basket dans une équipe qui participe à un championnat départemental et j’adore les loisirs créatifs, avec comme activité préférée le crochet. J’apprécie de créer des paniers ou des bonnets, écharpes et petits sacs.
Concernant ma conversion, comment ai-je rencontré Dieu ?
Totalement athée jusqu’à mes 33 ans, je fus bénie du baptême du Saint Esprit après mon appel à ce Dieu que je connaissais pas “Si tu existes vient me montrer”. Après je découvris qui était Jésus et commençai à lire la bible.
Concernant mon appel, cela fait plusieurs années que dans mon coeur je souhaite suivre une formation pour être pasteure. Mon église dans le sud de la France n’ordonne pas les pasteurs femmes. Dans d’autres pays du monde oui mais pas en France. J’ai annoncé à mon pasteur il y a un mois que j’allais suivre mon appel au service. Il n’est pas très convaincu et pense que je ne devrais pas partir de l’église. Cette année mon appel a été plus fort. En cherchant sur internet, ILC et son parcours de formation attira mon attention. DIeu m’a demandé de me préparer.
Mon engagement est, pour l’instant, auprès des jeunes au basket et des femmes par l’intermédiaire du crochet. Si vous pouvez prier ce serait pour toutes ces personnes que Dieu m’envoie, qu’elles soient bénies, et qu’elles rencontrent Dieu personnellement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christian Leaders Institute
- Is the biblical study genuinely free? Learn how Vision Partners support this initiative.
- Is this a Bible School, a Bible College, a Ministry Training School, or an online Seminary? Find out how the Christian Leaders Institute shares all those designations with many people.
- Are these courses recognized for licensing or ordination? Through the Christian Leaders Alliance, learn how CLI courses connect with minister credentials.
- What about women in ministry?
CLI’s Primary Purpose: CLI offers a wide range of biblical study courses, including Free Bible School Courses, Ministry Training Certifications, college-level degrees, and even collaborations with accredited institutions.
Types of Biblical Study Courses:
- Online Bible School Courses: CLI is a haven for online biblical study, offering both comprehensive and mini-courses, from Old Testament studies to courses like Biblical Interpretation. Free Bible School Courses – Vision partners support Free Bible School courses and mini-courses.
- Ministry Training Institute Courses: These courses equip those called to ministry. Popular subjects include Ministry Foundations and Multiplying Disciples by Francis Chan. Take free life coach classes – Click here.. For more in-depth courses, Ministry Training Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas
- Minister Credential Courses: CLI provides tuition-free courses that are recognized for minister credentials at the Christian Leaders Alliance.