As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota, many of us are currently experiencing fear and anxiety. Regardless of our personal beliefs about the upheaval in Minnesota, as Christ-followers, we have a sacred duty to care for all people in all circumstances.
Some of our members have been detained or deported over the past few weeks. This is impacting not just those with uncertain or pending legal status, but those who are here legally as well. People are afraid to leave their homes. They are not working. They’re afraid to go to the grocery store or let their children go to school.
Jesus says that our love for one another will prove that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). This applies to all people. Jesus ministered to the Jews and the Romans; the poor and the wealthy; the righteous and the sinner. We are called to love like Jesus.
Jesus reminds us to recognize the authorities that God has appointed, for He too obeyed civil authority. Paul says if we do what is right, we have nothing to fear (Romans 13). This is a call to honor the law of the land, while serving God as the ultimate authority. This applies both to authorities enforcing the law and to individuals submitting to the law.
At the same time, God tells us in Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT), “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
As followers of Christ, our role is to provide hope even when hope seems distant. God enables us to shine in the darkness, even when we are afraid. Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV) promises,
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
God does not promise to prevent the fires from burning, but Jesus promises to walk with us through the flames. We do not need to be afraid.
God also calls us to shine His light and bear His character to the world around us. This is not an abstract ideal, but a practical call for tangible acts of love. This may manifest as checking on families who are afraid to leave home or providing childcare when parents are dealing with difficult legal matters. It could mean having prayer for the stranger you met at the bus stop or delivering groceries to a family in need. This call means extending God’s love to all people, in all circumstances, without bias.
As a church, we are committed to responding in practical, compassionate ways. When members of our church family are directly impacted, we must act. Pastoral care, guidance, and clarity become necessary.
Resources & Practical Support
In response to the fear and confusion many are experiencing, we are sharing the following resources to provide clarity and support.
- Videos covering various immigration topics, shared by expert immigration attorneys Naomi Perman and Paul Hultgren
- Guidelines for Churches, Schools & Individuals
- NAD Guidelines for Churches & Schools
- A letter from our Adventist Community Services Director, Les Morrison
Additionally, Minnesota Conference Adventist Community Services has mobilized a food distribution center from the Conference office. ACS is connecting to churches all over the state and has already fulfilled requests for food baskets, and will soon be fulfilling a request from a public-school community directly impacted.
If you feel called to shine your light, here are some great ways to get involved:
- Pray. For your fellow Christians, neighbors, pastors, teachers, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and the strangers on the street.
- Donate. Visit our website at www.mnsda.com/give
- Volunteer. Contact Les Morrison at foodbaskets2026@gmail.com
As we move forward together, we are reminded that God’s comfort is never meant to stop with us. Paul reminds us, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Cor 1:4 NLT)