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Providing Relief for Muslim Immigrants

August 12, 2020
A COVID-19 relief grant from Resonate Global Mission helped make it possible for a church plant to reach immigrants from a Muslim background through providing for physical needs. For security concerns, we cannot use a real photo.

A COVID-19 relief grant from Resonate Global Mission helped make it possible for a church plant to reach immigrants from a Muslim background through providing for physical needs. For security concerns, we cannot use a real photo.

Norma Mortenson

Due to security concerns, Resonate Global Mission cannot share the names or locations of the people or ministries mentioned in this article.

Many immigrants were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. A COVID-19 relief grant from Resonate Global Mission helped make it possible for a West Michigan church plant to provide relief and show the love of Christ to immigrants from a Muslim background.

More than 11,000 Muslims from throughout the world have found a home in West Michigan. Navigating a new culture, country, and language, immigrants already face barriers on a daily basis. As COVID-19 started to spread, life got more difficult.

People lost jobs and struggled to cover rent and buy food for themselves and their families. People also had health concerns—other illnesses on top of the threat of COVID-19—and paying medical bills and navigating the healthcare system was tough.

Samuel (not his real name), a Resonate partner church planter, ministers specifically to Muslim immigrants from Eastern Europe. Samuel and his wife have many connections in the community. In the face of the coronavirus, several people contacted the couple about emergency needs in the community.

Samuel immediately started helping people—both to provide support for committed Christians who are part of the church plant and to reach people who are not believers.

A local food bank had food to give, and Samuel and his wife knew who in their community was struggling to put food on the table. Samuel has been dropping off food to families each week.

A COVID-19 relief grant from Resonate also helped leverage these efforts and enabled the church plant to meet pressing needs.

One woman has a lot of medical bills that were making it difficult for her to afford food and housing. In addition to giving some money toward the bills, Samuel is helping her address  language barriers and paperwork. Another person with cancer isn’t able to work and needed help affording medication. The money from the grant will also help people pay rent and buy food and other essentials.

“We are very pleased to be able to use these funds to help those who are suffering because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Samuel. “This will certainly impact our congregation greatly and produce fruit in God’s kingdom.”

Samuel said that more people have been open to the gospel during this difficult season as well. The church plant hosts regular Bible studies and weekly worship services. When COVID-19 caused restrictions on in-person gatherings, Samuel moved the Bible study and worship online. He said that more people are tuning in online than gathering in person.

Samuel and his wife have also been personally reaching out to people in their community who have never attended worship. They’ve been sharing Scripture and encouragement.

“Their hearts are more open in this mysterious pandemic situation,” said Samuel.

Providing for pressing needs is an important way to support immigrants during this challenging season and show the love of Christ. Samuel quotes Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Please pray:

  • Pray for Samuel and his wife as they minister to their community and help meet pressing needs. Ask God for wisdom and encouragement. Pray that they will be able to find rest in this season.
  • Pray for immigrants who are facing challenges because of COVID-19. Pray for God to provide food, medical attention, jobs, and any other needs.
  • Give thanks that more people have been tuning into worship online and are more open to the gospel message. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue stirring hearts. Pray that people will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and experience his hope, love, mercy, and grace.