The Bible says a lot about strangers and immigration and being a refugee - "The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:34 "Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." Romans 12:13.
So my heart was warmed when I heard of an eight-year-old homeless refugee from Nigeria has been crowned chess champion in New York’s annual state-wide tournament. Tanitoluwa Adewumi, who lives in a Manhattan homeless shelter with his family, beat off several children with their own private chess tutors to win the third grade title. Tani and is family are Christians in a religiously divided country - the Boko Haram Islamic extremist terrorist group is active there. Tani’s dad has two jobs: He rents a car that he uses to drive for Uber, and he has also become a licensed real estate salesman. Tani’s mom has passed a course to become a home health aide.
Tani says "I feel American."
Prayers for Tani and his family as they travel the path towards citizenship.
Pastor Curtis.