A Better Country 2017

A Better Country: Embracing the Refugees in Our Midst (William Carey Library, 2017)

A Better Country is a workbook encouraging Christians in America to think theologically and respond practically to the global refugee crisis. This 7-week study can be done individually or in groups.

The beautiful painting on the cover, by Jacqueline Kramer, is titled “May angels protect you on your journey to safety.” It was inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis.

From the introduction of A Better Country:

On average, 24 persons were forced to flee their homes every minute of 2015. That’s more than 34,000 people every day, or 12.4 million newly displaced people in 2015 alone—or as many people as live in Illinois—joining the tens of millions like them who have left behind home, livelihood, and life as they knew it. As of this writing, there are an estimated 65.3 million forcibly displaced persons in the world, 21.3 million of whom have left their countries of origin and are classified as “refugees.” These numbers are staggering.

For decades the United States has resettled refugees. Refugees live in every state in the U.S., from major metroplexes to small towns. Some people welcome this, but some do not. Americans have long been conflicted over how to view refugees, how to vet them, how to integrate them into society…whether they belong here at all. And American Christians find themselves politically and ethically divided on this controversial and often volatile subject.

The Bible commands charity and hospitality to strangers and sojourners, and care for the distraught and downtrodden, people like refugees. Hence people who follow Jesus and take his Word seriously have a special mandate to address the needs of refugees. But the complexities of the refugee system and concerns over national security often overshadow the call to justice and mercy. In fact some Christians are calling for our country to close our doors to immigrants and refugees.

Regardless of where one stands on immigration reform, Americans must acknowledge that they have a role to play in the solution to the refugee crisis, the primary humanitarian issue of our day. We cannot and must not isolate ourselves from this global phenomenon. As the debate on immigration intensifies, how will Christians respond to this growing population from every tribe and tongue? How can we do a better job embracing newcomers? What can we do better at loving mercy and doing justice with regard to refugees? How can we be a better country for refugees?

Cover art painting used by permission, Jacqueline Kramer (http://jacquelinekramer.work). Cover design by Joanne Leung.

ENDORSEMENTS

At a time when the arrival of refugees is mired in misinformation and fear, Cindy Wu has created a fantastic, timely resource in "A Better Country." With insightful analysis, biblical wisdom, and clear applications, this is a superb resource for Christians searching for a deeper understanding of refugees.

Over several years I have watched Cindy Wu read, study, listen to, feel personally, and write about refugees and their situations in the United States. She has done so with deep compassion joined together with objective realism. This most timely workbook should be widely read and used in churches across our land.

Cindy Wu’s new book is a remarkable fusion of facts, personal experience and biblical reflection on how Christians should treat migrants and strangers. As the West increasingly closes its heart, mind, and homelands to the rest of the world, this is a timely prophetic call to the church to follow Jesus’ example and welcome the stranger. As a bonus, Wu’s approach is highly practical, providing a much-needed tool for churches and small groups to study and to act.

Every Christian, wishing to find the balance between security and compassion should work through A Better Country. Wu serves the church by presenting an excellent foundation for understanding refugee history, journey and advocacy. This timely workbook presents facts to alleviate unnecessary fears in these important days.

A Better Country is a book for such a time as this. More than 65 million people in the world have been forced to flee their homes and are seeking a better life. Cindy Wu provides a solid biblical, moral, and historical basis for welcoming refugees into our country and into our communities. A Better Country is a very practical guide for both churches and individuals, filled with resources and suggestions for how Christians can live out the biblical call to welcome the stranger.

Cindy Wu’s workbook is practical, biblical, and incredibly relevant in today’s climate of misunderstanding. Followers of Jesus will find this workbook inspiring as they seek to befriend the refugees in our midst in an effort to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

Out of her own experience and interest, Cindy Wu offers a workbook to help the reader learn about refugees and to embrace the challenge of offering them hospitality. I envision a Sunday School class or home group using this valuable resource in a group study. Ms. Wu artfully combines up-to-date statistics on displaced persons, refugee stories, and words of challenge for those who wish to serve others: Be a door-opener for the world’s refugee peoples wherever you find them.