Partnership in Mission
Jesus addresses the question “Who is my neighbor?” in his parable of the Good Samaritan. At the conclusion of this poignant story, Jesus highlights that a neighbor is one who extends mercy to the one who is in need. If we carefully observe our own neighborhoods today, the fear and anxiety that is felt by some in our immigrant community is palpable. Draconian policies have kept these neighbors isolated and afraid to engage in even the mundane tasks of everyday life. The question “Who is my neighbor?” continues to reverberate in the hearts of Christ’s followers and the charge to extend mercy towards our neighbors echoes ever more loudly.
The International Food Festival Fundraiser was a joint response of two churches in New Jersey. On September 27th, NextGen Church in West Windsor and Stelton Baptist Church of Edison hosted a day filled with food, activities and personal stories of the immigrant experience. There were three primary goals for this event:
1. Fundraising for Resistencia en Acción New Jersey, a local community organization that advocates for immigrant justice
2. Raise awareness of current issues facing immigrant communities
3. Celebrate the cultural diversity found in our communities.
Korean kimchi, Kenyan samosas, Filipino lumpia and Middle Eastern quinoa tabbouleh were among the more than 20 dishes that delighted our taste buds. We also had a lively bake-off competition, a flea market, arts and crafts for kids and heard personal stories of the immigrant experience. More than a hundred people came from various neighborhoods to enjoy the food and fun while giving their support to an important cause.
This event brought together people of different languages and life journeys who sat together around a table to celebrate our differences and recognize our common humanity as image bearers of God. And lastly, thanks to all those that came, we were blessed to raise a total of $4,000! We pray these funds will help support the needs of our immigrant neighbors and the good works of Resistencia en Acción.
Glory be to God!
