November 2015 – Awakening Sardis

I read some articles that Governor Kasich would like to keep Syrian refugees out of the state of Ohio here and here and here.

I disagree with that stance and wanted to let Gov. Kasich know his view, as my representative, this doesn’t represent me. I would encourage you to send a letter to Gov. Kasich. I have addressed him as a Christian so feel free to edit my perspective and send your own version for those who want to implore on humanity or other lines. This is something we all can unite on.

This is what I sent:

Dear Governor Kasich,
I would ask you to reconsider opening the state of Ohio to Syrian refugees. You claim to be a person of Christian faith. One of the primary tenants a practicing Christian is that you believe in the authority of Scripture. I don’t know how you can read Matthew 25:34-45 and not desire for the people of Ohio to have an opportunity to love and serve the people who have been fighting to survive. Beyond your Christian faith, it is a part of what makes America great, the fact that we open our borders to the hurting and needy and give out of our abundance. There are many faithful churches in this great state and as a person of faith I shouldn’t have to move states to see a stranger and welcome him. I ask you to explore your conscience and reconsider your position. I implore you to trust the immigration authorities to continue to process these refugees before they get to our state and allow those who have been allowed in our country to settle in one of the best states in the country. Refugees go through the most thorough vetting process of anyone allowed to cross the US border. I implore you to check your facts and welcome the stranger.

If you would like to write Governor John Kasich here’s the contact:

www.governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx

Governor John Kasich
Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6117
Phone: (614) 466-3555

For those wanting to know about the vetting process for refugees, you can read this here.

Are you wondering how refugees coming to the U.S. are vetted for security concerns?

Firstly, there is an enormous difference betweenthe situation of asylum-seekers who we are seeing arrive on European borders, and the relatively much smaller number of refugees who are admitted into the United States.

While countries that are proximate to a refugee crisis may have significant numbers of asylum seekers arrive at their borders before any vetting can be done, those admitted through the U.S. RefugeeResettlement program go through a very thorough screening process prior to being admitted to the United States. This process involves the U.S. Departments of State, Homeland Security and Defense as well as the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center.

The process generally requires at least 18 months and includes in-person interviews, biometric background checks, and interviews with third-persons. Only a fraction of one percent of the world’s refugees are admitted for resettlement to the U.S. in any given year, so priority is given to those who are deemed to be most vulnerable, including a majority who are women or children.

The vetting process for those being considered for refugee status is more stringent than that of any other category of visitor or immigrant to the United States. Visit the We Welcome Refugees FAQ page for more details and answers to other questions you may have about refugees and the current Syrian crisis.

We Welcome Refugees

WeWelcomeRefugees.com is our response to Jesus when He said: “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me in.” – Matthew 25:35

*** This is a borrowed post from Krista Deboer

Month: November 2015

If you would like to do something. #wewelcomerefugees

Is this your refugee question?