In this article, Halee Gray Scott, a writer from Christianity Today, describes the difficulties of immigrants crossing the Mexican border. She lists the different problems this issue deals with, her personal experiences with the problem, and the role Christians should have in the matter. When Scott was younger, she knew a family from Mexico that worked for her grandfather and had crossed the Mexican border. Scott's grandfather had helped them get green cards and given them jobs. Scott explains that a majority of the people crossing the border do not have the same intentions, and many of them are wanting entrance into the U.S. because of illegal matters such as drugs, human trafficking, and more. However, the author wishes that the border had a stronger security to deal with the illegal matters, but also a way for families and children to get green cards. Scott also mentions in her article how there are many children in tragic situations with no help of shelter. Scott believes that the church has a responsibility in the matter of immigrants and strangers in the U.S. She mentions what the Bible states about receiving aliens and strangers, and believes that this crisis is a reason for Christians today to stand up for what we believe in: God's love and provision for all nations, independent of who they are or where they are from. Lastly, Scott describes the view that government officials have on churches. When a commentator suggested that they seek help from churches to care for children coming in, the official scoffed and asked what churches had to do with the matter. Scott strongly believes that Christians can change this view about the church by standing up for what they believe and supporting the foreigners in crises like these because God tells us to, not the government.
Halee Scott uses her knowledge and experience in her writing to present an important issue today: the immigration of foreigners across the Mexican border. Scott starts her article with her personal experiences and her desire for change in the matter. She uses direct quotes to describe the opinion of certain americans who have dealt with the difficulties of border patrol. Scott is very informative on the issue and objective about the reality and difficulties that the U.S. faces with allowing access from Mexico. The author also uses motivational language to encourage Christians to support the immigrants and serve as a refuge for children in need. However the conclusion presented a new idea: the view of the church having no power or impact over non-religious matters. This leaves the reader on a rather abrupt note, but the author does a good job by wrapping up the article with a challenge for Christians to change the way people think about them, and prove these stereotypes wrong with acts of service, compassion, and love. The dilemma was well explained and a challenge was presented to Christians through Scott's both persuasive and informative article.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2014/july/mercy-in-name-of-god-not-government.html?start=1
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