When we look at the world today, our hearts feel heavy. Economic uncertainty, political division, social fragmentation, and the survival anxiety felt by immigrant communities have filled many people’s hearts with fear. In areas where many immigrants live, a deep sentiment has taken root: “Even if we work hard, we are not safe.” This reality — where not only parents but even children live with fear — reveals the deep pain of our time.
Recently, we have witnessed things we never imagined we would see. Systems that are meant to protect society sometimes seem to spread fear rather than protect the vulnerable. Many immigrants feel as if they are not welcomed. Yet one truth remains clear: countless immigrants in this country work hard, pay taxes, raise the next generation, and pray that America will continue to be a nation blessed by God.
Jesus said,
“You shall seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.”
This is not merely a matter of personal piety. It is the direction of life and the identity of the church. The Kingdom of God is a life where God’s will is done here and now. The righteousness of God is not about power or domination, but about love and truth, justice and peace, and hospitality toward our neighbors.
Today, we stand at an important crossroads. Will the church become a community that reveals the Kingdom of God, or one that follows the hatred and discrimination of the age? When faith becomes a tool that justifies violence, the church can become not a channel of God’s Kingdom, but an obstacle to it.
The church is not a political institution.
But the church is a witness to the Kingdom of God.
A community that obeys the words of Jesus is a Kingdom community. Therefore, a Kingdom church must speak truth, practice love, and refuse to surrender to evil and injustice.
On February 25, in Washington, D.C., there will be an event called “Faith Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice.” The day will begin with prayer, followed by a peaceful public demonstration toward the White House. Participants will then meet with members of Congress from their districts to call for an end to systemic violence against immigrants.
This is not simply a social action. It is a faith witness to uphold the dignity of human beings who are created in the image of God. I believe this is an important expression of how the values of the Kingdom of God must live and move in this world.
I am especially proud that young pastors who came out of First UMC in Flushing are taking leadership in this Kingdom work within the New York Annual Conference. Seeing them hold onto the conscience of faith and the center of the gospel, while witnessing to God’s Kingdom in this time, fills me with deep gratitude and hope.
I have decided to join them in Washington DC. I want to stand with them, to support them, and to encourage them as younger leaders step forward.
We are called to be the light and salt of the world. Scripture repeatedly commands us to care for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. This is not optional. This is the identity of God’s Kingdom people.
The church must make a clear choice:
Will we become a channel through which God’s Kingdom flows, or will we become an obstacle that blocks it?
The Kingdom of God is not a distant ideal.
It is a reality we must live out here and now.
And God is still building God’s Kingdom through the church today.
We pray that we may become that channel.
