What would it feel like to live in the United States as an immigrant and never get invited to someone's house? Or never receive a smile or kind word?

Sami DiPasquale experienced that during his time in America, and he is calling on Christians to step up and answer God's call to welcome immigrants and show them love and kindness.

Sami is part of Abara Ministries (https://www.abarafrontiers.org) and works on the Texas-Mexico border dealing with immigration issues. Sami, who was interviewed by Pastor Troy Murphy during a Green Bay Community Church worship service on Sunday, Oct. 25, is originally from Jordan.

Sami believes his journey as a young adult who was prevented from entering Israel prepared him for what he is doing in Texas with immigration. 

In Sami's view, God was with those people who were in the midst of suffering and displacement. Israelites were reminded to treat foreigners well, a lesson they could learn from how badly they were treated when held captive in Egypt. In the same way we should treat foreigners with love, compassion and respect.

Sami said one thing in America that Christians can do to make an impact is try to form true friendships with people very different from themselves, especially people that have been marginalized. Christ followers need to venture outside the bubble where people tend to think, act and theologize in the same way.

A practical step would be to invite someone over for dinner. Sami heard repeatedly from immigrants who spent time in the U.S. that they were never invited to dinner by Americans. Sami himself spent 15 years in America and never once was invited into a U.S. citizen's home.

It sounds simple, but being nice to people who look different than yourself makes a difference. Sami said saying hi, smiling and being kind goes a long way.

Sami said the experience of many immigrants in the U.S. looked like this: "I felt like I was an animal. I felt like I was less than human. People wouldn't look at me or smile or say hi."

Despite stories of hardship and mistreatment, Sami said many immigrants he encounters continue to trust in God and haven't lost hope. 

That's a testament to God's goodness, and something Christ followers must emulate.