My Ways Are Not Your Ways
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 7:02AM (A Note: My blogging has greatly reduced since I took up Tweeting. If you would like to have some worldview thoughts each day follow along at ParadigmMin )
“Mr. Collins, you appear to be inadmissible to the United States pursuant to 212 (a) (7) (A) (i) (I) of the INA, as amended because you are entering the U.S. to speak at a Bible study in which you will receive monetary compensation. Do you understand?”
Calmly, “No.”
“What do you not understand?”
Again, calmly, I answered. “I specifically inquired of US Customs before attempting to cross into the States and was told that churches were allowed to cover expenses. That’s all they are doing. I have obeyed the instructions given to me by Customs officers to the letter. I have been completely transparent at the gate and in here. Three days ago I did a preliminary walk in at two points of entry and asked what I needed to do to speak at this men’s Bible study. I followed those instructions exactly. This decision seems excessive and I do not understand it.”
Four hours I sat in a customs office. I had to make a sworn affidavit, got finger printed and picture taken. The customs officer seemed a little embarrassed at times as my case unfolded. The irony is that my topic for the evening was going to be about how we live out our lives in society.
Light has a way of removing darkness. In fact, darkness is simply the absence of light. Jesus’ invitation is simply to shine. How do you shine when one little invite to speak at a men’s Bible study has consumed so much: one day of prep; one day being denied entry; one day doing a walk in inquiry at two ports of entry to find out what I needed to do to be allowed in; one day being denied a second time. That’s a lot of hours and there was the knowing that 20 to 30 men just got stood up a second time.
Shining and anger have very little in common. Was I angry? Actually not. Very calm in reality as I reflected upon God’s control verses man’s. But I was concerned that my testimony not be damaged in any way. I knew there were Christians who work at that border crossing. I knew that all the officers on duty last night knew that I was a pastor and that I was asked to speak at the church where some of those officers or their associates attended. I knew that if I acted in any way that allowed darkness to rule in a place rather than light, the implications would be significant. - After four hours, I asked to speak to the supervisor.
Everything you say in a place like that is witnessed by at least one other person. The supervisor approached and said, “I’m told you want to speak to me.”
I said, “Yes. I’m concerned. I have no difficulty with your decision to not allow me to enter the US. It is a discretionary call that you needed to make. I suspect that when you made that decision, you did not have all the information.”
She said that was true. She had not been told about my walk in inquiries and the instructions I had been given.
I continue. “I am a clergyman and I know that we have often done things that have brought dishonour to God. My concern is that you might think negatively of this clergyman resulting in me bringing dishonour to God and his people. I have been completely honest with you. I have hidden nothing. I am hoping that my behaviour has not in any way damaged your opinion of the church and clergy. I want to honour God in every aspect of my life.”
She smiled, ever so slightly. Looked into my eyes and said, “You have not done anything to damage my opinion of the clergy.”
The point of the story is that light shines whenever we walk in dependency upon Jesus. I had asked God to guard my heart against frustration. I had asked him to help me say what I needed to say in a respectful way. He did both and more. As I spoke to the supervisor, I knew the other officers were listening. I knew that there was respect in the room. I knew that my behaviour had not compromised the lives of the Christians who worked alongside these people. In fact, I suspect some of the officers were Christians and were both thankful and blessed that God had showed up at a border crossing.
I was especially thankful, that although I had not been able to teach the men about the principles of living the presence of God in society, I had been given the blessing of being able to apply it. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” His invitation is to abide in him. When you do, you will shine.
Reader Comments (9)
i like :)
KUDOS!!!
and it seems we see our GOD come to another type of Border crossing over 2000 yrs ago.
Man of GOD
Blessings to & your Family
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This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thank you!
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Thanks Michael. Yes spam is always a problem on this blog. But it's tolerable. Sometimes it takes me a while to get to it. As for other blogs that might assist you? I know they are out there. Usually when you type in "Biblical worldview" in your search, that should take you to some helpful sites.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” His invitation is to abide in him. When you do, you will shine.
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Excellent post. I'm facing some of these issues as well..
Excellent post. I'm facing some of these issues as well..