We are in the middle of an eight-week span, and we have the privilege of worshiping with various gatherings of our Alliance family in nine different languages, and we’re loving it. That’s only a small fraction of all the languages spoken in Alliance churches in the U.S. Did you know that each week across our country, our Alliance family worships in 38 different languages? We’re hoping we can make it to all 38. Yes, we are.

It’s one of the many things we love about being part of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. It’s a little foretaste of heaven, where there will be people from every language represented. It’s great to see that in action today.

Being a diverse family like The Alliance also means that we have people with roots in lots of different places around the world. So, when there are devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, our hearts ache. Or when brothers and sisters are being persecuted in Burkina Faso, or those who are enduring the nightmare of war in Ukraine, or living in a time of political upheaval in the Middle East, we feel that.

When the writer of Hebrews tells us to keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters, he makes it really personal. He goes on to say this, “Don’t forget those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.”

Scripture doesn’t allow us the luxury of distant compassion. It calls us to enter into the burdens of one another. One of the beautiful realities of being a multilingual, multinational family is that when one part of the family hurts, we all feel it.

Today, that brings us to several immigrant communities within our Alliance family who are facing an uncertain future because of recent changes to their immigration status. We want to focus especially today on our Haitian brothers and sisters because the crisis in Haiti makes their situation especially urgent.

On June 25, many suddenly found themselves facing deep uncertainty about their future in the U.S. Whatever the legal process ahead, the anxiety and fear are so real for many families that we know and worship beside. Haiti remains an extraordinarily dangerous place. Armed gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, violence is widespread, food insecurity is severe, and the U.S. continues to advise Americans not to travel there. This is a moment of upheaval and fear. We know a number of these people personally.

Because of Jesus, these are our brothers and sisters. When one part of the Body suffers, we all suffer with it. In fact, there are 38 Haitian Alliance churches in the U.S. with almost 6,000 members. We plan to worship at one of those churches next Sunday. We’ve been so moved by their tenacious faith and perseverance as they figure out what to do from here.

Additionally, many of the 330,000 Haitians affected by recent decisions have become our neighbors, our coworkers, our fellow church members, healthcare providers, construction workers, and friends. Would you join us in praying for our Haitian brothers and sisters? We’re asking the Lord how we might come alongside and help and would love to see Him intervene for them in a powerful way.

Numerous people in Alliance churches are already walking alongside these friends, providing transportation, food, legal help to navigate immigration issues, sharing their concerns with elected representatives, and providing emotional and spiritual support in a time that is so difficult. Maybe the Lord would have you reach out to a local church in one of those ways.

A few years ago, one of the Alliance churches in Columbus launched a nonprofit called Taste of Peace Ohio. Heads up, there’s an upcoming Alliance video story that will highlight the good work of Taste of Peace. Among other things, they have a community garden and recently delivered 300 pounds of fresh produce to a nearby Haitian Alliance church. They also gave rental assistance to help those in need. It’s pretty amazing what this small church has done. If you would like to help and show compassionate support to our Haitian brothers and sisters, you can make a gift to our Haitian Association, which is tasked with helping to navigate this on behalf of our Alliance family.

Let’s be the kind of church that prays fervently, welcomes generously, and walks faithfully with one another. Friends, that’s what the Body of Christ looks like. May the Lord give us grace to love one another as He has loved us.