The United States welcomes new citizens each year. During the past 10 years, over 7 million new people have come. People come for various reasons: freedom to choose leaders, to run for office, to have freedom of speech, to live in a land governed by a constitution—not by the whims of one person. To people worldwide, we are a beacon of hope, even if some minorities do not enjoy all the freedoms our constitution promises. Years ago, King Solomon prayed that his nation would be a model for other countries, be a place where foreigners would be welcomed, where Almighty God would be honored, where people would live in peace, treating others with justice and respect. Here is what we read in his prayer found in 2 Chronicles chapter 6: “In the future, foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear of you. They will come from distant lands when they hear of your great name and your strong hand and your powerful arm.” King Solomon desired and prayed that when foreigners came and saw how his people loved God and respected one another, they would come to know and revere God also. Solomon’s prayer should be our desire and prayer today.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
