I Was a Stranger and You Took Me In
Pentecostal Responses to the Refugee Crisis
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
In a world grappling with one of the most significant humanitarian crises of our time, Pentecostals are uniquely positioned to respond with Spirit-empowered compassion and Christlike love. I Was a Stranger and You Took Me In explores Pentecostal responses to the global refugee crisis, drawing from papers presented at the 53rd annual meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this volume bridges biblical-theological insights, political and ethical challenges, and practical strategies for action. From reflections on peacemaking and justice to firsthand accounts of ministry at the US-Mexico border, these pages offer a call to action for a faith community compelled to sustain a witness of peace-with-justice. Whether confronting war, systemic injustice, or climate-driven displacement, this book equips Pentecostals--and all who care about the plight of the stranger--to embody radical hospitality in personal, academic, and ministry contexts. Written by leading Pentecostal voices, it is a timely and transformative contribution to the Pentecostals, Peacemaking, and Social Justice series. Discover how the Spirit empowers us to welcome the stranger, heal divisions, and bring hope to the margins--because, as Pentecostals, many of these strangers are us.
Endorsements (4)
“Millions are on the move across the globe. Violence, poverty, and yearning for a better life are driving unprecedented numbers to seek a new life elsewhere. How should the church respond? These papers presented at a conference in 2024 establish biblical and theological foundations and present examples of concrete engagement with the stranger. This offering from global Pentecostalism should inspire other Christian traditions to similarly get involved at such a time as this!”
“I Was a Stranger . . . is a ground-breaking and compelling treatment of a burning social issue. It should both arouse the social conscience of spiritually sensitive Pentecostals and enlighten us to the exciting opportunities for incarnational mission which this new frontier throws open. This is Pentecostal scholarship at its best, blending impressive breadth of scholarship, depth of passion, and reflective praxis—essential reading for any contemporary mission student or practitioner!”
“Theologian Harvey Cox has described Pentecostalism as ‘a religion made to travel.’ Olena curates a broad spate of topics to highlight the reality of Pentecostals caught up in the current migratory patterns globally as well as the clear biblical command ‘to welcome the stranger among you.’ The global nature of Pentecostal life, as central to its identity as a spiritual community, is highlighted with both clear focus and prophetic challenge in I was a Stranger and You Took Me In.”
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