The House That Love Built
Why I Opened My Door to Immigrants and How We Found Hope beyond a Broken System
- History & Biography
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
2021 Christian Book Award Finalist "Jackson's visionary account is a beautiful model of sacrificial love." -- Publishers Weekly Starred Review The House That Love Built is the quintessential story of one woman's questioning what it means to be an American--and a Christian--in light of a broken immigration system. Through tender stories of opening her heart and home to immigrants, Sarah Jackson shines a holy light on loving our neighbor. Sarah Jackson once thought immigration justice was administered through higher walls and longer fences. Then she met an immigrant--a deported young father separated from his US-citizen family--and everything changed. As Sarah began to know fractured families ravaged by threats in their homeland and further traumatized in US detention, biblical justice took on a new meaning. As Sarah opened her heart--and her home--to immigrants, she experienced a surprising transformation and the gift of extraordinary community. The work she began through the ministry of Casa de Paz joined the centuries-old Christian tradition of hospitality, shining a holy light on what it means to love our neighbor. The dilemma of undocumented people continues to hover over America, and it raises urgent questions for every Christian: What is our responsibility to the "stranger" in our midst? What does God's kingdom look like in the global-political reality of immigration? What difference can one person make? Sarah engages these questions through profound and tender stories, placing readers in the shoes of individuals on every side of the issue--asylum seekers torn from their families, the guards who oversee them, ordinary people with lapsed visas, the families left to survive on their own, the unheralded advocates for immigrants' rights, and the government officials who decide the fates of others. Ultimately, Sarah's journey illuminates how hope can be restored through simple yet radical acts of love.
Endorsements (8)
“Fair warning: you will be changed as you read these pages, because the words themselves are fueled by the unstoppable and upending love of the one who is for, with, and in each and every person on the planet! This story shouts from the rooftops the invitation to follow in the steps of Jesus, with hands reaching and eyes glistening with extravagant and tangible love for all. This book has been crafted for such a time as this!”
“along the way. It’s also an urgent wakeup call for the American church to heed Jesus’ call to practice hospitality.”
“This book reminds us that immigration is about immigrants and that immigrants are people deeply loved by God. Sarah Jackson demonstrates with her life how we, as followers of Christ, stand with all people wherever they may be—from the womb to the tomb, from the belly to the border!”
“My visit to Casa de Paz taught me how to translate American values into concrete actions. I am impressed by Sarah’s passion for and dedication to welcoming immigrants with unconditional, nonjudgmental love and care. This book shows perfect perfect examples of how welcoming the stranger is meant to be.”
“I have known Sarah since she started Casa de Paz in her apartment several years ago. I am recommending this book because her story of helping immigrants is unique and fascinating and everyone needs to know it.”
“and respect, and seeing in their experiences family ties that should be strengthened and fostered, not broken. This book is a call to action that highlights the heartwrenching, beautiful stories of the immigrants that Sarah and Casa volunteers assist and learn from, and how daily acts of kindness can change the world. The best of humanity is found in these pages.”
“The commandment to love our neighbor is easier said than done. Sarah and Casa de Paz can say it’s easy to do because they are doing it and showing all of us that it is possible to be hospitable and loving and caring. Love knows no borders.”
“the inspiration she’s catalyzed across different groups of people in deep and transforming ways. Her book will inspire, challenge, and stir hearts into action, which is exactly what the world needs right now more than ever.”
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