For many immigrants, the first days in United States are filled with a mixture of excitement, uncertainty, hope, and responsibility. You arrive carrying dreams—not only for yourself but often for family members, friends, and even communities back home who believe your new location opens doors for them as well.
Shortly after I arrived in America, I experienced a situation that taught me an important lesson—one that every immigrant should understand.
A pastor from my home country contacted me and said, “Can you kindly connect me to a church there? I want to come and preach and form networks there. Who knows—you might be there for a time like this: to help me. I might get partners there through you.”
At first glance, the request sounded harmless, even spiritual. But something within me felt uneasy. My conscience—what I often describe as my spirit being awake—prompted me to pause and think carefully.
Instead of agreeing immediately, I responded with a passage from the Bible. Gospel of Luke 16:29–31: “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
My response was simple. I told him that Americans already have their own pastors, churches, and spiritual leaders. Even if he came, it was unlikely that he would change them or their faith. They already have people who guide them. “Let them hear their own,” I said.
He was not pleased. He called me arrogant. From that day on, he never spoke to me again. But I do not regret that decision.
Immigrants often find themselves in a delicate position like that. Because we now live in a country with opportunities, stability, and generosity, people back home may see us as gateways—bridges through which they can access resources, donations, networks, or influence.
Sometimes those requests are genuine. But sometimes they are attempts to take advantage of the kindness and openness of the people in our new country. And in those moments, immigrants must learn a powerful word: NO. Saying a big NO does not mean you are proud or arrogant. It means you are responsible.
America—and any country that welcomes immigrants—becomes your home for the time you live there. When you settle in a new land even for one day, you also inherit a duty: to respect it, protect it, and act with integrity within it.
If someone asks you to use your position to manipulate, exploit, or deceive people in your new community, you must refuse—even if that person is a friend, relative, or respected leader.
Immigrants should never allow their relationships back home to pressure them into compromising their values or damaging the trust of the society that has welcomed them.
Many Americans extend generosity to immigrants—opening their churches, communities, workplaces, and neighborhoods. That trust is precious. It must not be abused.
When immigrants protect that trust, they strengthen the respect between cultures. But when it is exploited, it harms not only individuals but also the reputation of entire immigrant communities.
Every immigrant must understand this truth: your presence in a new country is not only an opportunity—it is also a responsibility.
Shortly after I arrived in America, I experienced a situation that taught me an important lesson—one that every immigrant should understand.
A pastor from my home country contacted me and said, “Can you kindly connect me to a church there? I want to come and preach and form networks there. Who knows—you might be there for a time like this: to help me. I might get partners there through you.”
At first glance, the request sounded harmless, even spiritual. But something within me felt uneasy. My conscience—what I often describe as my spirit being awake—prompted me to pause and think carefully.
Instead of agreeing immediately, I responded with a passage from the Bible. Gospel of Luke 16:29–31: “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
My response was simple. I told him that Americans already have their own pastors, churches, and spiritual leaders. Even if he came, it was unlikely that he would change them or their faith. They already have people who guide them. “Let them hear their own,” I said.
He was not pleased. He called me arrogant. From that day on, he never spoke to me again. But I do not regret that decision.
Immigrants often find themselves in a delicate position like that. Because we now live in a country with opportunities, stability, and generosity, people back home may see us as gateways—bridges through which they can access resources, donations, networks, or influence.
Sometimes those requests are genuine. But sometimes they are attempts to take advantage of the kindness and openness of the people in our new country. And in those moments, immigrants must learn a powerful word: NO. Saying a big NO does not mean you are proud or arrogant. It means you are responsible.
America—and any country that welcomes immigrants—becomes your home for the time you live there. When you settle in a new land even for one day, you also inherit a duty: to respect it, protect it, and act with integrity within it.
If someone asks you to use your position to manipulate, exploit, or deceive people in your new community, you must refuse—even if that person is a friend, relative, or respected leader.
Immigrants should never allow their relationships back home to pressure them into compromising their values or damaging the trust of the society that has welcomed them.
Many Americans extend generosity to immigrants—opening their churches, communities, workplaces, and neighborhoods. That trust is precious. It must not be abused.
When immigrants protect that trust, they strengthen the respect between cultures. But when it is exploited, it harms not only individuals but also the reputation of entire immigrant communities.
Every immigrant must understand this truth: your presence in a new country is not only an opportunity—it is also a responsibility.
Stand for honesty. Stand for integrity. And if necessary, stand alone. Do not allow anyone—no matter how close they are to you—to use you as a tool to exploit the kindness of others.
Wherever you live today is your home for that day. Treat it with loyalty and respect. Guard it carefully.
Wherever you live today is your home for that day. Treat it with loyalty and respect. Guard it carefully.
