I recently had the privilege of hosting a friend of mine overnight. She and her husband are missionaries in South America. Part of their ministry includes serving indigenous people in four medical houses which provide lodging and support to families and patients who come from remote jungle areas into the large city for medical care.
We spent the evening sharing our passion for this work in hospitality (PhiloXenia). We also shared stories of families that have served. We both have cared for families facing unspeakable pain and sorrow. However, we have also cared for families who have experienced amazing miracles of healing and hope. While the details of each family served may vary, the need families have for lodging, meals, prayer support, hospital visits, and encouragement are the same all over the world.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Loving Strangers?
While this title seems out of place in our culture, it is a core value practiced at The Hospitality House of Tulsa. This House was founded on the Biblical principles of Hospitality. Romans 12:13, (NIV) reminds us, "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." The word hospitality in this verse is translated from the Greek word, PhiloXenia, meaning love for stranger or friend to the stranger.
The examples of this PhiloXenia practice is spread throughout the Old and New Testaments. But how can anyone in America really welcome complete strangers into their home? Aren't we supposed to be observing "STRANGER DANGER?" It depends on your definition of the word stranger. For example, read Matthew 25:31-46 to see how Jesus defined this practice.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
The examples of this PhiloXenia practice is spread throughout the Old and New Testaments. But how can anyone in America really welcome complete strangers into their home? Aren't we supposed to be observing "STRANGER DANGER?" It depends on your definition of the word stranger. For example, read Matthew 25:31-46 to see how Jesus defined this practice.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
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