An Open Letter to:

The Honorable Charles Wyrick, State Senator
The Honorable Doug Cox, State Representative
Mr. Jay Blackfox, Delaware County Sheriff
Mr. Mike Shambaugh, Jay Police Chief

November 1, 2007

Gentlemen:

I am compelled to write you in reference to House Bill 1804 that goes into effect today.  I applaud the legislature’s efforts to close some obvious loopholes in our immigration laws.  No doubt the bill was intended to keep undeserving individuals from receiving government benefits to which they are not entitled.

But there is an unintended consequence of the new law that troubles me greatly.  By making it a felony to knowingly transport illegal aliens, the lawmakers of Oklahoma have placed our church and its ministry in an untenable position.

Newsong Church brought Pastors Luis and Patty Jimenez from Mexico to Delaware County in 2004 for the express purpose of beginning a ministry to Hispanic people.  To my knowledge, we are the only church in the Grove and Jay area with this type of work.

Our church spent months securing legal status for the Jimenez family to be able to work as pastors in our area.  They have operated a free medical clinic and helped numerous immigrant families in various crisis situations.  This year, our church purchased a building in Jay and we are currently doing outreach events for children.  We also expect to hold Spanish speaking services at this location.

The Bible commands us to preach the gospel to all people (Mark 16:15).  Jesus made no provisions for checking green cards before offering help to those in need.  As Christians, we cannot in good conscience discriminate against anyone on the basis of their legal status.

Surely you are aware that it was once against the law in America to harbor a fugitive slave or help an Indian who had escaped the reservation.  Many Christians ignored those laws because they were compelled by a Higher Law.  History has vindicated their position and I am confident the same will eventually happen in this instance.

As a pastor and missionary I have violated the laws against preaching the gospel in communist countries on numerous occasions.  I never thought I would have to do the same in my own hometown; until now.

Please be advised that Newsong Church plans to continue ministering to all needy people.  This includes transporting them to and from religious and benevolent events.  It is my sincere hope that I and my pastoral staff will not be arrested for transporting children in our church van, but there are rare occasions when a Higher Law requires that we “obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).”  This is one of those times.

Thank you for your kind attention in this matter.

In His service,

Steven G. Dyer
Pastor
Newsong Church