The work of the Kingdom is love, hope, salvation, mercy, and spiritual growth along with God’s provisions. In James 2:15–16, the Word of God reminds us: “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, ‘Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;’ notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
The instruction to us is clear: we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to share the Gospel of hope and salvation and stretching forth to meet the physical needs of His people. By the grace of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit, for over 20 years, People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) International has been effectively sharing the Gospel message with those of Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu backgrounds, leading them to the Baptismal font and baptizing them in the name of the Triune God and guiding new brothers and sisters in the faith to living their new lives in Christ.
POBLO International has not only been able to speak to the needs of the hearts of God’s people but also to answer the needs of their earthly lives.
The refugee families and individuals that POBLO International is privileged to assist have missed many comforts that are common to us here in the United States. In addition to lacking basic education, being able to live in a bustling yet peaceful neighborhood, or even being able to make a quick department store run for toilet paper or baby food, these families also miss the chance to maintain basic health care, such as the annual doctors’ visits or dental appointments that we often dread.
POBLO International’s efforts were blessed when a medical and dental care clinic reached out from an article they had read in a local community paper. Their lead doctor and executive director, both sisters in Christ as we came to learn, both exclaimed that they had been looking for a way to bless those in the community who lacked the financial resources to provide much needed medical or dental care for themselves. Going without this care could mean aggravated or worsening medical conditions that could even progress to the point of hindering the refugees’ ability to work and provide for their households.
After coordinating efforts, POBLO International and its new partner in human care services, Trinity Community Care, hosted their first pop-up clinic at the Dearborn International Friendship (IFC) location! Nearly 50 refugee families from Afghanistan were provided free health checkups (blood pressure and glucose), medical information and education, and health maintenance items like toothbrushes and travel hand sanitizer. Not only were refugee individuals able to see healthcare providers free of charge, but they will also have the opportunity for follow-up and additional care—all at no cost.
POBLO is thankful for these opportunities to honor God by serving the ‘least of these’ and thanks and blesses God for you, its partners in this appointed Gospel mission. Please know that you are prayed for regularly. We offer thanksgiving to God daily that He sent His provision ahead of this ministry in having you join with us to love His people back to health not only in word, but also in deed. POBLO is so grateful to its dear brothers and sisters in Christ for prayers, for fellowship, and for continued support and partnership of this ministry.
POBLO wants to share the goodness and provision of the Lord as has been humbly provided for the care of others. God bless you!
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–2).
UPDATE May 25, 2022: The International Friendship Center at Atonement, Dearborn and in Warren is readying for Ukrainian refugees. Watch story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36DpPPcCcgQ
Photos courtesy of POBLO
