Welcoming the Stranger in an Unfriendly World

In an age where we grill and padlock our homes, wire our cars with the most sophisticated of alarms and warn our children not to talk to strangers, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where we readily open our homes to strangers. With violence and crimes on the rise, our hesitance seems justified and right.

Yet, Hebrews 13:2 tells us: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

What does being hospitable mean to Christians? What are the theological sources of Christian hospitality?

It is with great pleasure that World Vision Malaysia, in cooperation with Kairos Research Centre, is organizing the Making Room Consultation on “Hospitality & Welcoming The Stranger” on March 12 & 13, 2007 at The Royale Bintang Damansara, Mutiara Damansara.

The Consultation seeks to formulate a deeper understanding of Christian hospitality that builds up common social life through good works of mercy, and that extends peace and justice, especially to strangers outside the community of faith.

We have a good team of resource persons, consisting of both theologians and practitioners, for this consultation. Our guest, Dr. Tim Dearborn, Associate Professor of Theology at Seattle Pacific University and Associate Director for Christian Commitments of World Vision International, will bring to us recent theological discussions on the topic of hospitality in the Bible.

The Making Room Consultation is open to all church leaders and Christian-based NGOs free of charge. All who are interested are urged to register with Ms Trias Chew of World Vision Malaysia (tel: 78806414, e-mail: trias_chew@wvi.org) before or by Friday, 16 February 2007.

We invite you to join us as we come together to explore strategies for developing caring Christian ministries in a world that is polarized by geo-political uncertainties and communal tensions. Let us be living examples of God’s work on the cross that overcomes violence and offers a reconciliation that invites fallen humans to experience God’s healing presence in their lives.

Yours sincerely
LIEW Tong Ngan, Executive Director of World Vision Malaysia