Elias Moitinho, PhD
Immigration to the U.S. has grown in recent decades. According to the Pew Research Center, “Immigration since 1965 has swelled the nation’s foreign-born population from 9.6 million then to a record 45 million in 2015” (Pew Research Center, 2015). Immigrants and their families go through a variety of experiences and face multidimensional stressors including language barriers, acculturation, and sometimes, discrimination to name a few (American Psychological Association, 2012). Immigrants depart from their country of origin, leaving behind what is familiar to them, and move into the unknown, a new nation filled with hopes of a better and brighter future. Unfortunately, for many immigrants such a transition is not always successful.
This article will focus on a biblical reflection and discussion of practical application of biblical principles to multicultural counseling rather than addressing political views regarding immigration. The Bible has multiple stories of people who left their country of origin and lived in a foreign land. While some did it voluntarily (e.g., Abraham, Ruth, and Noemi), others were forced to leave their nation and move to a distant country (e.g., Joseph and Daniel). For example, the Bible clearly shows that both Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon were extremely successful in their new lands and even reached important positions of leadership and power in the respective host nations. So, let’s consider some of the experiences in the lives of Joseph and Daniel.
Joseph and Daniel left their country involuntarily
Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave (Genesis 37:28) and ended up in Egypt, whereas Daniel was taken to Babylon as captive (Daniel 1:1-7). These events were against their will and were traumatic experiences.
Joseph and Daniel learned the languages of the new lands
Joseph spoke the language of Egypt fluently. When his brothers went to Egypt to get food, Joseph chose to use an interpreter (Genesis 42:23) so that his brothers would not recognize him. Daniel studied and learned the Babylonian language (Daniel 1:17).
Joseph and Daniel learned the cultures of the new lands and assimilated them without compromising their faith in God
Joseph understood the culture and daily life of Egypt. For instance, when Joseph was going to be presented before Pharaoh, he shaved and changed his clothes (Genesis 41:14). Joseph also ran away from sin so he could honor God with his life (Gen. 39:9). His successful leadership was only possible because he understood the Egyptian government system (Gen. 41:41-45).
Similarly, Daniel chose to not defile himself with the food of the king (Dan. 1:8) and he understood Babylonian literature (Dan. 1:17). Additionally, he chose to honor God even when it almost cost him his life in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
Joseph and Daniel rose to positions of leadership in their respective new nations
Joseph and Daniel certainly assimilated well to the new countries and understood even the government of their new lands. Both ended up having significant leadership roles. Joseph became the second person in command in the whole land of Egypt (Gen. 41:41-45), whereas Daniel rose to leadership under king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:48-49). Later, when the Persians conquered Babylon, Daniel served in a leadership position with king Darius (Daniel 6:1-4).
Joseph and Daniel believed in God’s Sovereignty
Joseph and Daniel understood that God was in control over their lives and had a larger plan for His people. Joseph stated to his brothers “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20). Likewise, Daniel trusted God by not defiling himself with the king’s food (Dan. 1:8), by seeking God for help to interpret king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan. 2:17-19), and by praying even though it meant possible execution (Dan. 6:13).
So what? What do these events and biblical principles mean to Christian counseling, particularly to multicultural counseling with immigrants?
Christian counselors can gain wisdom from these stories and use the abovementioned principles when working with immigrant clients, particularly Christian immigrants.
Here are 5 action steps for Christian counselors when working with immigrants:
- Christian counselors can help immigrants get access to mental health resources. Counselors may network with organizations and resources that may be available to immigrants in the local community. Often times, immigrants are not aware of mental health resources available to them in their community.
- Christian counselors can help Christian immigrants process their life journey and immigration experiences in light of God’s sovereignty. Counselors may help immigrants identify how their experience fits in God’s plan and purpose for their lives.
- Christian counselors can encourage immigrants to learn English or to improve their English language proficiency. Counselors can connect immigrants with organizations that offer ESL classes. They can also help create an awareness about the importance of learning English.
- Christian counselors can help immigrants understand the acculturation process. Counselors may use a psychoeducational approach to explain that acculturation is a challenging process that takes time and varies among family members. Counselors may point out that highly acculturated or bicultural immigrants may have a better chance to function in the American society successfully.
- Christian counselors can empower Christian immigrants to recognize that they too can be used by God. Counselors can use the lives of biblical characters such as Joseph and Daniel to show Christian immigrants that they can be used by God in their new local church, work, and community.
Christian counselors can play an important positive role in the life of immigrants. Understanding and applying biblical principles can enrich any counseling ministry with immigrants.
References
American Psychological Association, Presidential Task Force on Immigration. (2012). Crossroads: The psychology of immigration in the new century. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/immigration/report.aspx
Pew Research Center. (2015). Modern immigration wave brings 59 million to U.S., driving population growth and change through 2065. Retrieved from http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/09/28/modern-immigration-wave-brings-59-million-to-u-s-driving-population-growth-and-change-through-2065/.
Elias Moitinho, Ph.D., LPC-S, LPC, LMFT, BCPCC is the Residential Department Chair and Associate Professor of Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Dr. Moitinho has many years of pastoral ministry, counseling, and teaching experience having served in various roles such as pastor, counselor, seminary professor, and director of a Christian counseling center. Prior to joining Liberty he served as the Hope for the Heart Chair of Biblical Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Moitinho is interested in multicultural counseling focusing specifically on the Hispanic/Latino population. In addition to his ministry experience in his native country of Brazil, Dr. Moitinho has taught as guest professor in seminaries in Mexico, Cuba, and Spain. He is an active member of the AACC. His email address is emoitinho2@liberty.edu