Immigration is an issue of political and social conflict in the United States. This course will attempt to better understand the historical context of our immigration concerns and how biblical understandings can guide our response.
March 2 – Session 1 – Immigration Stories in Biblical Times
March 9 – Session 2 – Nation of Immigrants: Immigration to the United States
March 16 – Session 3 – Immigration Issues in the United States Today
March 23 – Session 4 – Immigration and a Christian Faith Response

Instructor: Mark Derstine – Mark Derstine grew up on a family farm just on the outskirts of Souderton. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite University (B.A.). He studied at an inter-faith seminary in Washington D.C. and later graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana (M.Div.). He served on the pastoral team at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church from 1978 to 1987, and as a chaplain at Souderton Mennonite Homes from 2005 to 2015. In between those pastoral roles, Mark was employed in sales as an insurance agent with Lacher Associates in Souderton. Mark and his wife live in Telford, with two married daughters and three grandchildren living nearby.