A Harrisonburg, Va. based church by the name of Immanuel Mennonite created a movement sweeping across the country and it started with a simple sign.
Pastor Matthew Bucher created the message roughly a year ago during the 2016 Presidential election debates between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee, now President-elect, Donald J. Trump.
The notation is printed on the sign in the language of Spanish, English and Arabic. It says, “No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.”
As of now, the church created signs have been finding homes in Pennsylvania, the Michigan city of Detroit, Wisconsin, North Carolina and the country of Canada.
The Pastor stated that the language and creation of it, is based on Mennonite beliefs.
This specific church, Immanuel Mennonite, is one located in a predominantly African-American community which has changed over the last 20 years to include sprinkling of Middle Eastern and Central American people.
On the symbolism and the phrasing, Bucher told NPR, “This is a symbol of Jesus’ command to love your neighbor.”
“And as followers of Jesus, we follow someone who was himself a refugee.”
So far, the post has been going viral on social media and turning heads. Mostly in a positive way.
Pick up one of these signs near you or print your own. Beautiful work from Immanuel Mennonite Church. <3 https://t.co/HrFIVecYD6 pic.twitter.com/LFDghGIALZ
— Shanna Germain (@ShannaGermain) December 10, 2016
"No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor." Immanuel Mennonite Church creates yard signs. https://t.co/ZGl2YHnmZm
— The Mennonite (@TheMennoniteInc) November 11, 2016
Overall, the pastor said, “the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with very few objections or acts of vandalism.”
Adding, “A few people have objected that it’s just a sign, not an action. And everyone agrees on that point.”