Featured Story: What about “those” people?

JO ANNE LYON

I am not a newcomer to the discussion of immigration in the United States. Since 2006, I have spoken in many places, including congressional hearings and press conferences.

I have met with multiple senators and Congress people, and even President Obama in the Oval Office, regarding our broken immigration system and appealing for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. I have stressed the fact that some 11 million undocumented immigrants contribute over 13 billion dollars annually to our economy. I have countered the arguments of undocumented immigrants taking advantage of our welfare systems, when in fact, they are very fearful to apply for welfare because of possible deportation. Also, people will sometimes piously say, “I love immigrants — only if they are legal,” in response to which I have tried to explain that currently, the system is so bogged down that entering the country legally requires years and years of waiting. And the debate continues.

Border Stories

Border Stories: The kingdom in our midst

Border Stories: The kingdom in our midst

The kingdom is here — in the people in our schools and neighborhoods. There are people whose stories we need to hear and receive, but we have closed our ears and our hearts.

Border Stories: The kingdom in our midst

Border Stories: The kingdom in our midst

The kingdom is here — in the people in our schools and neighborhoods. There are people whose stories we need to hear and receive, but we have closed our ears and our hearts.

About the Humanitarian Crisis

On April 7, a group of clergywomen, led by Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Ambassador of The Wesleyan Church, traveled to the U.S./Mexico border to listen and learn from our brothers and sisters seeking asylum. Fleeing the rising rates of gender based violence in the northern triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) is the primary reason families leave their homes.

While in El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach hosted the team before they crossed the border into Juarez, Mexico. It was here they met with the those caught in this humanitarian crisis—where families seeking asylum are living in temporary shelters. These are their some of their stories.

We are grateful for the partnership of the National Immigration Forum and the Evangelical Immigration Table.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Jennings Photography,
Olivia Graziano and InterMotion Media

Photos courtesy of Ashley Jennings Photography,
Olivia Graziano and InterMotion Media

Immigrant Connection

Building bridges for a hope-filled future. Immigrant Connection is a grassroots network of legal service offices providing low cost legal services to immigrants and refugees in local communities across the country. Jesus’ love compels Wesleyans to act as agents of Spirit-filled outreach and hospitality to all. Discover more at icwelcome.org.

Evangelical Immigration Table

The Evangelical Immigration Table provides resources for an approach to immigrants and to immigration policy, guided first and foremost by the Bible. Watch and share these six videos exploring how biblical principles should guide our thinking – and then download a free e-book to learn more.

OUR PRAYER

Lord, open our eyes so they may see the deepest needs of people; move our hands that they may feed the hungry; touch our hearts so that they may bring warmth to the despairing; teach us the generosity that welcomes strangers; let us share our possessions to clothe the naked; give us the care that strengthens the sick; allow us to share in the quest to set the prisoner free; that we might share the life that really is life with you, and with each other, this day, and everyday. Amen.

OUR PRAYER

Lord, open our eyes so they may see the deepest needs of people; move our hands that they may feed the hungry; touch our hearts so that they may bring warmth to the despairing; teach us the generosity that welcomes strangers; let us share our possessions to clothe the naked; give us the care that strengthens the sick; allow us to share in the quest to set the prisoner free; that we might share the life that really is life with you, and with each other, this day, and everyday. Amen.

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