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: Meet me in the middle
When it comes to the border crisis, the church must sit in the tension with humility and an appetite for learning.
“We space”: an invitation for every church
Four things that can bridge the immigration crisis
Border Stories: When I was hungry, you fed me
Pastor Maribel and the team at El Elyon Church just can’t stop when it comes to welcoming the immigrants who continue to arrive by bus in their community.
Border Stories: Meet me in the middle
When it comes to the border crisis, the church must sit in the tension with humility and an appetite for learning.
“We space”: an invitation for every church
Four things that can bridge the immigration crisis
Border Stories: When I was hungry, you fed me
Pastor Maribel and the team at El Elyon Church just can’t stop when it comes to welcoming the immigrants who continue to arrive by bus in their community.
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: Six myths about immigration (part two)
Andrea Summers addresses the myths and misinformation about immigration, replacing them with a more robust, hopeful and redemptive picture of reality.
Border Stories: Six myths about immigration (part one)
Andrea Summers addresses the myths and misinformation about immigration, replacing them with a more robust, hopeful and redemptive picture of reality.
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.
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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