Border Immersion - A Justice Journey
Immigration policies stir up people's opinions and for many have become an issue of faith. Recently, Emma Escobar, the BWC's coordinator of Latino Ministries, led a group of United Methodists on a Border Immersion experience. Melissa Lauber sends postcards home to the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
Postcard 1 - Exploring Immigration
A team of 24 people from the BWC traveled to the U.S. border with Mexico Oct. 11-14 to explore questions about immigration and how the answers might intersect with their faith.
Postcard 2 - What Separates Us
BWC members bear witness as families who have been torn apart meet fingertip-to-fingertip through the wall.
Postcard 3 - Ministry Says 'Yes'
In immigration ministries, faith casts out anxiety, especially at places like Christ Ministry Center in San Diego.
Postcard 4 – Faith at the Wall
During a bi-national worship service, in the breaking of the Communion bread, walls are broken down.
Postcard 5 – Building Hope
The migrants’ story creates opportunities for servant ministry.
Robert Maxwell shares view from his lens
Isn't that want Jesus share with US?
I am so sorry for people caught in an existence of wanting to enter the US and not having the correct documents or reasons. Please remember, though, that our country must apply the same principles that is used by the Left about 'separation of Church and State'. Faith can be a functional facet of believers but it must not interfere with the Law of the Land. Thank you.
Thank you, Judy...you are spot-on! If I am going over the speed limit and a police officer stops me and gives me a ticket for going over the speed limit, if I were to claim I am German and that's what we do on the Autobahn, and I claim I am not a citizen, am I going to be defended because I am a foreign person in the US and should be excused?! Or that it is prejudice against me because I am from another country and being 'singled out' because of my being from another culture and, therefore, should be excused and not held accountable!? I am responsible for both knowing the rules as well as for choosing to leave my known culture and coming to another culture. Those are choices I made in choosing to leave my 'known' culture to come to a new and unknown culture and am responsible to learn about my new culture. Excusing me based on ignorance of the law is simply justifying me in refusing accountability for personal actions...which goes against one of the basic principles of faith which is accountability and accepting human sin and the need of partnering with God and learning/listening to both God (first) and human standards (second) about human/ spiritual relationship.
Thank you BWC for sharing your activism of going to the Tijuana border to witness the immigration crisis happening there . Your concern, prayers and involvement are a witness for your faith in action. May you continue your efforts to inform others and be involved in "welcoming the stranger". God's blessings on you all.
Thank you BWC for sharing your activism of going to the Tijuana border to witness the immigration crisis happening there . Your concern, prayers and involvement are a witness of your faith in action. May you continue your efforts to inform others and be involved in "welcoming the stranger". God's blessings on you all.
The letter of the law of the land can't give them life. We must live by the spirit of the law.
Thank you for the spirit that gives life.
I read about a man who told a story concerning the good Samaritan and then asked who was the neighbor. Interesting, isn't it?
How can any of us who have NO control over WHERE or WHEN we were born be so ready to deny the blessings of liberty to those who were not born here in the US and are fleeing for their lives? I often think that, but for the grace of God, they could be us. I was born in 1942 during WW 2. Had I been born Jewish in Germany or in an occupied country I would have died. I was blessed to be born here and believe that was nothing that I did to deserve that.
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. As his followers how can we not extend the same love and compassion for those who come to us in need as he would have?
Thank you Judy Reeves and Charles Klink