By Aaron Weaver
DECATUR, Ga. — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announced today the appointment of Harlingen, Texas-based field personnel Elket Rodríguez to serve as Global Migration Advocate for CBF Global Missions. Rodríguez serves communities and migrants in the expansive U.S.-Mexico border region through a multi-faceted ministry.
This new position will strengthen and support CBF Global Missions’ mission commitments to cultivate beloved community, bear witness to Jesus Christ, and seek transformational development in the context of global migration. In this role, Rodríguez will provide strategic guidance to CBF Global Missions on advocacy efforts with immigrants, internationals and refugees at a national, regional and global level, and represent CBF Global Missions in specific national immigration advocacy forums. Rodriguez will also engage with coalitions and partner organizations focused on immigration reform and refugee resettlement.
Rodríguez will collaborate with and advise staff, field personnel, chaplains, pastoral counselors, and partners such as Fellowship Southwest on immigration advocacy issues, policies, and missional strategies. Additionally, he will support the development and promotion of educational programs and training opportunities for CBF churches and partners.
A native of Puerto Rico and attorney, Rodríguez was commissioned in June 2022 as a CBF field personnel. From 2020-2022, he served in a collaborative role with CBF and Fellowship Southwest as Immigrant and Refugee Specialist, coordinating CBF’s immigration advocacy efforts and leading CBF’s Advocacy Action Team for Immigration and Refugees.
CBF Global Missions Coordinator Laura Ayala highlighted Rodríguez’s expertise and shared her hopeful anticipation for the ministry opportunities that lie ahead.
“In such a time as this, Elket’s knowledge, valuable experience and steadfast commitment will be instrumental in guiding and enriching our diverse ministries serving migrants,” Ayala said. We are eagerly anticipating the educational opportunities, mission-focused experiences, thought-provoking theological reflections and a multitude of other meaningful ministries that will be developed and nurtured within our congregations, regions and wider communities. I am convinced that Elket’s expertise and dedication will be invaluable in shaping and strengthening our efforts to continue walking alongside, supporting and empowering migrant populations.
Fellowship Southwest Executive Director Stephen Reeves echoed Ayala, noting the importance of this new role.
“For more than four years, Fellowship Southwest, CBF Advocacy and CBF Global Missions have benefited from the passion, knowledge and expertise of Elket. I’m thrilled about this new role for Elket partnering with Fellowship Southwest,” Reeves said. “The phenomenon of global migration is not going away and neither is the need for Christian advocates for humane, compassionate and just immigration policies. There are few individuals as knowledgeable and committed to the plight of migrants as Elket, who talks with migrants and those who serve them every day. He brings a unique strength to our advocacy efforts.
Rodríguez expressed his excitement to serve as Global Migration Advocate to complement the commitment to ministry in the context of global migration.
“I am deeply honored and excited to continue serving God, churches and migrants from a broader missional platform,” Rodríguez said. “It is a profound blessing and beautiful opportunity to be entrusted with using my gifts and talents in a more intentional capacity for the benefit of the migrants we seek to welcome, protect and empower. Collaborating with the extensive network of CBF partners and field personnel enhances this mission, and I’m truly grateful for the call to serve in this new capacity. I eagerly embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead to make a meaningful impact for the Kingdom.
Learn more about Rodríguez’s ministry and connect with him here.
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CBF is a Christian network that helps people put their faith to practice through ministry efforts, global missions and a broad community of support. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.