By CBF Communications
CBF Global Missions Coordinator Laura Ayala completed a transformative visit to South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley from Aug. 15-17, laying the groundwork for a deeper and more impactful presence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I am deeply humbled by the many expressions of love, care, kindness and solidarity that CBF’s Global Migration Advocate, Elket, and his partners extend to God’s children arriving at the US-Mexico Border,” Ayala said.
“Their respect and acknowledgment of the inherent dignity of each individual shines through in their support and the environments they create for these services. Their commitment and passion are truly inspiring, challenging us to learn alongside them,” she continued. “This also encourages us to share our insights with leadership, churches and communities. Advocacy is most effective when our hearts are touched, and our minds are opened.
Ayala’s visit highlighted CBF’s increasing commitment to missional efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, particularly in South Texas’ colonias, home to many single mothers and undocumented immigrants. She met with key leaders, including Caly Fernandez, Executive Director of the House of Love and Justice (HLJ), an organization focused on transforming migrant communities through education and advocacy, and Pastor Carlos Navarro, who runs a migrant respite center in his church Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville (IBWB).
“I appreciate that [Ayala] took the time to visit us,” Navarro said. “I am very grateful that her eyes and heart were open to witness our ministry.”
CBF has provided critical assistance to IBWB in their efforts to feed, shelter and protect asylum seeking families legally released by Customs and Border Protection.
However, it was Ayala’s visit to Colonia La Piñata, a “red zone” colonia, that resonated deeply. Colonias like La Piñata represent the harsh reality of under-resourced and marginalized communities that span the Texas borderlands. Many colonia residents face systemic issues, including food deserts, lack of basic infrastructure and limited access to healthcare, leaving families—particularly single mothers and undocumented immigrants—struggling to meet their basic needs.
“The people who live in the colonias are not outsiders and they should not be left out of services and resources. They are our community,” Fernandez said. “Ayala’s visit was really appreciated by the community because they came from so far and because she is a woman in leadership role.”
As part of her time in La Piñata, Ayala participated in a community food distribution led by HLJ. Dozens of families were provided with fresh fruits and vegetables, a critical need in this food desert, where access to healthy food is severely limited.
“This food distribution initiative is a prime example of how HLJ and CBF are tackling the root causes of hunger in these communities,” said Elket Rodriguez, CBF Global Migration Advocate, who accompanied Ayala on her visit. “Migration status significantly contributes to food insecurity in the colonias, and improving our immigration system is crucial to alleviating these challenges and supporting residents in need.”
Ayala’s visit was part of a series of ongoing outreach efforts by the HLJ to build stronger bonds with the community. The previous week, HLJ conducted a Strengthening Families listening session in La Piñata. This initiative, done in partnership with CBF, created space for families to voice their concerns—ranging from the impact of social media on teenagers to food insecurity and lack of healthcare access. The insights gathered will shape a curriculum tailored to build family resilience and address the unique needs of each community.
Just one week after the Strengthening Families session, HLJ collaborated with Bread for the World and the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to address the pressing issue of hunger in the region. At an advocacy event on September 20, community leaders highlighted the increasing strain on local resources, especially as families relying on SNAP benefits struggle to put food on the table by month’s end. Nearly 80 percent of children in Hidalgo County’s colonias face food insecurity, with the median household income in these areas falling below $26,000 annually.
As the HLJ continues its work, CBF Global Missions is poised to play a critical role in transforming CBF’s missional approach to the U.S.-Mexico border. By focusing on holistic community outreach—whether through food distribution, leadership training or faith-based support programs—the partnership between HLJ, CBF and Fellowship Southwest are bringing much-needed hope and tangible resources to the region.