By Marv Knox As winter’s frigid blast buffeted the U.S.-Mexico border this week, pastors pleaded for blankets to comfort immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. “Very cold today; 37 degrees,” Carlos Navarro, pastor of Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville wrote in a text on Tuesday. Later, in a phone call, he said churches that provide … Continue reading
Category Archives: refugees
CBF coordinates ecumenical, nonpartisan ministry to immigrant caravan
By Marv Knox Pastors and ministry leaders on both sides of the Mexico-United States border are gearing up to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the immigrant caravan that began in Latin America and now is marching through Mexico toward the United States. A coalition of churches on both sides of the border, including … Continue reading
East African girl escapes horror, finds healing at CBF ministry
By Greg Warner In her mind, she can hear the words: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the Yo-Yo Ma of Uganda.” Jamilah’s ambition is as simple as it is audacious: “I want to be the Yo-Yo Ma of Uganda!” She delivers the pronouncement with her big cheery smile, with only a hint that she … Continue reading
A King’s Descendant — A Palm Sunday Reflection
By Marc Wyatt Palm Sunday celebrates the glorious triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:1-18). Zechariah had prophesied the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of … Continue reading
CBF Advocacy Update: December
This update comes from the Advocacy Action Team for Immigrants and Refugees. Immigration DREAM Act The DACA program is set to expire on March 5, six months after it was rescinded. Advocates from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have been part of a much larger community of businesses, law enforcement, faith leaders, educational institutions and legislators … Continue reading
When the impossible becomes possible
By Charles Allard No one was thinking the impossible when the Crabtree Valley Baptist Church met for its monthly business meeting February 26, 2017. We were discussing whether or not to rent or sell our vacated Youth House, which was deteriorating day by day. Someone asked, “Would we consider turning the Youth House into a … Continue reading
Welcome House, Welcoming Home: CBF field personnel cultivate beloved community through welcoming refugees in North Carolina
By Blake Tommey As the sun set over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elias Isaiah Erick and his family settled into a customary evening at home. Suddenly, militia fighters burst in, attacked Erick and kidnapped his wife and children. Alone, and with no knowledge of his family’s whereabouts, Erick fled the swelling violence as the deadline … Continue reading