By Greg Smith Out of the blue I received a call from a true neighbor. “I know that immigrants are losing their jobs from the coronavirus [COVID-19] and many won’t be receiving government help.” Sadly, I had to agree. “So I want to help. I want to send a contribution to your ministry so you … Continue reading
By Marc Wyatt Just days into the reality of the global health crisis, we received word that an Afghan family of seven were 24 hours from arriving at the airport. Our refugee agency partner, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas, had expected the family to be denied entry to the United States as did we. We hurried to prepare their rooms at Welcome House. … Continue reading
By Fellowship Southwest Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Advocacy, CBF Global Missions and Fellowship Southwest are collaborating to place Elket Rodríguez, an attorney with extensive experience in immigration law, on their team on the U.S.-Mexico border. Rodríguez, a native of Puerto Rico who lives and practices law in Harlingen, Texas, will become CBF’s immigrant and refugee specialist … Continue reading
By Marv Knox BROWNSVILLE, Texas—Construction of an immigrant respite center at Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville is moving forward, thanks to a Christmas miracle of generosity. IB West Brownsville ministers to refugees who pass through Matamoros, Mexico, as they seek asylum in the United States. The U.S. immigration policy requires asylum seekers to “wait in place” … Continue reading
By Marv Knox Joy and gladness radiated from the desert about 100 miles west of Juarez, Mexico, Feb. 3. A shelter for refugees opened in Palomas, Chihuahua—thanks to a coalition that includes the village of Palomas, the state of Chihuahua, Red de Albergues Migrantes (the Migrant Shelter Network), regional nonprofits and Fellowship Southwest. Although Palomas … Continue reading
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
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
