Every time I get to visit the border town I come back home with the inability to conjugate words that can properly express my feelings. Walking in shelters filled with thousands of people from all over Latin America seeking to find an appointment through the CBP one app, with little to no personal belongings and with the look of despair in their eyes.
I find it difficult to reconcile the suffering and injustice with the sovereignty and goodness of God. It seems like all our efforts are insufficient compared to the vast humanitarian needs that are present in Mexico.
I keep running to Jesus with a lot more questions and doubts. I am finding it rather painful to sit in a pew on Sunday morning, in a well furnished place, with all of the commodities we can obtain in the USA; while thousands of people are waiting underneath tents in 100 degree weather, with no running water.
Lately I’ve found myself lamenting over the situation at the border. I need to be intentional in seeking the Lord and constantly preaching the gospel of Jesus to myself. I found the following excerpt to be comforting and true, and it’s found in, “Xplore, Welcoming the Nations Among Us.”
“God is not silent about the cause of the refugee, the immigrant, the outsider. In fact, our God is a God who identifies with and enters into their distress. People moving to new lands is as old as Genesis, and God has often used and directed migration for His own purposes. In fact, welcoming has always been a significant part of God’s mission to reach all peoples.”
Friends, I implore you to consider praying, giving, and going.
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10
If you are considering contributing, here are some ways you can help:
- The organization that I work with (13:2 Initiative) is serving migrants by providing donated goods to direct care organizations. Financial gifts give us the flexibility to buy what is most needed in the moment.
- A $6 purchase from our wishlist can supply a pack of pads for migrant women, providing a sense of dignity and hygiene.
- Solidarity Engineering is providing hygiene supplies, building water towers, renting porta-potties, building a playground, and just generally doing amazing work. If you get excited about strategic and scalable solutions, please consider supporting them.
- Casa Lulu is a shelter in Reynosa where they provide care and support for individuals who have experienced severe trauma and violence during their journeys. Donations can be sent to Team Brownsville with a note indicating it is for Casa Lulu.
- Mercy Without Borders works hard to purchase and deliver food to many of the camps.
If you’re willing and able to help, it will make a real difference. Your contribution matters and is greatly appreciated.