Thousands of our brothers and sisters are sleeping in tents along the Rio Grande. Will you join us in extending a hand of compassion?
Families just like yours and mine are fleeing violence, corruption, and persecution. Leaving everything behind, they set out on foot and travel for months. They journey through a dense jungle where they hike for miles through dense mud, over steep mountains, and past the bodies of those who fell victim before them to the numerous dangers. Hunger, thirst, and the threat of violence are a daily reality. Although the journey is painful, they come because they have hope of finding a better life for themselves and their families.
Then one day, finally, they arrive at the US/Mexico border. Contrary to what they may have been told, they find they are not able to immediately cross the border and apply for asylum. They will have to wait an average of six months for their opportunity to do so legally. Exhausted, penniless, and with only the clothes on their back, they settle into a tent encampment and wait. This is where our paths collide and we have an opportunity to provide some comfort as they wait.
The threat of violence remains a constant spectre as they wait day by day, sleeping on the ground in the heat and cold, young and old, waiting for their chance. Like Moses, they look across the river and dream of the day they will cross into the land of opportunity. I am continually inspired by their perserverance and heartbroken by the stories of what they face.
While they wait, we do what we can to show them that they matter to God. We supply missionaries with hygiene kits, clothing, and blankets that they distribute in the camps. When the camp kitchen runs low, we bring hundreds of pounds of food to make the next meal just a little more filling. As life threatening cold arrives, we surge thousands of emergency blankets into the region through our network of partners. From our warehouse, we send out an average of over 5,000 items per month that are distributed in Reynosa and Matamoros.
We can’t end their suffering. We don’t have all the answers. But Jesus made it simple: feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Comfort the afflicted. With your help, we can provide a small measure of comfort and remind them they are not alone. Today I appeal to you on their behalf. Our operational expenses are fully funded; any funds we raise will be used directly in service of our brothers and sisters. Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation today at www.thirteentwo.org/donate. Your donation will make a difference for those in need.