Don't Miss the 2022 Border & Migration Ministry Summit
As friends of RGBM, you are all invited to join us for the Fourth Annual Border & Migration Ministry Summit hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, taking place online March 30 - 31, 2022. More information and links to register are included below. Online registration is open through Friday, March 25 (TOMORROW) so be sure to reserve your spot so you don’t miss out!
Questions may be directed to Flor Saldivar, Director for Immigration & Refugee Ministries (Diocese of West Texas), at immigration@dwtx.org
A virtual conference for those engaged or interested in migration ministries will be held March 30-31, hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. The Fourth Annual Border & Migration Ministry Summit—rescheduled from October—will be simultaneously interpreted in English and Spanish.
This year’s program will feature keynote presentations from the following:
Karen Gonzalez, a nonprofit professional at World Relief, speaker, immigrant advocate, and author of “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, The Bible, and the Journey to Belong.”
The Rev. Nancy Frausto, director of the Latinx Studies Program and lecturer in Latinx ministry at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.
During the summit, attendees will learn about and reflect on forced migration through the lenses of asylum, immigrant detention, and accompaniment. Panel discussions will include experts, practitioners, faith leaders, and lay leaders.
The conference is scheduled to run from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 30, and from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. CT on March 31.
Registration costs $25; the deadline to sign up is March 25.
Second-line Shelter for Asylum Seekers at St. Christopher’s
Rio Grande Borderland Ministries (RGBM) is excited to be partnering with Annunciation House to open a second-line shelter at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in El Paso, Texas. We are partnering with the Annunciation House shelter network to provide temporary housing for people seeking asylum. These people are released by Border Patrol and as they prepare to travel to the destination of their sponsor the shelter network has been providing housing. The shelter network also offers support by calling sponsors and advising them of the status of those seeking asylum. Shelters provide a welcoming to our immigrant communities with dignity. Giving them the space they need to continue their journey. In this space, they have a place to sleep and receive meals, comfort, love, and safety. Please keep us in your prayers as we answer God’s call to welcome our immigrant sisters and brothers with dignity!
Interested in making an in-kind donation to our shelter in El Paso? Download our full list of needs here. En Español.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Rio Grande Borderland Ministries (RGBM) is collaborating with Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, to serve as a second-line shelter when Annunciation House reaches capacity. We are in search of volunteers to help live into RGBM’s mission “to ensure that our migrant neighbors or embraced in the service of justice, in the interest of dignity, and the spirit of love.” Interested in volunteering with Rio Grande Borderland Ministries (RGBM)? Fill out our volunteer application: https://forms.gle/X5ApNRj9MW5gXEhK8
Download the full volunteer opportunities document here. En Español.
If you are not able to volunteer your time, we hope you will consider supporting RGBM by making a donation. Your generosity helps us to provide food, clothing, and shelter to migrants seeking asylum here in the US.
RGBM Cycle of Prayer
Our hearts are broken when we say that as of today millions have fled the violence in Ukraine. Oh God, have mercy. The numbers can feel overwhelming but you know each and every name and story. Bring peace and safety to those who flee and those who stay to defend their country, and to all who are affected by this war.
“We know you command us to protect the foreigner, the widow, the poor, and the orphan. Help us to keep this commandment. This week, guide us into action to learn what needs newcomers living near us have.”
Let’s lean in this week. Let’s get closer and ask God how we can love those near and far.
AMEN.