Welcoming with Dignity - Borderland Update
March 24, 2021
The Rev. Canon Lee Curtis, Canon to the Ordinary
Canvas of Hope
A Community Art Fundraiser Presented by Rio Grande Borderland Ministries
In order to spread awareness and build our network of supporters, Rio Grande Borderland Ministries is hosting an online community art fundraiser titled Canvas of Hope. The event will feature artists passionate about migration, including musical performances, poetry readings, artists talks, and more.
Please join us for Canvas of Hope on Saturday, May 1, from 1:00 PM MDT to 2:30 PM MDT. Registration required. Questions? Reach out to Nellie Fagan, RGBM Project Coordinator, at admin@riograndeborderland.org.
RGBM Cycle of Prayer
We would like to turn this part of the newsletter into a cycle of prayer naming specific people and places. If you have prayer requests please let us know at admin@riograndeborderland.org. This will be published every two weeks.
As the headlines continue to remind us of the growing numbers of unaccompanied minors at the border, we invite you to pause and pray with us.
God our Father, we join together in prayer for the young men and women at the border, for the boys and girls seeking a safe place to call home. We know in broad strokes why people may be leaving their home countries and what relationships and refuge they may be hoping to find in the U.S. But you, O God, know every child’s story. You know exactly what circumstances, decisions, and moments led to their standing in front of Border Patrol agents. You know their hearts, bursting with courage, fear, and longing.
Lord, first and foremost, we pray for their safety. We ask for your presence to be with them in detention facilities, migrants shelters, and sponsor families. Watch over them and keep them from harm.
Give agents and officials strength and wisdom as they process and place children that they might notice red flags and intervene when needed. Help them, too, to recognize safe situations and support the welfare of children to the best of their abilities. We ask that all involved would experience your presence as they care for those made in your image.
As children shuffle through the system, be close to their hearts. Calm their fears. Help them to navigate an unfamiliar system, language, and country. Grant them peace. May their most basic of needs be met, and may they catch glimpses of your love in their life along the way. May they find refuge in you and be glad (Psalm 5:11).
We give thanks this day for those from our Diocese ministering in Juarez/El Paso. Remembering especially our bridge chaplain, Ana, Lee, our canon to the ordinary, and Padre Hector who maintains two shelters in Juarez (Espíritu Santo y San Mathias). We are very grateful for the many volunteers who give of their time and talents and treasure in the El Paso area.
God, these issues often feel too big for us. And in many ways, they are. But we know they are not too big for you. Thank you that you know and love each and every child at the border. Help us to know how to respond. Together, in your name, we pray. Amen.