Borderland Update: A Thank You to the Bosque Center- and a Vision for the Future
The Rev. Canon Lee Curtis, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande
In this week’s borderland update, The Rev. Canon Lee Curtis, Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, talks about how the Diocese is showing up to support migrant families through our new hospitality space at St. Christopher's, El Paso. Take five minutes to learn about how RGBM is showing up to #WelcomeWithDignity.
We hope you had the chance to watch the video announcing our parish partnership program! We look forward to walking alongside you as you discern your call to welcome the stranger and support the work of RGBM. Questions? Connect with our project coordinator Nellie Fagan (admin@riograndeborderland.org). Click the button below to learn more about parish partnerships and download our sample covenant
RGBM Cycle of Prayer
People serving among Afghan refugees in the U.S. have shared with us how difficult the transition is for many of these families swept away from their homes and culture. We pray that God’s presence would be felt among these families during this transition and for the volunteers that are showing up to provide a Christ-like welcome for them. May healing take place and may God provide for all they need now and in the months and years to come.
We continue to pray for the 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants that were living in an encampment in Del Rio, Texas but have now been moved to other areas—some into the U.S., some back to Haiti. While the camp is gone, the lives of those involved in the humanitarian crisis are still in upheaval. May God sustain, provide for, guide, and comfort all these without a home.
We cry out on behalf of those working with and for the vulnerable in Christ’s name: volunteers, attorneys, advocates, lawmakers, non-profit workers, church leaders, and so many more. The work is constant and the emotional weight is heavy. May they take up the light yoke of Jesus and may God give them endurance and strength for the marathon they are running.
Lord bless all those working along the border, aid workers, patrol workers, those in ministry, give them health and strength to continue their service. Let their hearts and minds be open to your guidance, and rest when needed.
Amen
So many are touched by the economic hardships of the pandemic and we cry out to God for provision. A report on wage theft from the Associated Press last week said that immigrants make up 42% of all workers performing cut-and-sew garment assembly and this industry has the second-highest rate of federal wage-violation cases over the last 15 years. Visa shortages and wage theft are hitting immigrants in the U.S. hard and we pray for justice and provision.
We want to pray for the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers this week. We pray for the availability and access to counseling services. The trauma those who’ve had to flee their home experience leaves a lasting impact. May God bring healing and peace, help and wholeness—as well as individuals and communities to walk beside these hurting, vulnerable people.
Lord bless all those working along the border, aide workers, patrol workers, those in ministry, give them health and strength to continue their service. Let their hearts and minds be open to your guidance, and rest when needed.
Amen
“You weep with those who are uprooted from their homes through no fault of their own. As your heart and hands, teach us to welcome immigrants into our community as friends and neighbors who bring blessings. Swiftly reunite to their families children who have been separated from parents and relatives. May the God of Welcome open our hearts to all immigrants, refugees, and people who are far from home and family.” - Alison Benders, Liturgical Press
Thank you for praying, learning, giving, serving—and all you do in the name of Christ. We give thanks to God for the way this community leans in with!
May we be people who resemble Christ this week, in our reception of others and in all we do.