RGBM's Call to #WelcomeWithDignity - This Week's Borderland Update
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, breaks down the most recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Remain in Mexico policy. To learn how these recent policy decisions impact the work RGBM is doing to #WelcomeWithDignity in the borderland, please watch the full update, and consider making an impact by supporting the work of RGBM.
We hope you had the chance to watch the video in our last newsletter 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
For the people of Afghanistan, we pray for protection and provision. We pray for God's presence to be felt in every moment of need. We pray for refugees entering new communities. May the church be a good neighbor, welcoming and caring for those seeking to rebuild.
"We grieve today with those who grieve over Afghanistan, the people who call it home indeed, the people exiled or suddenly having to leave, and the men and women from other countries who have made sacrifices in recent years in the cause of that country's future...We pray for peace, dignity, freedom and confidence for the men, women and children of Afghanistan; for courage, vision and generosity within the international community responding to such need." (Prayer from The Church of Scotland)
We are crying out this week for the people of Haiti after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and resulting landslide. We are praying that God would meet their immediate needs and for those on the ground giving long-term support and rebuilding communities.
"Eternal God, send forth your Spirit to encourage and strengthen the people of Haiti in these difficult times. We pray especially for those impacted by the recent earthquake. Encourage and strengthen those who help and support others...Inspire and empower the resolve of the nations and peoples of the world to be your instruments of help and healing. Stir up the might of your love and compassion among the nations to rally resources and stay the course until the humanitarian job is accomplished." (Bishop Michael Curry)
We continue to pray for those seeking asylum at the southern border. A proposed rule this week could allow the asylum process to be more efficient and fair. Let's pray for those seeking their legal right to pursue asylum and the decision-makers and officers involved.
Let's ask God how we, as individuals and as a community, can add to our knowledge about what is happening in these areas of concern and around the world. May God show us how we should respond. And may we have the courage, wisdom, and resolve to not look away, but to practically love others in the name of Jesus.
When the darkness feels overwhelming, we know it will not prevail. We grieve with those who grieve. We also hold out hope, believing that the Light of the World is still in control.