A New Shelter at St. Christopher's, El Paso and Talking with the Border Patrol in Alpine, TX: Your Borderland Update
This week’s borderland update comes from The Rt. Rev. Michael Buerkel Hunn, Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande! In this update, Bishop Hunn goes on a mini-pilgrimage to engage with some of the important work being done by RGBM in both El Paso, TX and in the Big Bend region of our diocese. He sits down with Bridge Chaplain Ana Reza to talk about the welcome shelter we are establishing at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in El Paso, and he also shares his experience sitting down with the border patrol in the Big Bend.
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
For all those who see “home” and all it means disappear behind them; For all those who cannot see a home in the days ahead of them; For all those who dwell in daily insecurity; For all those who are weary and without a safe place to rest their heads; For all families in migration we pray. -Jane Deren
A new report out this week shows the stark effect that Covid has had on reducing the U.S. labor force by limiting the number of working-age international migrants entering the country. The decrease in worker visas has contributed to a decrease in economic growth. Please pray for businesses struggling to recover and fill jobs, and for workers, both U.S. and foreign-born to be able to find jobs that provide a living wage.
Covid cases surged to record highs in federal immigration detention centers this week, reminding us that detainees remain vulnerable. Let's pray for the safety and health of those in U.S. custody.
Lord Jesus, help us by your grace, to banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister, and to welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity while responding to their many needs. -United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
God of Abraham and Jacob, we know that you are familiar with our need for food and work. You are the God who works on behalf of the hungry, the poor, the traveler, and the outsider. We want to join in your work of protection, welcome, and compassion. Help us to heed your command to look out for and care for the foreigner. Amen. -Far From Home Hosting Guide
May we explore and look deeply into the migration stories of the Bible and the stories of people's lives. In both, may we ask God to reveal to us how we can be a part of God's redemptive purposes in this world.
When we remember that each of us is created in the image of God, it changes the way we see ourselves and the way we see others. How do you work to remember the inherent dignity of all people?
Jesus says people will know we follow Him by the love we exhibit (John 13:35). How are you showing love and care to those in need?
Refugee resettlement numbers for January show continued low admissions, with only 1,049 refugees being resettled last month. Please pray for the increased efforts to rebuild the resettlement infrastructure so that our capacity to welcome more in need increases.
As new immigration reform bills are introduced and negotiations continue in Congress, we continue to pray for lawmakers to work together. Let's pray for wisdom, cooperation, and conversations in good faith. We pray for decisive steps toward solutions.
"God, we pray for those who are trapped in hopeless and exploitative circumstances. We pray for those who are fleeing oppressive communities only to find themselves in other frightening and unsafe circumstances. We confess that we feel helpless to change all of the dynamics at play. Show us what role is uniquely ours. We know that you call us to create a society that protects the vulnerable. Your Kingdom come, oh God." - Far From Home Hosting Guide
We believe God calls us to a deep love for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the forgotten. Thank you for your prayers, advocacy, and action for the vulnerable.
AMEN.