In those days a decree went out
that all should be registered…
The decree I received
came in the form of an invitation from agents of the Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE). ICE agents are even now responding to an overwhelming influx
of asylum seekers from Central America. As occurred two years ago, the ordinary
system of immigration services is being overwhelmed with humanitarian need. In
response to this crisis, the new sector chief for Arizona is requesting the
help of faith communities to provide compassionate, temporary, transitional
shelter.
They hurried off and found Mary and
Joseph, and the baby…
The need for
compassionate, temporary, transitional shelter is most needed for women and
children. Similar to the “unaccompanied minor” crisis of 2015, today’s need
focuses on those who are most vulnerable, most in need of the kind of comfort
and care the Body of Christ provides. The ICE agents with whom I met expressed
a desire that these women and children seeking asylum (known as “asylees”) be
shelterd by faith communities rather than in already overcrowded and
overstressed governmental processing centers.
Joseph
got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left…
The temporary and
transitional nature of the shelter requested is for the purpose of helping
these asylees get from Phoenix or Tucson to their family, usually in another
state. U.S. law provides for asylees to be transported to family within our
borders, and ICE desires our help in making that experience as compassionate
and humane as possible; these folks already have known trauma so easing their
connection to family is in everyone’s interest.
Herod gave orders to kill all…
The trauma these asylees have experienced comes at the hands of “Herod” in their home countries of Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua. Indeed, Herod lives in many lands throughout the globe. Under the rule of Herod, people suffer and many choose to flee rather than be persecuted, suffer oppression or worse. Even today, Rachel weeps for her children and refuses to be comforted.
The trauma these asylees have experienced comes at the hands of “Herod” in their home countries of Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua. Indeed, Herod lives in many lands throughout the globe. Under the rule of Herod, people suffer and many choose to flee rather than be persecuted, suffer oppression or worse. Even today, Rachel weeps for her children and refuses to be comforted.
You shall call him Immanuel…
Christmas is the
celebration of God with us in Jesus Christ! God with us so that we can bring
God to the world. As the Body of Christ, it is our calling to confront Herod
even as we comfort Rachel. At this time, we are being invited to collaborate
with ICE to be instruments of God’s peace. Are you willing or able to help?
In
Tucson: Two Methodist churches are taking the
lead but need material assistance (click on this link) or email theinnprojecttucson@gmail.com
if you would like to volunteer.
In
Phoenix: A church or churches are need to serve
as organizer, coordinator and/or space provider. If you can help, email me, and
I will get you connected with others who are willing to help. Teresa Waggener,
the Coordinator of Immigration Issues at General
Assembly, will conduct a webinar on Wednesday, January 4 at noon. I and others
will be watching this webinar at the presbytery offices, and you are welcome to
join us!
Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace to all, on whom God’s favor rests.
Brad Munroe
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