Journey to a deeper understanding about the U.S./Mexican Border and Migration

Global mission partnerships, and the close long term relationships that have developed between our congregation and mission co-workers in Peru and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are a cherished aspect of church life at Broad Street.  As many of you know, a few years ago, after thoughtful discernment, we decided to add a new partnership with the Fontera de Christo ministry.  This organization is led by Mark Adams and Miriam Moldado Escobar, and they work to increase awareness and address issues related to migration at the U.S./Mexican border.

After only being able to get to know Mark and Miriam via Zoom meetings during the Coronavirus pandemic, it was an incredible opportunity for Brittany and I to be invited to participate in a small scale US/Mexican Border immersion trip experience with other congregations after things started to open back up.  As I tried to convey in a BSPC blog post from November of 2022, this was such an emotional and impactful trip for us!

A few months following that trip, it was wonderful that BSPC had the chance to host and continue to deepen our relationship with Mark, Miriam and their colleague Joca Gallegos for a weekend of worship, education about the border situation and migration, and fun fellowship cooking a homemade Mexican meal in the church kitchen with a large group from our congregation.

Now, after months of thoughtful planning and preparation, it’s exciting that a group of 22 Broad Streeters will embark this Saturday, June 15^th, on a 7 day immersion trip to the U.S./Mexican to experience and learn more about our co-workers’ ministry there related to migration.

This trip is more timely than ever with the polarization and political gridlock that surround issues of migration in our country.  So, let us pray.

Gracious and loving God, grant safe travel and watch over the Broadstreeters who will journey to the U.S./Mexican Border for an immersion experience shaped by our mission co-workers there.  May they gain a deeper understanding and faith inspired connection to the issues of migration, the challenges faced by border communities and the experiences of those seeking asylum from violence, persecution, and poverty.  Also, we pray for our Government leaders to find success in collaboration with other countries in our hemisphere to come up with solutions to address the root causes of migration and for our elected officials to work together to develop a compassionate and thoughtfully managed U.S. immigration system that prioritizes a humanitarian approach that treats migrants with dignity and respect.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

-Written by Julie Smith

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