Refugees

A Note to My Conscience: You are welcome to serve at the throne of Christ, because it is a throne of grace.  You may not sit on the throne because you can't be trusted to render a verdict of mercy.  Your job is not to condem me.  Your job is to call me from the pigpens back to my Father's house. In doing so you will be my prophet.  - Brad Jersak

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.  - Hebrews 12:28

Carlos, Josefina, and their young son Gerson (not their real names) fled Cuba for the United States in pursuit of asylum protections. Because of certain restrictions in Cuba, flying to Guyana in South America was the closest they could get to their intended destination. En route with other migrants for safety, the three of them traversed unknown terrain, mountain ranges, and rainforests through South and Central America until they reached Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. - Psalm 25:5

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

It’s that time of year—both in North America and so many other parts of the world—where children prepare to go back to school. Many enjoyed a lengthy summer holiday with family and friends as they set out on national and international trips, attended camps and vacation Bible schools, spent time in the sun, and took some time to unwind from the previous school year before beginning anew. The carefree days of summer are being replaced with a season of purpose and promise for a better future brought to us by the gift of education. 

September 6th is National Read a Book Day! With the upcoming Canadian election in mind, the Centre for Public Dialogue has compiled this great list of books for you to read on Sept 6th, or any other day this fall. These titles have been read and enjoyed by our staff and board members as they endeavor to speak hope to elected officials, and to engage our families, neighbourhoods, and church communities in doing justice. 

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. - Psalm 54:2

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Psalm 25:5 

We received this letter from Pastor Samuel Lopez in Ciudad Juarez and Pastor Angel Lopez in West Michigan about their ministry to asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. Together, these brothers are working to connect brothers and sisters in Christ to address the border crisis as one body. In this letter updating faith partners about the ministry, you will see the need to provide humanitarian aid, but also the urgent importance of changing policies that harm asylum-seekers and those supporting them.