Dr. Patterson is Going to the Texas/Mexico Border!
Every five seconds somewhere in the world, someone is forced to leave home for fear of persecution, war, or violence. Most move from one poor country to another. Of the small percentage attempting to come to America, nearly all try to enter legally. And during the past two decades, the apprehension of illegal immigrants in the Southwest has greatly declined. Most undocumented immigrants came to the U.S. legally, but stay beyond the expiration of their visas.
It’s fair to wonder: if more Americans witnessed the problem and understood the reality of this issue, could we change things?
On August 28-31, 2019, our pastor will be in among those trying to change things by taking part in a United Methodist endorsed program called Courts and Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas/Mexico Border. She is will be in McAllen, Texas, to take part in in a 2-day immersion experience that engages people of faith to witness first-hand the legal and law enforcement processes related to immigration, detention, and deportation occurring in South Texas. Additionally, her group will cross the border into Mexico and speak with those hoping to come into the U.S.
This project builds on work the Interfaith Center has been doing for years with faith communities across the state in building bridges between direct action and policy advocacy. Bearing witness to the current situation on the border will equip people of faith from across Texas for potent advocacy for just immigration policies. Moreover, the stories of Texans from local communities across the state participating in the project will help to keep the border crisis in the news cycle in every media market, including on local television news.
Laity are encouraged to go the border as well. If you are interested, please visit, www.ntcumc.org, then use the search section for Courts and Ports.
Let’s be in prayer for her and thank God for her strong witness!