The story of migration to the United States is not solely one of seeking opportunity; it is also an account of escaping violence and persecution. Across Latin America, rampant gang violence, political instability, and economic hardship drive countless individuals to embark on perilous journeys in search of safety. The stories shared by migrants traversing the arduous routes to the US are often marred by tragedy and despair.
“The hardships of the ‘least of these’ are extraordinary,” shares Rick Solis, director at the El Paso Migrant Center, a ministry providing essential services to migrants ranging from food, shelter, medical care and legal assistance. Solis aptly describes their traumatic journey:
“I interview each of the families that come through our center, and the stories vary… whether it’s going through the jungle and stepping over dead and rotting corpses and the neck deep river crossings, to crossing into Mexico in the south and immediately getting pounced on by Mexican immigration where they demand payment to let them proceed further. They then tell me of running into cartels and getting taken until a ransom is paid by family members. The horror that is Mexico to these migrants has been shocking to hear, by the time they reach the border of the US, they have been stripped of most of their cash, phones, and sometimes even clothing. When Homeland Security drops them off at our center, they are exhausted, bruised, and sometimes injured from the barbed wire at the border. One of the first things we do is present them with hope that comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They receive it with tears of repentance and joy as they see the hand of God upon them.”
This sentiment underscores the El Paso Migrant Center’s holistic approach, which not only addresses physical needs but prioritizes the spiritual need for the Gospel and God’s Word.
Through these efforts, more than 3,500 migrants from across the world have placed their lives into the trust and care of Jesus Christ.
You can help us care for migrant families. By making Scripture accessible through modern technology in the form of Digital Bibles, you can directly address the spiritual needs of migrants who are ready to walk with Jesus and live according to His Word. We ask you to prayerfully consider giving this life-changing gift to families who are ready to commit their lives to Christ and grow in God’s Word.
As the nation enters a tumultuous time, in wait for a decisive election, the El Paso Migrant Center Ministry echoes the transformative message of the Body of Christ loving the stranger among us. Through their unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized and disenfranchised, they are embodying the profound power of God’s Word.
“We are strangers awaiting our eternal home. For the Christ-follower, we have a lens through which we navigate our way in the world. We can see immigration as a way to love the stranger among us.” – Larry Floyd, Executive Director, El Paso Baptist Association
Make a difference today. Visit go.dbs.org/migrant
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