REFUGEE CRISIS RESPONSE
The need is great along the border
Immigration at the southern border is a frequent topic on the news or in social media discourse. But for Mission Presbytery, which shares a long border with Mexico, it's more than a talking point. The ministries and members of Mission Presbytery are addressing the needs of migrants and refugees at the border through partnerships with PC(USA) and ecumenical organizations on the ground in border communities.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
Mission Presbytery ministries and members partner with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in their efforts to serve those at the border and to advocate for policies that will help refugees and asylum seekers. Congregations also collect donations and monetary funds to be distributed by PDA.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is mandated by the General Assembly to provide humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and to work with other denominational offices and ecumenical partners to promote just and humane treatment. As such, PDA--in cooperation with the Office of the General Assembly's Office of Immigration Issues, the Office of Public Witness, presbyteries, synods, ecumenical and interfaith partners along the border--provides support to local non-profits and faith-based coalitions to provide food, shelter, clothing, first aid, legal orientations and referrals for asylum seekers. As the need grows, so too do the number of churches and groups who are joining their hands, hearts and voices to expand the places of welcome and to meet Christ in the faces of these sojourners.
Interfaith Welcome Coalition
Mission Presbytery is proud to partner with the Interfaith Welcome Coalition in their work. The Interfaith Welcome Coalition is a faith-based movement meeting the changing needs of asylum seekers, refugees, and at-risk immigrants in collaboration with others. IWC was founded and led by Mission Presbytery member, Rev. Kelly Allen until her death in 2016.
Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center, McAllen, TX
Many churches from Mission Presbytery have sent work groups to McAllen to serve at the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center.
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) with the help of the Sacred Heart Church, the City of McAllen, as well as volunteers and donations, opened its doors to the Respite center, located at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in McAllen, Texas. The center provides a place for the countless men, women, children, and infant refugees to rest, have a warm meal, a shower, and change into clean clothing as well as receive medicine and other supplies, before continuing onto their journey.