The Border Is A Tapestry
The United States and Mexico Border is a tapestry of perspectives, cultures, and stories; woven together to create a region that is as beautiful as it is complex.
During the first week of February, our team had the opportunity to host a group of twelve pastors & denominational leaders from across the country in partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals. We were honored to walk alongside these leaders, and were encouraged as they leaned in with curiosity; eager to understand how God is at work beneath the surface.
To get a glimpse of what this experience was like, read through each day of their trip below.
Thursday, February 6th, 2025 | Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, U.S.A.
A Biblical Perspective: King Solomon’s Request for the Foreigner
During every trip we host, the day begins in scripture to center our hearts on what God’s word has to say about our immigrant neighbor. In 2015, just 15% of evangelical Christians thought about immigration issues from a biblical perspective. In 2024, 26% now cite the Bible as the most important factor guiding their views. While this 11% increase in ten years is significant, that number should be 100%.
The group was struck by the fact that 74% of evangelical believers still view the topic of immigration through a lens other than scripture. They came to the consensus that it is the responsibility of those who are pastoring churches to guide those they shepherd in rooting their perspectives in scripture, rather than in politics, media, or their own opinions.
We spent time reflecting on the life of King Solomon, and the way He sought God to guide him in his governance; including the way he governed the marginalized, oppressed, and needy.
“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.” Psalm 72:1-2
One pastor pointed out the significant connection between righteousness and justice, noting that the Latin root for righteousness and justice is the same (justitia). There is not only a connection between righteousness and justice, the two words and their implications are inseparable.
A Law Enforcement Perspective: U.S. Border Patrol
In the Rio Grande Valley, United States Border Patrol agents work along the Rio Grande between ports of entry. While homeland security is their primary responsibility, humanitarian aid became the status quo in many cases over the past decade; as men, women and children from across the world began arriving at the southern border to seek asylum. Across all sectors, a large percentage of agents were raised in border communities, choosing to join the patrol for a variety of reasons; many of them with the desire to see their communities and families flourish. The agents shared that while they are still “getting their footing” in terms of the tangible impact of recent policy changes, in many ways their job remains the same.
We closed our meeting in prayer, asking God to provide them with peace and wisdom as they navigate a myriad of changes due to policy shifts, and the many challenges that accompany their work. One pastor prayed that God would give them the “gentleness of doves and the shrewdness of serpents" to discern their individualized response in each moment.
A Humanitarian Perspective: Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center
We had the opportunity to meet with Sister Norma Pimentel, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley. Sister Norma shared about the origins of the Humanitarian Respite Center, which has assisted nearly one million asylum seekers along their journey over the course of the last decade. She shared about the favor she has experienced with the City of McAllen, and the gratitude she feels towards the respite center’s partners. The journey of serving asylum seekers in the region has been tumultuous and has required flexibility, wisdom, and faithfulness.
Sister Norma shared when she faces challenges, whether they be logistical or legal, she rests knowing that God has called her to serve every person with dignity. There is no law that says she cannot feed someone who is hungry, or give a drink to someone who is thirsty. She closed her remarks sharing that no matter what changes may come, she is committed to serving immigrants and asylum seekers in the Rio Grande Valley.
A Global Faith Perspective: The Great Commission Redefined
In the afternoon, we met with Cesar Garduño, the Coordinator of the Missions Department at Río Grande Bible College in Edinburg, Texas. Cesar is passionate about missions and mobilizing Latin American students to unreached regions of the world.
This seminary operates along the U.S. and Mexico border, and its student body challenges the western understanding of the Great Commission. Not only are the nations arriving at our southern border, providing the opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed through receiving and welcome, but latino believers are being mobilized in the United States and across the world. Revival is sweeping across Latin America, and the Western Church has the opportunity to experience this revival through the vibrant faith of our latino neighbors.
Friday, February 7th, 2025 | Perspectives Matamoros, Tamaulipas, MX
A Pastor’s Perspective:
Nearly twenty years ago, Pastor Abraham Barberi and his wife moved from Houston, Texas to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, as missionaries. Together, they founded One Mission Ministries, run a scholarship-based bible institute, and pastor a hip-hop church that reaches youth in Matamoros with the gospel through music; cultivating a church community that embodies a posture of welcome.
For two years, Pastor Abraham opened the doors of his church to host and feed asylum seekers during the height of the pandemic and the “Remain in Mexico” policy under the previous administration. Pastor Hugo and Eunice Moya often served alongside him in the work of the gospel. Both families continue to exemplify the heart of the local church in this region and serve “the least of these,” no matter the personal cost.
An Asylum Seeker’s Perspective:
In the afternoon, we visited a local shelter in partnership with Pastor Abraham. We prayed, shared words of encouragement, and served a meal to families from across Latin America who are waiting for the opportunity to seek asylum in the United States.
One pastor from the National Association of Evangelicals had the opportunity to speak with a woman from Honduras. She and her son left their home two years ago, only to have their CBP1 appointment cancelled. This pastor considered the weight of his words and this mother’s inconceivable circumstances, encouraging her to take heart. He reminded her that God has a purpose for her wherever she finds herself, including this time of waiting at the U.S. and Mexico border. Tears flowed from her eyes as she realized she was seen and cared for, not just by this group of pastors, but by God.
When suffering is present, our response as believers should never be to look away, but rather to look towards with compassion, humility, and truth. We are incredibly grateful for the time we spent with this diverse group of leaders from the National Association of Evangelicals. As we look ahead to future groups and individuals we will host this year, our hope is that their response will be the same; to look toward their immigrant neighbors with compassion, humility and truth.
