Border Crisis

When we asked the immigrants, while volunteering at a relief center in McAllen, TX, why they were fleeing to America, most answered, "We feel secure here." Many of these people come from countries with corruption and dangerous cartels.

Team Photo

clothes

baby

Here are some of their stories:

"This is a story about an immigrant mother whose first experience in America, left her broken and in need of someone to listen. We'll call her Rosa. Once Rosa was released from immigration, she had to wait for her court date. So, in the meantime she needed some form of income to take care of her 8 year old daughter Michelle. A relative told her there was a woman who needed help around the house and would pay her well. So, she took the job hoping for the best. However, Rosa was held prisoner there for 3 weeks, a labor slave. Rosa had to appear in court in July but her boss said, " O, Don't worry. Burn your papers. They're going to kick you out anyways." Rosa thought, "Something is wrong here!" Through a series of events Rosa and her daughter Michelle got away and fled to a park, asking, "Will you help me?" A woman in the park brought Rosa directly to the relief center while our team was there. You could tell that her 8 yr. old daughter Michelle, was severely traumatized. After yarping with them, Michelle's face changed, as a team member told her how beautiful and special she was to the Father. Rosa and Michelle left us feeling peace!"

"Another woman, approx. 9 months pregnant, had quite a tale. We'll call her Gloria. While living in Ecuador, Gloria's husband was continually threatened by the cartels because he was unable to pay a tax they required to keep his business ($300 a month for amnesty from the cartels). They first attacked him but during the second attack he was shot at. Terrified for the safety of his family he fled, knowing if he stayed the cartels would harm his family. He fled to the USA. Their family plan was to be reunited in the USA someday. Gloria travelled 15 days walking and taking buses. When she arrived at the relief center in McAllen, she was extremely fatigued, lost, and in need of much assistance. My friend, who is fluent in Spanish, spoke with her and spoke to her about the good news. They wept together and she left that day full of peace. We also gave her the word."

There was also a 9 day old Guatemalan baby born in immigration who visited the relief center. It was so fun to watch her and give her her first bay bonnet! She was so precious. I wish I had a picture of her.