On June 9th, several FCC members traveled as part of a pilot program group in the Caminantes Border Immersion Program, a ministry of Comunidad Limen, a progressive Latinx Disciples church and partner with us in space, community, and the ministry of Arizona Disciples Border Initiative. Caminantes leaders seek to inspire action and change in the liminal space of the border by sharing their own migration stories. This is a unique program among border immersion programs because the story is told by those who have lived this journey.
We started our day at Tumacácori learning about the complex relationship of the doctrine of discovery, the subjugation of indigenous peoples and their culture by colonizers, and the role of religion in creating the concept of ‘borders’ and how that history continues to shape what is happening at our borders today.
After lunch, we traveled on to Nogales to spend some time contemplating the border wall and seeing the changing culture of the two towns and the creation of a ‘dead zone’ on both sides of the border in Nogales. We then traveled into Mexico to visit Casa de la Misericordia, a unique shelter for migrants who need longer term housing. We learned about the vibrant community that they have created there for the travelers, and met Ismael, who assists the migrants in navigating the ever changing and complicated world of immigration to the United States. Casa de la Misericordia is a key partner in our own FCC Hospitality Center ministry, as they will be directing folks our way so that we can be cohorts in assisting them in their journey.
The day was eye and heart opening. The Spirit is moving and calling us to do God’s work; let us celebrate this opportunity and embrace this new collaboration in ministry with body and spirit.
If you have any questions, feel free to talk to any of the folks on this past trip. ¡Paz!
Visiting Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico
Our Caminantes pilot program group!
Learning about militarization at the border in Nogales, Arizona.
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