In June, Texas announced a $250 million state-funded down payment to continue the construction of the southern border wall without federal support. Since the announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott, thousands of dollars have been raised in private donations from other…
Another reminder why Christians must become advocates for vulnerable children
Caring for the well-being of the most vulnerable children among us should be an easy decision for people of faith. The church already knows the importance of its sacred calling to care for children, taking seriously the stark biblical warning…
Biden administration begins next push to reunite children separated from families by Trump
Immigrant rights groups and faith leaders applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security this week will begin a new phase of reunification for families separated from their children at the U.S.-Mexico border by the Trump administration. Alejandro…
Climate change is heating up the terrorist conflict in Africa’s Sahel region
In Africa’s Sahel region — the current hotbed of terrorist violence — climate change has become a leading cause of worsening conditions. Although Nigeria is not new to security challenges, some commentators in the country recently have linked the worrying…
As unaccompanied children surge across the border again, Baptist ministries retool
A massive facility for immigrant children run by a Baptist-affiliated nonprofit has been reopened after sitting dormant for 20 months. The Carrizo Springs Influx Care Facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, is operated by BCFS, formerly known as Baptist Child and…
In border migrant camps, it’s a cold and lonely Christmas — but there is hope for the new year
The little girl playing in a migrant camp in Mexico broke into a big smile when asked what she wants for Christmas. “A pair of skates,” 9-year-old Jennifer of El Salvador said through an interpreter during a Zoom call on…
Ortiz guided by equal parts courage and faith in border ministry
It takes about equal parts courage and faith to minister to immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border. At least it does for Lorenzo Ortiz, a Texan from Laredo who operates feeding ministries and shelters for migrants across the Rio Grande River…
Faith groups amass compassion for migrant caravan as Trump amasses troops
Members of the migrant caravan winding its way through Mexico voted Thursday night to continue toward the U.S. border, and President Trump has promised to meet them there with troops and stricter asylum rules. But faith is also going to…
Barth, Church and migrants in Calais
Last week, French authorities began clearing an area of Calais called the “Jungle.” After enduring war and poverty, millions of people fled the Middle East, Asia and Africa. About 7,000 men, women, and children built a shanty town near the…