Opinion: What we saw on a recent trip to the border is no different than what we've seen over 30 years: A mess that security measures alone can't fix.
Read Rev. Randy Mayer's full OpEd published in The Arizona Republic.
Pastor Susan (Valiquette) from First Church UCC, Phoenix, accompanied Randy on this Friday afternoon trip. First Church also made a financial donation to the humanitarian work at the border to pay for supplies and the upkeep of their vehicles and gas. The Samaritans are able to reach migrants in remote areas that the Border Patrol cannot.
If your church would like to support this ministry, you may send your check to 'The Good Shepherd UCC' and designate it to the 'Samaritans, Sahuarita' 17750 South La Cañada Drive, Sahuarita, AZ 85629.
Read MoreRev. Randy Mayer finds parallels between the Christmas story and the reality facing migrants at U.S. border, in this commentary published on the UCC national website.
Read More“It has been a critical year for our ministry. Most importantly, the United States started processing asylum claims, and every one of the over 200 migrants who had been waiting for the entire pandemic made it safely and legally across the border to begin their asylum process. Laughter and tears accompanied every departure, as family after family passed through their credible fear interview and joined family or friends in the U.S. as they await further determinations. Over 500 people have now made it through in 2021 so far. As people enter the United States, La Casa takes in new families, with our shelter generally housing 120-150 people. More than 50% are children—in fact, in October of this year, four babies were born to parents at La Casa, including one who was actually born in our dormitory!”
Read MoreThe nearly 15 million people who call the Southern Border region home are part of a vibrant community that contributes to and strengthens our nation. But for decades, border communities have endured hyper militarization to the detriment of our economy, our safety, and our dignity. It’s time for common-sense border policies that revitalize, not militarize, our communities, and do the following:
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