Over the past couple of days I have seen incredible generosity from people in response to the migrant caravan we have going on eight miles from my house. I believed that we needed to respond in some way, in a way that is generous and meets some of the immediate needs of the thousands of Honduran men, women and children who are sleeping in tents along the US/Mexican border. I believe this in part because we are human, and humans help each other in times of need, but also because of the words in a children’s song that I learned in church, “the Bible tells me so.” Psalm 146 says:
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.”
Over the past two days people I have known for almost twenty years, and people I have never met are donating to help the situation in Tijuana, Mexico. I am not taking sides, I am not saying that the Hondurans should have come, or shouldn’t have come, I am simple trying to respond, and inspire others to respond to a need. Yesterday I went to the largest migrant camp in the city, It looked similar to the situation that I saw in Haiti after the earthquake, and the Philippines after the typhoon. Tents everywhere, desperation, food lines, security and beautiful people, including the Mexican government helping where they can.
The rains started yesterday too. I know it’s Mexico, but when the temperature drops to 60 degrees (10 for you Canadians and Europeans) and it is pouring rain, it’s cold, especially if you’re sleeping in a tent. In the camp, there are approx. 5200 men, women and children fighting this cold, wet weather. The ask from the workers and pastors in Mexico are for soap, tents, tarps and sleeping bags. Last night, Steps of Justice, the non profit I run purchased some of these items, along with warm socks for men, women and kids. We will also be purchasing colouring books, and tents. We are compelled to respond, to be the embodiment of Jesus, who made other peoples problems his own problems. We are honored to do it.
Thanks again for your inspiring response to this crisis, to those of you who are posting, praying, giving and sharing. The world is watching this going on, and I want my response to always be one of generosity and and love.
You can give through Steps of Justice, and your gift will go towards this need.
