Nazarene Response to Border Crisis

Florida District Leaders 

Join Nazarene  

Compassionate 

Ministries in Response

to Border Crisis

  

 

More than 52,000 unaccompanied children have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border since October 2013.  Families from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico are sending their children to the U.S. to escape crime, gangs and poverty, and to reunite with relatives who may already be on American soil.

 

By law, unaccompanied children are transferred into the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services within 72 hours of their arrest. The  next stop is temporary shelters - a network of 100 around the country that are insufficient and over capacity - until authorities can find family or foster homes to take them while their cases play out in immigration court, a process that can take years. (click here to learn more about the current crisis)


In light of this developing humanitarian crisis, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) has been actively assessing the situation to determine the ways the church can best be involved.  Rev. Joel Tooley, pastor of our Tavares Nazarene, has been asked by NCM to facilitate all efforts for USA/Canada Region. 

District Leaders Meet in Tavares, FL June 27, 2014

 

Pastor Joel immediately began coordinating efforts to identify  Nazarene Child  Development Centers that can be used as emergency shelters. Two on our district have already begun the certification process: Eustis and Orlando Lake Como Connexions.

    


How Can You Help?  
  1. Pray - Pray for these unaccompanied children, ages 3 to 17, and for our local and national leaders actively working to respond.  The USA church has been invited to participate in the active care of children by its government; this is an incredible opportunity for the church to serve with prayer.  
  2. Support - There are many ways to become involved now. The center at Lake Como has a list of immediate needs (click here)  As more Child Development Centers open, needs will surface that could involve small, skilled Work & Witness teams - as well, opportunities for short-term employment or volunteers. Contact Joel Tooley for find out how you can help ([email protected])     
  3. Advocacy -citizens of the USA must continue to advocate for the vulnerable and for the reformation of immigration laws that reflect Biblical values. The Board of General Superintendents has endorsed the efforts of the Evangelical Immigration Table (www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com) along with other denominations and Christian organizations.  

I know you will join me in lifting these children and our leaders in prayer and with your support.

Larry  

 

  

 

Larry Dennis

District Pastor 

"He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice.  He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing."

Deuteronomy 10:18 
Questions?
Pastor Joel Tooley: [email protected]