Thousands of immigrant children remain in processing facilities in Texas, California and Arizona while the government deals with what is being called the “border crisis,” the 47,000 children who have entered the U.S. illegally since Oct. 1. While the children are being detained, Christian charities and churches have stepped in to tend to the needs of the unaccompanied children.
Pastor Chad Mason of Calvary Baptist Church said, “The need is massive. The goal is to do the best we can to serve with the heard of Christ in Matthew 25. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Volunteers have distributed food, water and clothing. Texas Baptist Men have set up a laundry station manned by volunteers, as well as a place to shower. Mason estimates that Catholic Charities have helped 6,000 children in McAllen, Texas so far.
John Andrews of the Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino County said that people who look at the situation critically, should see the border crisis as a humanitarian problem.
“I would encourage them to view this as a humanitarian crisis. When your brother or sister presents themselves to you in their need, as we know from the parable of the Good Samaritan, then we don't pick and choose. We don't say, 'Well, we're going to help this person in need but not that person in need.’ When you see a person who's presenting themselves to you and you can see clearly that they need your help, you see the Lord Jesus in them, and you help them,” Andrews said.
To volunteer with the charities, make a monetary donation or send items such as food or clothing, go to SouthTexasRefugees.org.
Publication date: July 15, 2014