http://youtu.be/gwDgh-KAoMQ
I want you join me in doing a very good thing. Click this CBF CARES link (then login or click “quick give”) and give as much money as you can, because this money will go directly to bringing humanitarian aid to immigrant and refugee children and families apprehended crossing into the U.S. from Central America by way of the Mexican border. (You can also mail a check with CBF CARES on the memo line to: CBF of SC, P.O. Box 11159 Columbia, SC 29211)
The news has been hard to watch these past few weeks. My heart breaks to hear of children, many of them alone and some of them abused, traveling hundreds of arduous miles for a chance at life in the United States. Violence in home countries leading parents to risk the children they love makes me hold my children a little closer these days. Many of you have asked how we might respond. You have asked what CBF is doing to help.
CBF has field personnel serving on the Texas-Mexico border. They are partnering with folks from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, a local food bank, and other faith-based groups. We can best help right now by sending money through CBF Cares that can be used to purchase supplies. For example, about $10 will buy a case of water and a pack of diapers or a case of water and a hygiene kit. I’d love for us in SC to send enough money to purchase “kits” or other supplies for 100 children. In other words, $10 can make a difference for a child on the border and I’d love for us to send a $1000. My family sent enough to help 5 children today. Join me and let’s do 95 more!
And by giving to CBF Cares, our money will follow the children. As they move to temporary housing in the Southeast and across the United States, field personnel and perhaps even CBF-partner congregations can use those funds to extend help locally.
I know that there exists a wide range of political perspectives on the causes and solutions for the problems of immigration to the United States. And I know folks in CBF partnering congregations hold with sincerity the entire spectrum of those perspectives. But these kids didn’t cause the problem and they don’t have the power to remove themselves from a desperate situation. So amid whatever other voices we hear and heed, and as we lend our voices to call for change, let us also hear Jesus who in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18 said “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.” In children’s voices are gospel whispers we need to hear. I believe that by helping them we meet Jesus (as he promised in Matthew 25) and move a bit closer to the Kingdom ourselves.
Follow the link above to give and help children through CBF CARES. Visit the CBF CARES link at our webpage for more information. Share these links with your friends. Forward this email. Let’s do a good thing.
Peace,
Jay