THIS MOTHER'S DAY, as you celebrate the Moms in your immediate family, consider supporting refugee and immigrant moms in these creative ways, too!:

1) SEND A "MAMAS DAY" CARD TO A MUSLIM MOM!:  Visit MamasDay.org to send a free e-card to a Muslim or immigrant mother demonstrating your support and appreciation. The cards are commissioned by Forward Together, a non- profit devoted to strengthening cross-cultural networks.

2) SIGN THIS LETTER TO SUPPORT LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANT MOMS!: MomsRising engages and supports immigrant and refugee mothers, families, and allies to encourage justice and liberty for immigrants! This Mother's Day, help sign a letter of support for immigrants, which will be delivered along with small Statues of Liberty to the White House, Attorney General, and Senate!!  Sign on by visiting http://tinyurl.com/lazarusletter.  

3) READ AND SHARE THIS REFUGEE MOTHER'S STORY. Offer a prayer for her, and for all refugee and immigrant mothers.

I came to the U.S. from an African country in search of asylum. I was separated from my two older kids for about two to three years. I fled my country to escape genital mutilation while I was pregnant with my third child. Upon arrival, I immediately started the process with an attorney to file for asylum. Once granted asylum I applied for a travel document and sought help in filing for my children. After both children had been approved and had their immigrant visa added to their passports, I traveled with my youngest to an adjacent African country. My older children were brought to me by a family member and we traveled together to the U.S.

We arrived between the two travel bans at the beginning of this year and for some time I was not able to contact those who had helped me with my documents. They worried that I had not been able to board the flight. Eventually I was able to let them know we had made it into the country. I am now starting the process to become a permanent resident. My youngest is already a U.S. citizen, while the other two will be able to apply for their permanent residency once they've been here for a year.

We are a family of mixed immigration status, but we are finally reunited.

4) 4TH AND 9TH U.S. COURT OF APPEALS  CONSIDER REFUGEE BAN--and Disciples Presence! See the photo to the right of Disciples from Norfolk, Va., and our RIM director outside the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., on May 8th. The Richmond court there was considering the revised travel ban executive order case that emerged through a Maryland court.  Now on Monday, May 15th, we invite you to join (or join in prayer, wherever you are!) as the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle, WA. considers the revised travel ban executive order. This hearing will decide whether the travel ban will continue to be stymied or if it will continue to go into effect.

If you are in Seattle, we especially hope you may be able to attend a rally against the Muslim Ban and anti-refugee, anti-immigrant sentiment outside the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the William K. Nakamura Courthouse) at 700 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101.  (Further information about the event may also be found on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1920724344878041/)  Please contact sstanley@dhm.disciples.org if you plan to attend, and share your photos!

Disciples Home Missions has joined onto an Amicus Brief together with multiple faith partners related to both the 4th and 9th Circuit cases. The Amicus briefs represent damages faced by refugees and refugee organizations endured since the order was announced and additional consequences likely impacting refugees if the ban were to be fully enacted.  You can read the Amicus briefs here.

5) RIM IS EXCITED TO WELCOME Eureka College student William Compton to work as an intern this summer!  William will be lifting up refugee and immigration issues for campers throughout the summer, as they attend camps at Christmount Conference Center.  Will just completed training this week at our Washington, D.C. office. Please pray for Will as he helps lead our denomination's youth and children in learning more about refugees and immigrant concerns while at Christmount camp!!

6) Don't forget to REGISTER to celebrate Refugee and Immigrant Welcome Sunday, on June 18th or another Sunday.  Go here for resources to help you and your church prepare, and call our office at: 202-957-7826, or email to:  sstanley@dhm.disciples.org if we can help in any ways!