Dear Friends,
One rule I have adhered to in over 20 years of ministry is that I do not discuss politics publicly. I pray for all of our leaders. I pray for the citizens of our nation as well as the world. I am on the mailing list for Lutheran Advocacy and have on occasion made phone calls or written letters. But on June 5, something changed.
That day immigration officials arrested 115 workers in Sandusky, Ohio. That evening there were over 100 children in daycare for whom no parent showed up to take them home. The daycare centers were unaware of what had transpired. They simply knew that these children had no place to go and nothing except what was in their school bag. These children went to bed that night not understanding what was happening, but Jesus took children "in his arms and blessed them."
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A colleague writes:
What can we do?
One: Ask God to protect them, provide for their needs, and unite them with their families quickly.
Two: Intercede in prayer for those ministering to children and families in the border area. Look for ways you and your church can partner with them to provide support for those in crisis.
Three: Pray urgently for our nation to value children as God does. Every crisis contains a call.
The immigration conflict of our day is an opportunity to take a stand of faith that children must not be used as political pawns, but instead be cherished and loved.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) was founded in 1939 by Lutheran churches in the United States to serve uprooted people during World War II. Visit their website for ideas on how your congregation can be involved in supporting all God's children.
Whatever our thoughts on immigration policies and practices, I encourage you to take a risk. Do your research and know the real facts. Then have the courage to speak out on behalf of all God's children and their families.
Blessings on your summer journey,
Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy, President
