Representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR) for Refugees met with representatives from the Border Shelter Network (BSN) to discuss refugee trends and needs of shelters that serve large or exclusive populations of immigrants Oct. 26-27 at La Posada Providencia.
Delegates from BSN traveled from various border cities, such as El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; San Diego, California and Yuma, Az.; while those from UNHCR traveled from the nation’s capital. The purpose of the two-day meeting was to find ways UNHCR could best support the shelters assisting immigrant families, and help prepare for the approaching caravan from Honduras.
A pastor from Mexico reminded everyone why refugees must walk in caravans. Refugees with little money are the most vulnerable when they pass through Mexico because they cannot afford to pay for any form of transportation. Refugees who break into smaller walking bands are easy prey for cartel members. Once they are kidnapped, the men are forced into drug trafficking and the women are forced into human trafficking. The children often lose their lives to organ trafficking.
La Posada was proud to host such an important meeting that focused on current refugee issues and as well as national and local solutions — a meeting of the hearts and minds!
Presbyterians on a Mission
Ten people from Mission Presbytery, a part of Presbyterian Church (USA), visited
La Posada Providencia Oct. 26. Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP, gave the men and women a tour of La Posada and explained the mission and services La Posada provides to refugees and asylum seekers. Then the group enjoyed lunch with the clients.
The men and women traveled from their homes in Central and South Texas to spend two days in the Texas-Mexico border region to learn about immigration policy and the plight of refugees. Their mission was to support social justice and policy reform for sojourners and support the shelters and agencies that aid them.
Thank you, Mission Presbytery, for visiting La Posada and supporting social justice!
A Man of the People
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., who represents the 27th District of Texas, visited La Posada Providencia Nov. 5 to discuss possible ways to raise money for a new building for the shelter. After the meeting, the lawmaker took time to greet the clients. Thank you, Sen. Lucio, for remembering La Posada!
Methodist Ministers
Twelve members of the Rio Texas Conference United Methodist Church visited La Posada Providencia Nov. 5. The men and women, who were primarily Methodist pastors from the surrounding area, came to learn more about the mission and everyday work of La Posada as well as the ways their churches could support the shelter.
To our Methodist friends, thank you for remembering the people of La Posada!
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Coming Soon – Giving Tuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.). #Giving Tuesday and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, kick off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
