About
Arizona Disciples congregations have long recognized and worked to address the humanitarian crisis that surrounds the US/Mexico border and immigration. In 2023 the Arizona Region began a new commitment by creating the Arizona Disciples Border and Immigration Ministry and engaging the Arizona Disciples Border Initiative (ADBI).
Partners
Arizona Disciples Border Initiative (ADBI)
The Arizona Disciples Border Initiative (ADBI) brings together efforts of several Arizona Disciples congregations aimed at raising awareness and addressing social injustices happening in the U.S. border with Mexico. Our mission is to provide support to those who have been impacted by these injustices and to work toward systemic change through education, service, and advocacy.
The ADBI is an umbrella program beginning with three distinct programs led by Arizona Disciples congregations designed to address a specific aspects of the border crisis in three parts: Caminantes (border immersion experience), Hospitality Centers, and a food business incubator (future addition). The initiative will begin in Tucson but progressively incorporate other congregations in the Region interested in connecting with any of the programs mentioned above and responding compassionately to the border’s humanitarian crisis.
Featured Articles
The Space Where God Finds Us – Higher Education and Leadership Ministries
Walking the Borderlands: A Selection on Liminal Space in Southern Arizona – Anna Whittle
Podcast
Asylum: Stories of Hope and Resilience
This podcast shares the sacred stories of migrants who have journeyed to the U.S. in recent years in search of asylum, alongside the faithful witness of humanitarian advocates, faith leaders, and volunteers who have accompanied them in solidarity. Rooted in a prophetic theological imagination, each episode invites us to see how God moves among the most vulnerable through acts of courage, resistance, accompaniment, and hope.
Listen below or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Caminantes Border Immersion
Caminantes is an immigrant-led border immersion is an experience that allows individuals and groups to visit the border region and, through a migrant’s lens, gain a firsthand understanding of the fundamental issues impacting border communities. Participants will learn about the historical root causes generating waves of forced migration from Latin America to the U.S. Also, the program is designed to inspire one’s theological imagination and move participants towards a Christian praxis for justice. Participants may be inspired to open a Hospitality Center of their own.
The experience uses a see-judge-act method of analysis to reflect on the realities of bordered communities and to put our faith values into transformative social action.
See
(Socio-Analytic Mediation)
We see what is happening at the border. What are the historical root causes that shaped the current context?
Judge
(Hermeneutic Mediation)
We judge our current social and spiritual context through the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Testament. Does our present reality fit God’s plan for the world?
Act
(Practical Mediation)
We create an action plan for your church community to act as Jesus would in our world.
To learn more about the Caminantes Border Immersion experience visit Comunidad Limen Christian Church’s website at comunidadlimen.org or click here to view the registration form.
Caminantes Border Immersion learning experiences are a joint effort of Comunidad Limen Christian Church and First Christian Church with the support of the Arizona Region and Week of Compassion.
Hospitality Centers
Arizona Disciples, specifically First Christian Church in Tucson, have a long history of providing sanctuary for people seeking safety and refuge. The Arizona Disciples Border Initiative (ADBI) will continue this legacy and seek to expand this model of hospitality to other congregations.
Each Hospitality Center provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families seeking asylum or recently released from detention by providing basic needs such as food, shelter, and hygiene facilities. Local case workers also help migrants connect to opportunities and prepare for thriving, independent lives in the United States.
Hospitality Centers will differ in capacity, but currently the ADBI will host two asylum seeking families. Families are recommended by an immigration attorney through partnership with an organization in Mexico.
Leadership & Team
Rev. Pedro Ramos-Goycolea
Reflections
Regional Reflection: At the Crossroads of Ubuntu and Koinonia
Calling Young Leaders!
Regional Assembly Adopts RA-2401, Emergency Sense of the Assembly Resolution Calling Arizona Disciples to Oppose Christian Nationalism
2023 Town Hall Meetings
Ignite the spirit of justice within your faith community
Embark on a journey of compassion and solidarity
We are thrilled to invite you to join one of three virtual town hall style conversations with the Arizona Disciples Border Initiative (ADBI). These virtual gatherings will unveil the realities of the border, the stories of those affected by policies, and the urgent need for action. You and your congregation or organization can be a beacon of hope in a world yearning for transformation. Scroll down to register and receive the Zoom link.
At each town hall our four speakers are sharing important information about the border immersion experience, Caminantes, and the most recent developments of the Hospitality Center for migrants at First Christian Church, Tucson.
Speakers:
Rev. Pedro Ramos-Goycolea
Rev. Ailsa Guardiola Gonzalez
Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley
Lic. Ismael Rodriguez
How to Participate:
Participating in the virtual town hall meetings is simple. Take a moment to complete the registration form below and receive the Zoom link for one of our three planned town hall meetings.
- Tuesday, August 22 at 6:30 pm MST (9:30 EDT, 8:30 CDT)
- Saturday, August 26 at 9:00 am MST (12:00 noon EDT, 11:00am CDT)
- Tuesday, August 29 at 4:30 pm MST (7:30 EDT, 6:30 CDT)
This will help us organize the meetings and also to follow up with you on important updates or developments related to our work.
Thank you for your interest in this important work and we look forward to seeing at one of our town hall meetings.
We encourage you to log in a few minutes before the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.
