Border and Immigration Ministry

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).

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

Director, Caminantes Border Immersion

Rev. Ailsa Guardiola Gonzalez

Pastor, First Christian Church in Tucson

Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

Lic. Ismael Rodriguez

Casa de la Misericordia, Nogales, Mexico

Rev. Pedro Ramos-Goycolea

×

Director, Caminantes Border Immersion

Close

Rev. Ailsa Guardiola Gonzalez

×

Pastor, First Christian Church in Tucson

Close

Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley

×

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

Close

Lic. Ismael Rodriguez

×

Casa de la Misericordia, Nogales, Mexico

Close

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.

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. 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.

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 download 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.

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.