The world lands on Brownsville church’s doorstep

On Halloween, when princesses and goblins and super heroes rang doorbells across the United States, visitors from all across the world landed on Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville’s doorstep.

Twenty-six immigrants—from Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, several Central American countries, and Cuba—received a warm welcome on a frigid South Texas day, reported Pastor Carlos Navarro.

IB West Brownsville is one of three refugee respite centers in Brownsville, just across the Rio Grande from Matamoros, Mexico. For months, the church has provided gentle care and the message of Christ to immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. 

The process changes. At first, refugees who crossed the border stayed in the United States as they processed their applications, then awaited notification of the date for their asylum hearing, then shipped out to stay with sponsors across America until time for them to present their case for remaining in the country. More recently, they have crossed the border to apply for asylum but have returned to Mexico to wait for a hearing date, then crossed back into the United States to travel to their sponsors.

At whatever point IB West Brownsville has received them, the church has offered Christian hospitality. Since the refugees have been living in tent cities without running water, showers particularly are appreciated. The church also provides a change of clothes, a meal, a place to take a nap, medical care, and diapers and other supplies for children.

The church also always offers an eternal gift. It provides worship services and an opportunity to hear the gospel. While many of the refugees, particularly from Central America, are evangelical Christians, many do not know the Lord. Last week on Halloween, 18 of the 26 guests made decisions for Christ, Pastor Navarro said.

Fellowship Southwest is delighted to support the ministries of IB West Brownsville and other congregations—on both sides of the border—that serve immigrants seeking asylum.

The feeling is mutual, Navarro said, noting: “It would be impossible to do this without your support and prayers. Thank you!”

If you would like to contribute to Fellowship Southwest’s Immigrant Relief Ministry, which supports the refugee services of IB West Brownsville and other churches, click here.

If you would like to learn about volunteer opportunities on the border, click here.