Anchored Love Ministries shares Christ with refugees on the Mexico-U.S. border

The love of Jesus anchored a weekend mission project that served immigrant refugees on the Mexico-U.S. border Aug. 9-10.

Anchored Love Ministries, founded in 2003 to reach and minister to women and their families, particularly Hispanics, sponsored the event. Last weekend marked Anchored Love Ministries' third project in the Rio Grande Valley, noted Executive Director Sandra Dubon Cisneros. Previous trips took the group to Guatemala, Peru, Spain, Mexico, North Carolina, elsewhere in Texas, and other parts of the United States.

This time, Anchored Love Ministries volunteers served in Brownsville, Donna and San Carlos, Texas, where they ministered to refugees, focused on women and children, conducted an evangelistic rally, and led a leadership conference for women. 

In particular, they served at West Brownsville Baptist Church, a Fellowship Southwest partner that operates a shelter for asylum seekers, providing rest, showers, food and spiritual ministry. 

“I had heard and seen on the news the struggles that the migrants go through in search of a better life. But unless we are personally involved and actually see their faces and hear their stories, we will never understand their struggles, dreams and desires for a better life for themselves and their families,” Cisneros said. “This was the first time we had the opportunity to minister to the refugees. This is one of the greatest opportunities to impact God’s kingdom today. The people are ready to hear a message of hope.”

In fact, 13 people accepted Christ as their Savior during the project, and “many lives were touched with the gospel,” she reported. This included more than 100 women, their husbands and children who attended the evangelistic rally.

Cisneros’ husband, Teo, pastor of the Hispanic congregation at First Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas, shared the gospel with several men. She described one of his experiences:

“One person in particular told him: ‘I am from Cuba and don’t know much about the gospel. I’d like to ask a few questions before you start. Why do I have to receive your message? What do I have to do to receive it? And what will be required of me after I receive the gospel?’

“Teo proceeded to answer the three questions, and the man eventually accepted Christ. Before the refugees were taken to the bus station to go to their final destination, Teo offered him some money in case he needed something on the road. He gave Teo a shocking answer: ‘No, sir, you have already given me what I need. The peace I have right now is all I needed. Just help me find a church in Miami. My wife is there waiting for me, and I want my family to grow in this new faith.’ 

“We saw other people receive the gospel during our trip, but if this person had been the only one, the trip would have been worth it.”

In addition to other aspects of ministry, the Anchored Love team distributed 150 backpacks filled with school supplies, including 25 backpacks donated to a church from Rio Bravo, Mexico. They also provided funds to support the shelter ministry at West Brownsville Baptist Church.

Anchored Love Ministries worked on the project with Jorge Zapata, associate coordinator of CBF Texas and director of Fellowship Southwest’s Immigrant Relief Ministry. Fellowship Southwest provided a ministry grant to help make the project possible.

“As I reflect on everything that happened in the Valley, I think about how God is bringing the nations to America, and I wonder if God’s people are ready to receive them,” Sandra Cisneros said. “I came home determined to do whatever I can to help the voiceless and hopeless. 

“I appreciate the partnership with Fellowship Southwest and am grateful for making this mission trip possible. I look forward to more joint kingdom endeavors!”

If you would like to support Fellowship Southwest’s Immigrant Relief Ministry and support additional work with refugees on the border, click here.