FSW at a conference on migrant ministries - Como Nacido Entre Nosotros

By Anyra Cano

Stephen Reeves and I spent last week in Cd. Juarez, Mexico, for a four-day ecumenical conference on human mobility by “Como Nacido Entre Nosotros ( or CNEN)” (as one born among you). CNEN is a regional network driven by churches and Christian organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean that seeks to join existing efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Christian community to care for, protect, and promote the rights of migrants.

The conference brought together ministries from many countries working directly with migrants on their journey to the USA to specifically learn about and observe the work on the Northern border of Mexico. Among the 65+ in attendance included four of FSW’s network of pastors. Fellowship Southwest invited our partners to participate fully in this conference to learn from other ministries, grow their network, and learn of resources available to their ministries, as conferences for practitioners in this work are uncommon. 

The conference allowed learning about human rights from representatives of the United Nations, current immigration policies, and their ramifications by FSW partner Elket Rodríguez. I found it so important to spend time sharing stories for the benefit of advocacy and sharing best practices for those who lead shelters. We spent time dreaming and planning how to work together. There were also times of fellowship, a powerful worship time at the border wall, and breaking bread with new friends from different countries and faith traditions. 

The FSW network for migrants has grown! It was encouraging to learn of the work being done all over Latin America and the heroes living out their calling and doing the work Christ called His followers to do.

Throughout our time in Cd. Juarez, our partners, and our work on the border were highlighted. One evening, in a general session, Stephen gave a greeting from FSW, which he did entirely in Spanish. 

Fellowship Southwest also participated as a sponsor of this event, making it possible for some of those present to attend this conference. At different times, we were able to share the good news of those in the U.S. who partner with FSW to provide refuge for migrants.