Outreach for TCIM in Oklahoma
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, I visited Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the CBF Oklahoma Spring Gathering and had the opportunity to introduce the Thriving Congregations Immigration Ministry program to the attendees. In an effort to invite more churches to join TCIM, I will be visiting some events in the next few months.
The first cohort of TCIM has begun its work. They have gathered for a Learning Conference, are having regular discernment meetings with me, and some are submitting proposals for the ministries they are launching. We are thrilled to see how God is moving despite the climate in the country and are thrilled that we get to invite more churches to join us soon.
The meeting began with an opening devotional led by the CBF Oklahoma moderator. He reflected on a scene from the children’s movie, “The Wild Robot,” where Ross, the robot, sets out to save all the animals she can reach during a storm. She goes out and takes them to her hut. Once in the hut, the animals begin fighting with each other. One of them interrupts and helps them understand that being rescued by Ross is the one thing they have in common. The moderator reflected that even when we have different views we all serve the same God, and we all have been called to love our communities. What a beautiful image!
It was a pleasure to have conversations with pastors and leaders of Oklahoma, introduce TCIM to them and share the beauty there is in loving our neighbors and walking alongside them.
Applications for the next cohort will open up this summer, and we invite you to join the program. If you see me at an event please do not hesitate to ask any questions, I would love to connect with you and your church. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about TCIM we will have zoom information meetings soon. For any specific questions I am just an email away.
Cintia Aguilar, Immigration Ministry Manager
Cintia Aguilar
