TCIM Connection Trip
By Cintia Aguliar
TCIM’s cohort one traveled to California last week to connect and learn from leaders in immigration ministries. It was a five day four night trip beginning in Los Angeles and ending in San Diego. The goal of the connection trip as part of our curriculum for TCIM is for churches in our program to connect, learn and build relationships with other leaders in immigration ministries, along with building stronger relationships among
themselves.
The group had the opportunity to visit with leaders including Pastor Carlos Rincon, Senior Pastor of Centro de Vida Victoriosa and director of Avance Latino, Alexia Salvatierra, Academic Dean of the Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary, Guillermo Torres with CLUE and a group of pastors in the LA area representing Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist and Assembly of God denominations. The group also crossed over to Tijuana and visited with FWS’s partner, Pastor Juvenal Gonzalez. In Tijuana they had the opportunity to witness the life of migrants stranded in Mexico. Some of the stories they heard included phrases such as “Our appointment was set for January 21 st ”. They are now stuck, it is not safe to go back to their home countries and they cannot seek asylum in the United States.
The entire trip was full of rich experiences and learning and one of them was getting to hear from Alexia Salvatierra and learning how the church has been a main character in the immigration movement in the United States. Alexia took us down memory lane and shared experiences from the first sanctuary movement all the way to having an influence in the passing of DACA. What an inspiration and encouragement for our churches! When we unite we can move the needle, even if it takes ten years.
Another important learning moment for the cohort was getting to see the difference in between states. California is a state that offers help to immigration ministries. We got to hear about partnerships in between churches and counties to provide services and support to the community. We got to hear about churches and organizations working together for the better good. It was a different atmosphere than the one our cohort churches experience in their cities and it is a reminder of the influence that speaking up, calling our representatives and witnessing of the impact our laws and policies have in our community can make.
Five days and four nights full of enriching experiences to be better equipped to serve our immigrant communities. God has called us to be welcoming, to serve our neighbors, to live life together. Cohort one is now reflecting on what they experienced and getting ready to submit their project proposals. We at FSW are excited to see where God takes each church as they walk this journey.
