By Juan L. García, CBF Moderator
“Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”
– Psalm 34:21-22, NRSV
As we journey through this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on themes of hope and justice, especially as we confront the challenges faced by our neighbors. In Psalm 34:21-22, we are reminded that while evil may sometimes seem to prevail, it is ultimately the Lord who rescues and protects those who seek refuge in God. God often chooses to carry out this work through God’s church.
Recently, I had the profound opportunity to witness the compassionate work of Iglesia Bautista de West Brownsville, a Hispanic congregation that stands as a beacon of hope along the Texas-Mexico border. Through their Golan Ministry, they welcome and care for hundreds of migrants entering the United States through the port of entry. The families I encountered were not mere statistics; they were individuals—men, women, parents and children— longing for safety, stability and dignity. Each story reflected the immense challenges they endured, filled with fear, trauma and an undeniable hope for a better life. This church is at the forefront of providing food, shelter and emotional support, demonstrating that justice is not just an abstract ideal but a practical response to suffering and an essential part of the Gospel. They are living out the promise of Psalm 34, embodying God’s refuge for those in distress.
As we reflect on our own lives during Lent, we are called to examine how we too can be agents of hope and justice. In what ways can we support those who are marginalized? How can we create spaces where the weary can find solace? No matter how small, each act of kindness contributes to the hope and justice we are called to embody. May we follow the example of Iglesia Bautista de West Brownsville, reaching out with compassion to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and uplift the brokenhearted.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for being our refuge and strength. Help us extend that refuge to others, particularly those who face injustice and hardship. May we be vessels of Your hope and instruments of Your justice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
JUSTICE NOTE:
Advocacy Resources for Immigrant and Refugee Communities
For over 30 years, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) has shared the love of Christ
with immigrant and refugee communities. Global migration is one of the three key contexts guiding the work of CBF Global Missions. This commitment to loving our neighbors inspires our advocacy both alongside and on behalf of immigrants and refugees.
Attached is the CBF Immigration Advocacy Values and Principles document, which outlines our core values and priorities to guide our advocacy efforts, along with a list of organizations actively engaged in this vital work.
You can access the document here: CBF Immigration Advocacy Values and Principles