I Can Hear Mexico Calling
Following the call as a YAGM through the ELCA
I recently did a workshop for four men from Cameroon, Uganda, and Iran—all of whom spoke English and none of whom spoke Spanish. As we talked about acclimating to Mexico City, they told me that they had only gotten out of the immigration detention facility the day before. Sharing only a shelter, a language, and a migratory status, these four men overcame social divisions and developed a solidarity between them. They were committed to traveling together, learning Spanish together, and making it through all the challenges of the first few weeks together. They are of different races, nations, histories, and probably different creeds, yet through shared experience, they created a brotherhood. They have made me think a lot about what it means to be a community. They have made me think a lot about what it means to build or be a part of the kingdom of God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” but what does that mean? From my experience in Mexico working with a refugee resettlement agency, I have started to think of a migrant shelter as a beautiful metaphor for the kingdom of God—a place where all people are welcome, are safe, and can take refuge. It is a place where people from all nations and languages can live and love their brothers and sisters. It is a place where the hurting, the weary, and the outcast no longer need to hide, but instead are embraced, given a meal, a blanket, and a family. We need more migrant shelters in this world—both literally and figuratively. I pray this kingdom comes.
1 Comment
Meri
6/3/2019 05:00:19 pm
You inspired me a lot! ...
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AuthorMy name is Kathryn Ophardt. I am spending this year in Mexico City as a Young Adult for Global Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. During this year of service, I'll be working with the non-profit, Casa Refugiados. Archives
October 2018
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