By the Rev. Jonathan Kindberg, Director of the Diaspora Network
In this difficult climate, many vulnerable immigrant and refugee families are struggling with uncertainty and fear. People around the diocese have been asking how they can practically step in. Here are some ways to show solidarity with and care for your diaspora neighbors today.
1. Pray.
Pray with and for immigrants and refugees in our communities.
- A deep commitment to passionate prayer is one of the greatest gifts the diaspora Church brings. Joining with and and praying for immigrants and refugees in our communities is an important first step in engagement.
- Check out this prayer resource from World Relief.
- Sign up for the weekly Diaspora Network Prayer Updates.
- Join immigrant Christians from across the country on Zoom, Fridays 10 – 10:30 a.m. CT.
2. Advocate.
View these advocacy opportunities and tools from the Evangelical Immigration Table.
3. Worship Together.
- Consider worshipping alongside an immigrant church in C4SO and/or from another tradition in your city on Sunday or at a mid-week service. If you need help connecting, reach out to us!
4. Learn.
- Explore the Welcoming the Stranger Guide for church small groups.
- Use the Diaspora Network’s Mutuality Framework video and PDF.
5. Give.
- Invest through World Relief, Diaspora Network or other local immigrant and refugee service providers.
- Pay the lawyer fees (~$2500) for the asylum process for those who haven’t started that yet. Develop a relationship with a trustworthy immigration attorney. (Contact the Diaspora Network if you need recommendations.)
Learn more about the Diaspora Network.
The Rev. Jonathan Kindberg mobilizes C4SO’s Diaspora Network to support immigrant churches in our diocese. He is resident clergy at Church of the Cross Austin, where he is helping launch a bilingual missional community in a nearby immigrant neighborhood and is helping the church grow in their cross-cultural and community engagement in Northeast Austin. Jonathan has extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry in Latin America, the Middle East and beyond. He has been instrumental in various initiatives of the Anglican Church in North America related to engagement with the Latino community and church throughout North America.