Pray for Mexico on Sunday, June 8, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Acts 2:1–21

Prayers for Mexico:
Dear God, may your spirit of compassion and justice rest upon our Mexican and Central American sisters and brothers, and within our hearts, so that we can hear them as they teach us about the suffering they endure from unjust economic and immigration policies. Enable us to understand the prophecies of your sons and daughters, and be inspired to struggle together with your young men and women to transform their visions into reality.

Let us remember the original beauty of your earth before it was scarred by borders that divide your children. Give us the courage to work for justice so that farmers can stay on their land and workers can receive a living wage, and no longer have to abandon their homes in order to provide for their families.

May we have the strength to tear down the walls that we have constructed in our own hearts and minds so that we can fulfill the commandment of your migrant son to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Mexico:
“We want to give the children a broader world view,” said Jeannette Pazos, director of the Home of Hope and Peace (HEPAC) community center in Nogales, Mexico, south of Arizona. “Children here on the border live in the narrow passageway of ‘No Options.’ Your family has either come from someplace else in the country where you can no longer return, or you’re not welcome on the other side. This community center is not just a place of misfortune and deportation. We want the children to know that this is also a place of opportunity and sacred ground when we work together.”

More than 150 children participated in the Spring Kids Camp at HEPAC that was called “Butterfly Tongues.” Jeannette explained that butterflies have a long, coiled-up tongue that they extend to drink nectar with, and she told the children about the importance of using their tongues to spread the word and defend their rights.

The days started with a group relaxation activity designed for people who have experienced trauma. The children then rotated through different stations, which included puppet performances and videos about the rights and responsibilities of children. Four firefighters participated in the last day of the camp and let the children climb on top of the truck for a ride through the community!

Thank you for your generous support and prayers that make this ministry and these programs possible.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Scott Nicholson)

Mission Partners in Mexico:

More information on Mexico:
http://globalministries.org/lac/countries/mexico/

Global Ministries Missionary in Mexico:
Scott Nicholson, a member of University Congregational UCC, in Missoula, Montana, serves as a volunteer with the Hogar de Esperanza y Paz (Home of Hope and Peace) community center in Nogales, Mexico.