After Trip Thoughts

The travel part of the class down to the borderlands is now over. This trip was emotional in the sense that you felt so small, when confronted with the huge number of undocumented children fleeing Central America and seeking refuge here in the USA. What could you do as an individual do? Yet at the same time encouraged and shown that every little bit helps and too not get wrapped up in focusing on the huge situation before you.

You intuitively know the overwhelming situation is there yet, your focus needs to be in the present and on the task at hand. I felt encouraged since the workers we were introduced to were definitely putting Matthew 6:34 into action: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own. (niv)” Showing us how to focus on the task at hand.

Sacred Heart Relief Center, McAllen, Texas

These regular volunteers were an example of “living by faith,” not knowing where the next support was coming from to help these unfortunate child refugees from Central America, or even knowing what extra special needs they might require besides the basics for a healthy life as in: a clean shower, clean change of clothes, medical attention, and a phone call to their USA contact. 

Our Lady of Refuge, Eagle Pass, Texas

These volunteers across a variety of denominations were working together by focusing on the need, and not differences in theology or tradition, to truly show the “LOVE of Christ” to anyone walking in the door, whether a volunteer, news reporter, refugee, or anyone in-between.

This is an example we can all learn from for our daily living. All too often we try to make sure we have the “t’s” crossed, and the “i’s” dotted before we step out and do something. Yet that is not the definition of “faith.” Which is what Jesus asks us to live by.

Another characteristic that these regular volunteers show us, when you get a chance to hear their stories, is that they were not looking to serve; yet when this crises happened came to their front porch the love if Jesus shown in their hearts that they had to respond. And respond they did by faith, before all was set up for them. That initial step of faith, Jesus Christ responded. 

Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, Eagle Pass, Texas

All over the Rio Grande Valley they found each other and knowing that it was better to combine their energies for the long haul then to continue to work separately. They all agree that only by Jesus Christ did they find each other, and then their love for Jesus Christ shown first, before differences, thus Jesus Christ opened more doors for them to function better. Truly here faith math came into play 1+1+ Faith > 4! 

Cliff Frederick