by Nell Green, CBF Field Personnel
She just wanted to get to a Texas city where her husband and other child were waiting. The threats and violence in her home country were more than a single mom could handle. It took her weeks to make the journey, having to give birth to a baby along the way.
- She was beaten… robbed… threatened… over and over again. She was educated. She was capable of holding down a job, but could not because of the constant violence and threats. Even a treacherous journey – with hope of a future – “has to be better than this.” It was worth the risk.
- He was rendering aid as best he could. Not having much, he did have a little. Therefore, they kidnapped him and his wife. They killed his son.
- She has a small child and is pregnant. The birth of her little one is only a couple of months away. Most likely, she will not have her number called before the birth. There is no room in a shelter for her. “Can someone please help me?” she cries. Where can she find a place that will accept her?
- The building is old. Walls are crumbling. There is not enough money to pay the ever increasing electric bills. They need a freezer to store at least enough food to prepare one meal a day. The doors of the church are opened wide – every day – to welcome those who would otherwise be on the streets.
- It is a tiny garden in the church yard. Here, he works daily to raise plants to sell. He uses emptied out, old vegetable cans – in which to serve food to those who have just arrived. He is happy. The place from where he came was so much worse. He has no desire to cross over to the US; he simply wants to continue his humble service to others, allowing him great contentment.
- He had been a victim of human trafficking. His trafficking nightmare lasted three years. Finally, a church on the border reached out to help. He started cooking for the church, and selling plates of food from his vehicle after services. He was then able to purchase a van. Now, he owns his own food truck. He gives back, by helping to feed the masses of people who are in need – just as he once was.
The stories are countless. Each one is full of tragedy AND hope. Each story represents trauma endured, along with the determination to experience peace. Each one has a face that I can clearly see in my mind. These are just some of the lives that your generosity has touched. Thank you, CBF of North Carolina, for partnering with us – as we embrace, love, and care for those traveling to the border seeking hope and peace.
