"August 2016: The Global Immersion Project Monthly Peace: Walking for Refugees, Restoring Humanity, and Two Trips to Change Your Life" from The Global Immersion Project in San Diego, California, United States
"Welcome to the TGIP monthly newsletter" for Thursdaym 25 August 2016
The Monthly Peace
In today’s world, global conflicts are no longer as distant as they once were. We are all discovering that the plight of one people group impacts the rest of us and that their freedom and flourishing are intimately linked to our own. Syria, ISIS, and the refugee crisis illustrate just how connected we all are and highlights the need for the church to live as an instrument of peace in our world. In this edition of the Monthly Peace you’ll read stories of TGIP’s intersection with Syria, refugees, and migrants and you’ll find yourself equipped with tools to learn more and live courageously.
A Participant Story
"I personally do not know a solution. I know a solution is hard. What I do know is that people deserve a right to a free life, and a better life."
Read a reflection from Jennifer on her experience participating in one of our summer student Immigrants' Journey Learning Lab here.
Tijuana Peacemaking Experience
WRITEFORTHESOULSITE
In today’s world, global conflicts are no longer as distant as they once were. We are all discovering that the plight of one people group impacts the rest of us and that their freedom and flourishing are intimately linked to our own. Syria, ISIS, and the refugee crisis illustrate just how connected we all are and highlights the need for the church to live as an instrument of peace in our world. In this edition of the Monthly Peace you’ll read stories of TGIP’s intersection with Syria, refugees, and migrants and you’ll find yourself equipped with tools to learn more and live courageously.
A Participant Story
"I personally do not know a solution. I know a solution is hard. What I do know is that people deserve a right to a free life, and a better life."
Read a reflection from Jennifer on her experience participating in one of our summer student Immigrants' Journey Learning Lab here.
Tijuana Peacemaking Experience
WRITEFORTHESOULSITE
Immigration. You either know the word, heard it on the news, or studied its involvement in the upcoming elections. Sure, a standard american may think they have a solid understanding of the concept, but most would be completely wrong. I am a girl from a small town, who participated on a mission trip revolving around immigration, and I am here to make a difference in the world, one step at a time. That step begins with you.
On Sunday June 19th, I flew into San Diego with my church. I thought this mission trip would be just like any other I have ever been on. Little did I know I was in for an absolute shock..
I had been to San Diego before, but instead as a tourist. Our family had traveled to many of the popular tourist destinations and headed home. I found out during this time around, I had failed to notice many of the places in San Diego on the trip with my family. I found that I basically disregarded the entire mexican community and culture.
This trip was through global immersions, an organization started by two young, christian guys. The purpose is to bring people from around the world and allow them to immerse themselves in the culture of others, all with God at hand.
Our group headed to a small, hidden church in a mexican suburb of San Diego where we stayed. Our first day consisted of orientation, which was strenuous, but highly essential. After all, we were going to immerse ourselves in the hispanic culture for a week. I learned during this time that the purpose of this trip was not to transform others, but to listen to others and be transformed by them.
My first experience of transformation was meeting a young woman named Noemi, who told us her story about immigration. She immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was about two years old. They had no documentation and barely any money, but did not tell Noemi this. However, Noemi was able to attend school. She was extremely successful, as she maintained straight A’s. Her friends began to get their licenses and typical things that teens would obtain, but Noemi did not. She felt excluded because of this, and began to wonder why she was not allowed to do the same. Eventually, she applied and received a full ride scholarship to her dream college. Little did she know she was undocumented until her parents broke the sorrowful news, which was that she would be forced to reject the scholarship. Noemi was heartbroken and felt trapped out of fear of deportation. She lost motivation and her talent was put on hold. Eventually she continued her studies at a local community college, and obtained a visa. She began to realize she wanted to use her situation to help others, so she did. She educated many undocumented citizens who were like her, on the ways to receive a visa and other important government licenses. It was absolutely saddening for me to hear, but I was also extremely moved. This was only the first of the many times my eyes were opened on this trip.
The next day, our group crossed the border from San Diego into Tijuana. I was extremely scared yet excited, but did not know how this process worked. I walked with the group into a building, which came as a surprise to me. I pictured a line that I would simply walk across, as most people would. I waited in a long line filled with hopeful, tired mexican people. I watched in anticipation as many mexican people walked up to the desks of the officers. As I heard the word “NEXT”, I nervously walked up to the counter. I was spoken one word to, which was “hello.” The officer did not ask me any questions, but instead read my passport and let me go through. The whole process took about two minutes, which I noticed was extremely shorter than the time it took for the mexican people in front of me. I began to wonder why. However things were moving quickly and our group kept going.
I vividly remember stepping out of the door… I was in Tijuana. How uncanny is it that in one step across a line the country has changed? How unfair is it for the people who are trapped and defined by that line? These are thoughts that constantly raced throughout my mind. After stepping into Tijuana my view completely changed. It was hectic, filled with thousands of tiny huts frantically trying to sell their items. There were no paved streets, but instead rocks. People stared at us as if we didn’t belong in their country. I felt out of place, even a bit guilty of the privilege in which I come from in my bubble of a town. I felt goosebumps as one of the men on the streets screamed “Screw America!” I could tell he meant it. Why could there be so much hate in the world? Why did my excitement turn to anger in such a small fragment of time?
Our group stopped and met up with a few people part of Global Immersions who live in Tijuana. They would be our guides for this trip. They informed us of the history of Tijuana, how it has gangs and violence, but how it also has beauty. A woman approached our group. Ironically, she told us of how she lived in Chicago for 37 years of her life. She had a steady job, kids, and a husband. Tragically, she was discovered and deported to Tijuana, but her kids were able to stay because they were born in the United States. She was forced to miss out on the most important years of her kid’s childhood lives. Her oldest daughter only had one year left before she continued on to college, so she moved in with her mom in Tijuana. She wanted to spend time with her mom. She commuted to San Diego for school daily, so her mom would wait in line at 4:30 am each morning to allow her daughter time to sleep. Eventually, it was time for her daughter to graduate (with honors). Since this school was in the United States, her mother was forced to miss this ceremony. As this woman spoke of this, she couldn’t help but break into tears. I was completely in awe of this mother’s hardships, but more so her acts of selflessness for her daughter. It was sickening to know that this mother, who loved her daughter so dearly, had to miss one of the biggest days of each of their lives.
Next, our group walked through what is called the Red Light District. This is a district with extremely high rates of human trafficking, many of them being prostitution. Just listening to the information being presented to us made me uncomfortable. However, I knew I needed to experience this, so I began the walk with my church. We passed club after club, with barely dressed woman lingering outside each one. On the curbs of the streets stood roaring men, who catcalled and whistled at us as we walked by. I continuously felt my stomach drop out of sickness. I was terrified by the thought that women were sold for pleasure, many of them being my age. According to statistics, it is estimated that around 80% of women immigrants are caught into human trafficking. It is truly devastating that these women are lured into this, when they are voyaging in search of a better life. The vision of the chaotic clubs and wild streets will forever be engraved in my mind.
Ah… the famous “wall.” Yep, been there seen that. A proposed solution we all have heard and know is to build a wall. No offense Mr.Trump, but with all due respect there are already three! Three massive walls. I have been on both sides, and the only difference is that the side in Tijuana is painted with murals and pain. This wall is planted in the ground, and is made of iron. The holes in the fencing are big enough to fit a pinky. Families who have not seen each other for years can only touch each other with a pinky. Think about it. That’s all I have to say.
Our group stayed at Casa, a center created for housing deported migrant men and families. I will admit I was a bit nervous, but incredibly moved by the effort put into this place. This truly helped us immerse ourselves in the culture. We ate beans and tortillas for breakfast which was odd, but tasty! I started to regret taking french as many of the immigrants exclaimed a friendly “Hola” to us. It’s extraordinary how safe and welcome a smile can make a person feel. As the immigrants smiled at us, I began to feel safe and secure… that these people each had a story, and they each had a remarkably important place in this world. I am still touched by the small gestures of kindness we were offered.
Next door to Casa, was a shelter for women and children immigrants. I did not know how devastating this hour would be, and how important it is to share it with the world. We were greeted by children playing on a rusty swing set. They barely spoke english. The mothers spoke no english and looked tired, as if they had lost their sparks of hope and energy. Many of these mothers had arrived within the past week, some even the morning in which we talked to them. We gathered in a circle with chairs, many people sitting on the floor. One of the people leading the trip with Global Immersions, Maria, translated as the women told their stories. One story in particular being of a young women, no older than 21 years of age, with her two year old daughter. She told us of how she fled the Honduras because of the horrendous rates of organized crime. Her husband, who was involved with the organized crime, kidnapped her while she was pregnant. He threatened to kill her if she did not allow him custody of their daughter. She broke down into tears as she told this story. I looked around and saw almost every single woman crying with her, each holding their children. I asked the group as Maria translated, “when did you see God through these hardships?” One woman replied, “God is always here. He never leaves, and is always protecting us.” Inspiration filled my body as I saw the rest of the women nodding their heads in agreement. At that moment, I realized each one of those women had a story, a reason for being there. I realized there are a billion more women around the world facing the same struggles, many who do not have the safety that they did at the time. I was speechless, and felt tears roll down my cheeks with them. There was so much I wanted to say to each one of these women, but couldn’t because of the language barrier. All I could say was “gracias” and give them a hug, hoping they knew I cared.
One of the final, most heart rending things our group listened to was the stories of five honduran amputees. Once again, I became tremendously emotional because of the language barrier as I listened to their stories. They told of the horrible conditions they faced in the Honduras. According to them, the organized crime would begin to ask for sons at the age of ten, and people would receive letters basically stating if they didn’t give up their son, or sometimes daughter, they would kill the whole family. These men fled by train, and while doing so lost their limbs. Some of these injuries were so serious that there was a missing leg and arm, and all that was left on the hand was a middle finger. Eventually, these guys made it to America. There, they stayed with an organization called Border Angels. The men explained how they used to love to play soccer, but couldn’t anymore due to the loss of their legs. That night, we had a picnic with the men, and kicked around a soccer ball. The smiles on their faces were incredible. It truly was the best moment of the entire trip for me.
Immigration is happening now. People around the world are suffering, being pulled away from the ones they love. How would it feel to grow up in America for your whole life and later be shipped to a foreign country and culture you have never experienced… having absolutely nothing? I am aware of the complications that can occur with immigrants crossing the border and using our resources, but not paying the taxes. I personally do not know a solution. I know a solution is hard. What I do know is that people deserve a right to a free life, and a better life. I hope reading about my experiences and opinions will help to shape your own. Most importantly, I hope you learn to stand up for what you believe in, because that is what this trip has taught me. All people are equal in the eyes of God, and it is only right that they receive a chance to start living the way they want to. After all… they have some pretty good food!
Upcoming TGIP Events
In a season of conflict, division, and misunderstanding, pushing towards the way of peace requires effort and time. Peacemakers aren’t born…we are formed. Join us this fall in one of our two upcoming Learning Labs, where you will find yourself displaced, transformed, and equipped as an Everyday Peacemaker.
Oct. 27-30: Immigrants' Journey Learning Lab
“If you’re looking to genuinely understand a complex topic and be equipped to respond as a follower of Jesus, I whole-heartedly commend TGIP’s Immigrants’ Journey Learning Lab.” - Matthew Soerens, Field Director, Evangelical Immigration Table & Co-Author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate
Nov. 15-22: Israel/Palestine Learning Lab
“The uniqueness of TGIP is found in its ability to create a space that fuses learning, breaking of stereotype, and—most importantly—loving and honoring those who are different from you.” - Sami Awad, Executive Director, Holy Land Trust
Deadline to register for these labs is September 1!
Recommended Resources:
1) eCourse: As the election season approaches, our churches will be filled with opinions, preferences, and dreams that will span the spectrum. Our 5-week eCourse, Developing Uncommon Friendships, is designed to equip you, your staff, your small group, and your church to move beyond relational obstacles and toward authentic relationships. Throughout this five-week course, you will go on a journey that will equip you to See, Immerse, and Contend with and for those whom you disagree with, have disregarded, or have been disrespected by. Ultimately, you will learn to develop collaborative relationships that lead to tangible restoration. It's a self-paced eCourse, so take it on your own timing for as long as you need (with lifetime access).
2) LISTEN: Jer recently sat with Genesis Covenant Church to discuss waging peace in a world of pain. Listen to the whole podcast here.
3) READ: The Uprooted: A stunning visual resource outlining the history and current realty of the refugee crisis impacting our globe.
News from Around the World
TGIP had the honor of launching and participating in the opening day of El Camino del Inmigrante in partnership with Border Angels and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). The Camino is an 11 day, 150 mile pilgrimage highlighting the plight and humanity of our immigrant sisters and brothers fleeing violence and persecution while seeking a better life. Over 100 Christian leaders from around the country gathered at the US/Mexico border to participate and call for reform of our broken immigration systems. Watch highlights of the launch event HERE.
Syrian refugees continue to flee violence in their home country and are beginning to arrive in cities across the United States. San Diego is one of the major destinations for this community and TGIP co-hosted an event welcoming them to the city. Although most didn’t speak the same language, it was a remarkable picture of God’s kingdom and restoration as people from completely different backgrounds and traditions shared a meal, played soccer, jumped in the ocean and met each other’s families. San Diego is a better place with our sisters and brothers from Syria living alongside of us.
Check out Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis: A new book by our trusted friends and experts who are inviting the Church to engage the refugee reality tangibly, constructively and compassionately.
Everyday Peacemaking Practices: RESTORE
RESTORE - When we speak of peace, we define it as the holistic repair of severed relationships. Restoration is visualized through the ancient Japanese art tradition called Kintsugi—an art form in which shattered pottery is restored to be fully functional. The fractures are mended and sealed with pure gold, restoring the piece to be stronger and even more beautiful than before the break. In Kintsugi, the scars tell the beautiful stories of healing and restoration rather than the haunting, painful stories of destruction.
When we seek to mend the fractures in our relationships, communities, and churches, by acknowledging them instead of ignoring them or holding them with contempt, we move toward peace. Restoration is God’s ongoing and ultimate work in our broken world, and we are invited to join in it, through the hard work of unconditional love, grace and humility that heal our scars in gold
Meet our Immigrants' Journey Project Coordinators, Shaun and Maria:
Shaun’s pastoral heart is drawn to the marginalized as well as developing leaders. He's been in vocational ministry for over 30 years, where he served in the local church setting for 22 years pioneering several works in Mexico. He is now in San Diego, living in community, developing leaders and continuing in cross-cultural ministries on both sides of the Mexican/American border. He is happily married to Maria, has several young-adult musical kids, and loves filling his home with young seekers.
Maria was born and raised in Mexico. She has worked with the marginalized in several parts of Mexico, mentoring leaders, leading youth, and planting a church. She now lives in San Diego close to the Mexican/American border where she develops leaders on both sides and visits her family. She lives in a sweet community in a largely Hispanic neighborhood where she teaches English and loves on migrants. Maria also lends her bilingual skills to the medical world where she works part-time as an interpreter.
Support Our Work
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The Global Immersion Project
2801 B Street, #22
On Sunday June 19th, I flew into San Diego with my church. I thought this mission trip would be just like any other I have ever been on. Little did I know I was in for an absolute shock..
I had been to San Diego before, but instead as a tourist. Our family had traveled to many of the popular tourist destinations and headed home. I found out during this time around, I had failed to notice many of the places in San Diego on the trip with my family. I found that I basically disregarded the entire mexican community and culture.
This trip was through global immersions, an organization started by two young, christian guys. The purpose is to bring people from around the world and allow them to immerse themselves in the culture of others, all with God at hand.
Our group headed to a small, hidden church in a mexican suburb of San Diego where we stayed. Our first day consisted of orientation, which was strenuous, but highly essential. After all, we were going to immerse ourselves in the hispanic culture for a week. I learned during this time that the purpose of this trip was not to transform others, but to listen to others and be transformed by them.
My first experience of transformation was meeting a young woman named Noemi, who told us her story about immigration. She immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was about two years old. They had no documentation and barely any money, but did not tell Noemi this. However, Noemi was able to attend school. She was extremely successful, as she maintained straight A’s. Her friends began to get their licenses and typical things that teens would obtain, but Noemi did not. She felt excluded because of this, and began to wonder why she was not allowed to do the same. Eventually, she applied and received a full ride scholarship to her dream college. Little did she know she was undocumented until her parents broke the sorrowful news, which was that she would be forced to reject the scholarship. Noemi was heartbroken and felt trapped out of fear of deportation. She lost motivation and her talent was put on hold. Eventually she continued her studies at a local community college, and obtained a visa. She began to realize she wanted to use her situation to help others, so she did. She educated many undocumented citizens who were like her, on the ways to receive a visa and other important government licenses. It was absolutely saddening for me to hear, but I was also extremely moved. This was only the first of the many times my eyes were opened on this trip.
The next day, our group crossed the border from San Diego into Tijuana. I was extremely scared yet excited, but did not know how this process worked. I walked with the group into a building, which came as a surprise to me. I pictured a line that I would simply walk across, as most people would. I waited in a long line filled with hopeful, tired mexican people. I watched in anticipation as many mexican people walked up to the desks of the officers. As I heard the word “NEXT”, I nervously walked up to the counter. I was spoken one word to, which was “hello.” The officer did not ask me any questions, but instead read my passport and let me go through. The whole process took about two minutes, which I noticed was extremely shorter than the time it took for the mexican people in front of me. I began to wonder why. However things were moving quickly and our group kept going.
I vividly remember stepping out of the door… I was in Tijuana. How uncanny is it that in one step across a line the country has changed? How unfair is it for the people who are trapped and defined by that line? These are thoughts that constantly raced throughout my mind. After stepping into Tijuana my view completely changed. It was hectic, filled with thousands of tiny huts frantically trying to sell their items. There were no paved streets, but instead rocks. People stared at us as if we didn’t belong in their country. I felt out of place, even a bit guilty of the privilege in which I come from in my bubble of a town. I felt goosebumps as one of the men on the streets screamed “Screw America!” I could tell he meant it. Why could there be so much hate in the world? Why did my excitement turn to anger in such a small fragment of time?
Our group stopped and met up with a few people part of Global Immersions who live in Tijuana. They would be our guides for this trip. They informed us of the history of Tijuana, how it has gangs and violence, but how it also has beauty. A woman approached our group. Ironically, she told us of how she lived in Chicago for 37 years of her life. She had a steady job, kids, and a husband. Tragically, she was discovered and deported to Tijuana, but her kids were able to stay because they were born in the United States. She was forced to miss out on the most important years of her kid’s childhood lives. Her oldest daughter only had one year left before she continued on to college, so she moved in with her mom in Tijuana. She wanted to spend time with her mom. She commuted to San Diego for school daily, so her mom would wait in line at 4:30 am each morning to allow her daughter time to sleep. Eventually, it was time for her daughter to graduate (with honors). Since this school was in the United States, her mother was forced to miss this ceremony. As this woman spoke of this, she couldn’t help but break into tears. I was completely in awe of this mother’s hardships, but more so her acts of selflessness for her daughter. It was sickening to know that this mother, who loved her daughter so dearly, had to miss one of the biggest days of each of their lives.
Next, our group walked through what is called the Red Light District. This is a district with extremely high rates of human trafficking, many of them being prostitution. Just listening to the information being presented to us made me uncomfortable. However, I knew I needed to experience this, so I began the walk with my church. We passed club after club, with barely dressed woman lingering outside each one. On the curbs of the streets stood roaring men, who catcalled and whistled at us as we walked by. I continuously felt my stomach drop out of sickness. I was terrified by the thought that women were sold for pleasure, many of them being my age. According to statistics, it is estimated that around 80% of women immigrants are caught into human trafficking. It is truly devastating that these women are lured into this, when they are voyaging in search of a better life. The vision of the chaotic clubs and wild streets will forever be engraved in my mind.
Ah… the famous “wall.” Yep, been there seen that. A proposed solution we all have heard and know is to build a wall. No offense Mr.Trump, but with all due respect there are already three! Three massive walls. I have been on both sides, and the only difference is that the side in Tijuana is painted with murals and pain. This wall is planted in the ground, and is made of iron. The holes in the fencing are big enough to fit a pinky. Families who have not seen each other for years can only touch each other with a pinky. Think about it. That’s all I have to say.
Our group stayed at Casa, a center created for housing deported migrant men and families. I will admit I was a bit nervous, but incredibly moved by the effort put into this place. This truly helped us immerse ourselves in the culture. We ate beans and tortillas for breakfast which was odd, but tasty! I started to regret taking french as many of the immigrants exclaimed a friendly “Hola” to us. It’s extraordinary how safe and welcome a smile can make a person feel. As the immigrants smiled at us, I began to feel safe and secure… that these people each had a story, and they each had a remarkably important place in this world. I am still touched by the small gestures of kindness we were offered.
Next door to Casa, was a shelter for women and children immigrants. I did not know how devastating this hour would be, and how important it is to share it with the world. We were greeted by children playing on a rusty swing set. They barely spoke english. The mothers spoke no english and looked tired, as if they had lost their sparks of hope and energy. Many of these mothers had arrived within the past week, some even the morning in which we talked to them. We gathered in a circle with chairs, many people sitting on the floor. One of the people leading the trip with Global Immersions, Maria, translated as the women told their stories. One story in particular being of a young women, no older than 21 years of age, with her two year old daughter. She told us of how she fled the Honduras because of the horrendous rates of organized crime. Her husband, who was involved with the organized crime, kidnapped her while she was pregnant. He threatened to kill her if she did not allow him custody of their daughter. She broke down into tears as she told this story. I looked around and saw almost every single woman crying with her, each holding their children. I asked the group as Maria translated, “when did you see God through these hardships?” One woman replied, “God is always here. He never leaves, and is always protecting us.” Inspiration filled my body as I saw the rest of the women nodding their heads in agreement. At that moment, I realized each one of those women had a story, a reason for being there. I realized there are a billion more women around the world facing the same struggles, many who do not have the safety that they did at the time. I was speechless, and felt tears roll down my cheeks with them. There was so much I wanted to say to each one of these women, but couldn’t because of the language barrier. All I could say was “gracias” and give them a hug, hoping they knew I cared.
One of the final, most heart rending things our group listened to was the stories of five honduran amputees. Once again, I became tremendously emotional because of the language barrier as I listened to their stories. They told of the horrible conditions they faced in the Honduras. According to them, the organized crime would begin to ask for sons at the age of ten, and people would receive letters basically stating if they didn’t give up their son, or sometimes daughter, they would kill the whole family. These men fled by train, and while doing so lost their limbs. Some of these injuries were so serious that there was a missing leg and arm, and all that was left on the hand was a middle finger. Eventually, these guys made it to America. There, they stayed with an organization called Border Angels. The men explained how they used to love to play soccer, but couldn’t anymore due to the loss of their legs. That night, we had a picnic with the men, and kicked around a soccer ball. The smiles on their faces were incredible. It truly was the best moment of the entire trip for me.
Immigration is happening now. People around the world are suffering, being pulled away from the ones they love. How would it feel to grow up in America for your whole life and later be shipped to a foreign country and culture you have never experienced… having absolutely nothing? I am aware of the complications that can occur with immigrants crossing the border and using our resources, but not paying the taxes. I personally do not know a solution. I know a solution is hard. What I do know is that people deserve a right to a free life, and a better life. I hope reading about my experiences and opinions will help to shape your own. Most importantly, I hope you learn to stand up for what you believe in, because that is what this trip has taught me. All people are equal in the eyes of God, and it is only right that they receive a chance to start living the way they want to. After all… they have some pretty good food!
Upcoming TGIP EventsIn a season of conflict, division, and misunderstanding, pushing towards the way of peace requires effort and time. Peacemakers aren’t born…we are formed. Join us this fall in one of our two upcoming Learning Labs, where you will find yourself displaced, transformed, and equipped as an Everyday Peacemaker.
Oct. 27-30: Immigrants' Journey Learning Lab
“If you’re looking to genuinely understand a complex topic and be equipped to respond as a follower of Jesus, I whole-heartedly commend TGIP’s Immigrants’ Journey Learning Lab.” - Matthew Soerens, Field Director, Evangelical Immigration Table & Co-Author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate
Nov. 15-22: Israel/Palestine Learning Lab
“The uniqueness of TGIP is found in its ability to create a space that fuses learning, breaking of stereotype, and—most importantly—loving and honoring those who are different from you.” - Sami Awad, Executive Director, Holy Land Trust
Deadline to register for these labs is September 1!
Recommended Resources:1) eCourse: As the election season approaches, our churches will be filled with opinions, preferences, and dreams that will span the spectrum. Our 5-week eCourse, Developing Uncommon Friendships, is designed to equip you, your staff, your small group, and your church to move beyond relational obstacles and toward authentic relationships. Throughout this five-week course, you will go on a journey that will equip you to See, Immerse, and Contend with and for those whom you disagree with, have disregarded, or have been disrespected by. Ultimately, you will learn to develop collaborative relationships that lead to tangible restoration. It's a self-paced eCourse, so take it on your own timing for as long as you need (with lifetime access).
2) LISTEN: Jer recently sat with Genesis Covenant Church to discuss waging peace in a world of pain. Listen to the whole podcast here.
3) READ: The Uprooted: A stunning visual resource outlining the history and current realty of the refugee crisis impacting our globe.
News from Around the WorldTGIP had the honor of launching and participating in the opening day of El Camino del Inmigrante in partnership with Border Angels and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). The Camino is an 11 day, 150 mile pilgrimage highlighting the plight and humanity of our immigrant sisters and brothers fleeing violence and persecution while seeking a better life. Over 100 Christian leaders from around the country gathered at the US/Mexico border to participate and call for reform of our broken immigration systems. Watch highlights of the launch event HERE.
Syrian refugees continue to flee violence in their home country and are beginning to arrive in cities across the United States. San Diego is one of the major destinations for this community and TGIP co-hosted an event welcoming them to the city. Although most didn’t speak the same language, it was a remarkable picture of God’s kingdom and restoration as people from completely different backgrounds and traditions shared a meal, played soccer, jumped in the ocean and met each other’s families. San Diego is a better place with our sisters and brothers from Syria living alongside of us.
Check out Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis: A new book by our trusted friends and experts who are inviting the Church to engage the refugee reality tangibly, constructively and compassionately. Everyday Peacemaking Practices: RESTORE
RESTORE - When we speak of peace, we define it as the holistic repair of severed relationships. Restoration is visualized through the ancient Japanese art tradition called Kintsugi—an art form in which shattered pottery is restored to be fully functional. The fractures are mended and sealed with pure gold, restoring the piece to be stronger and even more beautiful than before the break. In Kintsugi, the scars tell the beautiful stories of healing and restoration rather than the haunting, painful stories of destruction.
When we seek to mend the fractures in our relationships, communities, and churches, by acknowledging them instead of ignoring them or holding them with contempt, we move toward peace. Restoration is God’s ongoing and ultimate work in our broken world, and we are invited to join in it, through the hard work of unconditional love, grace and humility that heal our scars in goldMeet our Immigrants' Journey Project Coordinators, Shaun and Maria:Shaun’s pastoral heart is drawn to the marginalized as well as developing leaders. He's been in vocational ministry for over 30 years, where he served in the local church setting for 22 years pioneering several works in Mexico. He is now in San Diego, living in community, developing leaders and continuing in cross-cultural ministries on both sides of the Mexican/American border. He is happily married to Maria, has several young-adult musical kids, and loves filling his home with young seekers.
Maria was born and raised in Mexico. She has worked with the marginalized in several parts of Mexico, mentoring leaders, leading youth, and planting a church. She now lives in San Diego close to the Mexican/American border where she develops leaders on both sides and visits her family. She lives in a sweet community in a largely Hispanic neighborhood where she teaches English and loves on migrants. Maria also lends her bilingual skills to the medical world where she works part-time as an interpreter.
Support Our Work
Our mailing address is:
The Global Immersion Project
2801 B Street, #22
San Diego, California 92102, United States
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