Exploring Faith and Immigration at Resurrection Downtown

On Tuesday, April 14, Adam Kisler, along with Team Welcome Liaisons and the Immigration and Refugee Ministry, hosted a community gathering at Resurrection Downtown focused on faith and immigration. The evening was warm and welcoming, setting the tone for thoughtful conversation and reflection.

The “Faith and Immigration” event centered on a key question:

How does our faith call us to respond to immigration and migration?

Rooted in Scripture and longstanding traditions, the discussion emphasized compassion, justice, and hospitality. Attendees were reminded that the call to “welcome the stranger” is not abstract, but deeply relevant in a world where millions seek safety and opportunity.

A highlight of the evening was guest speaker Angelica “Lica” Acosta Garnett, representing Abara, one of Resurrection’s mission partners. Lica shared insights from her work facilitating educational border encounters in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Through these experiences, Abara helps participants engage directly with the realities of migration and better understand the human stories behind the headlines.

Lica spoke candidly about the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees, including legal barriers, economic hardship, and the emotional toll of displacement. She also highlighted stories of resilience and hope, reminding attendees that migration is not only a political issue, but a deeply human one.

Throughout the evening, participants were invited to consider how their faith might shape their response. For some, this meant exploring ways to get involved locally; for others, it was an opportunity to listen, learn, and begin asking new questions.

The gathering fostered a strong sense of connection. Conversations continued well after the program ended, reflecting a shared desire to better understand and respond faithfully. Several local nonprofit organizations were also present, offering opportunities for further engagement.

Events like this remind us that faith is not lived in isolation. It calls us outward—to listen, learn, and walk alongside others with empathy and purpose.

Go deeper with Faith and Immigration by joining Resurrection on one of our Borderlands trips led in partnership with Abara at the U.S./Mexico border.

Move from conversation to action: explore Resurrection Missions.

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