Dear Friends,
There are many needs in our local Tucson community, and many opportunities to serve. Recently one of our members, Lex Waddell, became painfully aware of a need
that he is especially interested in helping to address. He asked me to circulate the following letter inviting you to consider joining with him in whatever way you feel called to help. You can reach him on his cell phone 520-404-7460.
Nathan
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Hello fellow members and friends of Sunrise Chapel,
As of October 7th 2018, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun to release refugee families to churches in Tucson and around the country.
I.C.E. initially intended to simply drop them off on the street with no support.
However, several churches negotiated with I.C.E to have them brought to them instead. And bring them they do. They are being dropped off at all hours and are given a court date.
These churches are housing, feeding, clothing, and helping them find friends and family in the U.S. to stay with. The churches receive no funding for this work.
This is nothing less than a humanitarian crisis on our own doorstep. Remember the words "Truly I tell
you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). Right now, there is much that we can all do for these brothers and sisters today at all levels.
They need people to...
1. Cook meals
2. Donate or wash clothing
3. Help with the children
4. Help the refugees get in contact with friends and relatives that live in the U.S. so they can find a more permanent place to stay
5. Help with transportation
6. Donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other healthcare products
7. And money isn't required but always helps
If you volunteer in person, they are asking that you either have a flu shot or wear a face mask if you cannot get the flu shot.
Several churches are participating around town (though they are not publicizing that they
are.) At this point, the only one that I know about is Rincon Congregational Church at 122 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711, phone (520) 745-6237.
To volunteer, call or text Rick at (520) 834-7362. To donate, please go to the GoFundMe site https://www.gofundme.com/massive-release-of-asylum-seekers.
We could also go volunteer together as a
group. Please get in touch with me if you would like to do so.
Your friend,
Lex Waddell
(520) 404-7460