This photo (video) was taken near the end of our time serving here today of giving away gratis (free) pepperoni or cheese pizzas, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, cold Gatorade’s or jugo (juice) /leche (milk), chips, Nutri-grain bars, and sometimes other items to our literal neighbors- the people migrating over to the United States from another country. We also offer spiritual food by thanking God and praying with them. This church and Ministerio Golan (Ministry of Golan) we are serving alongside as interns of Fellowship Southwest, has faithfully served the migrant population so much so, that the city of Brownsville welcomes their presence and is in regular contact with Pastor Carlos Navarro of ‘Iglesia Bautista of West Brownsville‘ (who was out of the area today) for aid and support to the migrants.  

Sooooo normally when we’ve been out here at the border gate, I hang back and mingle with the folks who are entering into the United States for the first time. Most people speak Spanish coming in so I would just let the other church ministers serve. But today was a bit different. We had a little less volunteers this Thursday and lots of gusts of wind. 

I lost several plates and napkins when I lifted my hands for just a moment and off they went, into the gate crossing over into Mexico. Tropical storm Alberto built up and blew on by the Brownsville, Texas, area since Tuesday bringing wind and lots of rain in sporadic showers and downpours.  That’s why I’m leaning on the pizzas and holding the plates and napkins at bay with my body. 

We try to be a welcoming presence towards those who have finally made it here after a long and hard journey. Many people have shared with us that it was in Mexico where their time of migration was the roughest. They share that they were assaulted and had their things and money taken from them and yet they at the same time, acknowledge God’s protection over them to bring them here to this point. These are not stories that we hear at the border gate as soon as they cross over. But instead, I have learned about parts of their experiences because we were able to spend more time with them in Casa Golan (Golan House) and/or when we drive people gratis (for free) to the airport as a ministry. 

📸 Look closely to the right of the photo and you’ll see literal signs of welcome in various languages put there by the city directing people to their processing center for help to get to where they are trying to go (info about bus station, airports, getting in contact with sponsors etc.) I never even noticed these billboards until my second week of coming here as there is so much to take in when you are in a new space.

Just imagine if you were not from here and seeing everything for the first time while not knowing what to expect or who to trust- others miss these signs too.

That’s why we are here, to be a refreshing presence in their journey and share with them a little light as they go on their way.  

#storiesfromtheborder #border #welcometoamerica

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Hi! I’m Sejana and I’m here at the border of Texas and Mexico as an intern for @fellowshipsouthwest for 5+ weeks learning about migrant care, immigration, and advocacy. I applied to come so that I could see for myself what was happening here and perhaps hear from people their stories as to why they are here and what it’s been like for them so far on their journey. You can find me online as ‘Sejana Shines’!

Have you read my article posted by Fellowship Southwest yet?? Go here to check it out!