Sometimes the simplest questions give rise to the most interesting conversations. That is what I discovered one morning at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.
They may have been traveling for days or even weeks, but asylum seekers hoping to start new lives in the U.S. are finding a bright spot in their long and difficult journey. A Catholic church in McAllen, Texas provides a rest stop for the weary travelers, giving them a place to rest, eat and fellowship with volunteers who have come to help.
As violence increases, chaplain calls for increase in spiritual support
For the Rev. Howard Dotson, the decision to become a chaplain and crime victims’ advocate began when two young men he was talking with were gunned down within a half hour of his meeting. The two were on a street corner raising money for a friend who had been shot and killed two days before. Dotson says the two wanted to make a stand against gun violence and honor a fallen friend before becoming victims themselves.
“Is Sylvia all right?” The anxious voice on the telephone was inquiring about her three-year old daughter. Sylvia had started preschool the day before and her mother was concerned that she might not adjust to the new setting. “Sylvia’s fine,” answered the preschool director, “I was in her classroom and saw her just a few minutes ago. She’s playing with a puzzle.”
Every September, the first few weeks of preschool bring new children to La Casa Community Center. Some have older sisters and brothers who have attended the preschool, but for most it is a new experience for both the children and their parents.
Los Angeles pastor explores value of community connections
Carlton Rhoden has challenging responsibilities as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Longtime residents of the inner city have witnessed an exodus to the suburbs while an increase in crime, gang violence and drugs has made life difficult for those who remained behind. Still, the church takes its mission seriously: “Celebrating 110 years of God’s grace serving the community with the love of Jesus Christ.”
