The moderator of the meeting spoke up. “Could you summarize what you want from us at this time?”
“Sure,” said Carla, “I’m not here to make you feel guilty. I simply want to offer myself as a vehicle by which your churches can reach out to some suffering people. I don’t have an answer to the larger immigration problem, but in the meantime, I want to minister to some of those who have been left by the side of the road. I would be honored if you could support me in that work.”
Al spoke again. “What both Carla and I learned last night is that when we struggle with how to respond to the cries of our brothers and sisters, we grow closer to the God who has called us.
“The struggle that each of us face is genuine. God through Jesus Christ is always headed towards Jerusalem and the cross. Very good people, like Peter, the head of the church, want to caution us not to place ourselves at risk. But,” continued Al, “when we, like Peter, despite our denials, still strive to be faithful to the Christ who has called us, we discover again and again that God has our back.”
An older man stood to be recognized. He was bent over and had to be helped to his feet. “I’ve been to these meetings going on forty years and this was one of the best. We actually wrestled with the gospel. I’d like to move that this body provide $1,000 support to Ms. Espinoza and also that each of us individually augment that amount with our own personal pledge. I will start with my pledge of $500 and my hope that Ms. Espinoza will return to speak with us about her ministry frequently.”
The motion passed unanimously and $4,000 was gathered in pledges.
When the meeting was over, many people wanted to speak to Carla and assure her of their prayers. Some even asked for more information that they might take back to their congregations.
