What does East Union Mennonite Church in Kalona, Iowa, have to do with immigration and the southwest U.S. border? How do we relate to the issues facing migrants and those seeking asylum? We were challenged Sept. 20-22 to become informed and interact. Abraham Diaz Alonso, Mennonite Central Committee Central States immigration program coordinator, led presentations on situations at the U.S. border near McAllen, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico. He challenged us to consider Genesis 1:27 as we visualized ourselves and our fellow man as created in the image of God. He used Matthew 25:35-40 to help us evaluate our responsibilities toward those who are vulnerable.

In a chapel service at Hillcrest Academy, Diaz Alonso proposed that youth consider service through MCC. Presentations in classes stimulated youth to evaluate the rhetoric of immigration versus its realities. In a program hosted by East Union, Diaz Alonso explored why so many seek protection in the U.S. He guided us through the immigration process and the risks and benefits of seeking asylum. He described MCC’s work with organizations on both sides of the border. He discussed the partnership work MCC does to improve the living conditions of potential asylum seekers who would prefer to remain in their own countries. Finally, he offered a challenge to adult Sunday school classes about what we as a church can do. MCC is to be commended for its work and for challenging us to participate in light of Jesus’ words, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

Marlan Logan, Kalona, Iowa