Mission Tripss
Texas Border Trips
Goals:
To understand the border context: Experience the realities of border communities and learn to dispel border myths.
To witness God’s work at the border: Witness welcoming communities serving migrants biblically and steadfastly.
To advocate for immigration reform: Discern how to practice impactful welcoming and advocacy.
To serve migrants at the border.
Immigration
We’ve been to the border several times on two different experiences. One, we went with Elket Rodriguez, where we visited respite centers, talked with border patrol, went to immigration court, visited the border wall, and more along the Rio Grande Valley (primarily in and around Harlingen, McAllen, and Brownsville). We go to Brownsville to work with the ministry of West Brownsville Baptist Church (IBWB = Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville) and Pastor Carlos Navarro. We do whatever they need at the time we are there.
We went to Brownsville and Matamoros to help spread the word to Save Asylum on January 13, 2024, and went to the Texas Border on April 28 – May 2, 2024. We learned firsthand what was going on there. Our partner church, Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville, is doing great work with migrants. Pastor Carlos Navarro leads them to meet real needs — clothing, food, shelter, transportation, and other needs. They also work alongside Team Brownsville and Good Neighbor at the Welcome Center by the bus station.
Mission Trip Plans for 2025
Texas Border Trip with Elket
Spring 2025
Brownsville Trip
3 times in 2025
Compassion & Justice Advocacy Day
February 25, 2025 | Austin
Advocacy in Action
March 9-13, 2025 | Washington DC
Mexico City
Summer 2025
Serve in Macedonia
We went to North Macedonia in July 2023 and worked with Jeff Lee (Alicia and Ethan were in the USA). We did what they do: work at a dairy farm, serve at a group home for adults with cognitive disabilities, and serve with the Macedonia Food Bank. We learned about culture, ate the best ice cream in the world and went to an apple orchard.
Our next trip to North Macedonia will be in 2026
Be watching for a visit at Woodland from Jeff, Alicia, and Ethan in 2025!
Explore More About Migrants and Our Faith
Learn more about Pastor Carlos Navarro and see a video from him about his ministry.
“My Experience at the Texas Border” by John Whisler
“To Be Free of Border Delusions, You Must Know the Truth” by Elket Rodríguez
“Looking at Refugees, but Seeing Jesus” by Elket Rodríguez
“Commentary: Why should Texas Baptists be concerned about immigration?” by Elket Rodriguez
Video: “Fellowship Southwest: Migrants, the asylum process and the church” with Elket Rodriguez, Cameron Vickrey, and Anyra Cano
Welcome With Dignity (advocacy organization)
Interfaith Immigration Coalition (advocacy organization)
National Immigration Forum (advocacy organization
“I Was a Stranger” Challenge. 40 Days of Scripture and Prayer
Christians at the Border by M. Daniel Carroll R. Used book at Amazon. Digital book at Apple Books.
Video with Elket Rodríguez and Cameron Vickrey talking about the immigration policy changes that are leading to the increased numbers of people coming through the Brownsville port of entry and why your help is needed.
“What Happens After Title 42” by Elket Rodríguez
Story on the Darien Gap by CNN (in 5 parts)
Gallery: Why the Stories of Ellis Island Matter Today (in 5 parts)
Learn more about Elket Rodriguez