After the 11 a.m. worship service on April 7, 2019, the UUCC Sanctuary Team, together with members of the Rock Bridge Christian Church Sanctuary Team, put on a “Tamales and Tales from the Border” event. We had great attendance. We had many people stay after the service, and also had many people from the wider community join us. Everyone enjoyed great food. The main objective was to raise funds to support a father and his daughter who recently arrived here from Honduras who are seeking asylum. Their sponsor, Kristine Smith and family, were also in attendance.

The amount raised by the event was more than $2,000 – amazing for a single event, but still only a portion of what will be needed over the long months of pursuing the asylum case.

Contribute to help asylum seekers

The father told us about how they are fleeing violence and death threats to them due to their involvement in opposition party politics. He talked about the deterioration of basic human rights in Honduras and how terribly the poor people (and even educated professionals) are faring in these times. His wife and other daughter are still in Honduras, also fearing for their lives. He is hoping to bring them here soon, although that will be very hard and may take some time.

We also heard from Rev. Dottie Mathews, who shared about her various trips to the border and to detention centers there and about her work to find people who will sponsor families seeking asylum. Attendees got some ideas of how they can help this specific family, other people seeking asylum and how to advocate for humane, compassionate and just immigration policies and practices.

If you would like to join the work of the Sanctuary Team, please email either co-chair, Rev. Dottie Mathews or Allie Gassmann.

The photos in the slideshow below were taken by Steve Scott. Click an arrow to see the next or previous photo.