Last month I had the opportunity to go to the Mexico/United States border with Women of Welcome and World Relief. A group of friends and Happy Hour listeners joined me and we had the opportunity to gain proximity to those who were living the experience of immigration, as well as meet with pastors, community leaders, and border patrol officers to learn more about this issue. This was my third trip and I still walked away immensely impacted by the stories shared. On the second episode of this three part series, I’m joined with two friends, Julia Curtis and Nikki Ogden. This was their first experience at the border and you’ll hear how this trip has impacted their life upon returning. 

Julia Curtis has served as a full-time missionary on the Tohono O’odham Nation with Live Love Ministries since 2017. Her main roles include teaching children, discipling teenage girls, and leading an adult Bible Study in a community without a church. When she isn't working, she loves to hike, especially at the Grand Canyon.

Nikki Ogden  has more than 15 years of Christian ministry experience, serving a wide range of people groups from inner-city kids to college students to wives and mothers. In 2018, Nikki and her husband planted Horizon West Church in Winter Garden, Florida, and continue to lead the diverse and growing congregation there. In addition to her ministry work, Nikki is a Podcast Producer for several shows. She is passionate about discipling women and advocating for underserved people. On her free time she loves spending time with her husband and their three children.

Immigration may be a topic that has been politicized, but I believe it's a topic that is close to the heart of God and should be important to every Christ follower. My prayer as you listen to these episodes is that you'll be filled with questions and the desire to learn more about what God's Word says on this topic. I pray that we are moved to be compassionate and loving to all of our neighbors.

SHOW NOTES:

The Little Liar

Give them Grace

Free Family Refugee Guide 

World Relief, The Path

Good Neighbor Teams

Women of Welcome

Matthew Soerens article on Holy Post

Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate

Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church

Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis