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Angel-to-Angel Project to Send Cards to Moms and Children

October 14, 2014

In partnership with Church World Service, the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice invites churches and individuals to join other Christians around the country in sending cards to the almost 700 undocumented mothers and children who have been detained at the Artesia Family Residential Center in New Mexico.

These are mothers and children, from infants to teens, who have fled extreme violence in Central America and crossed the southern U.S. border seeking safety, sanctuary, and asylum. The immigration detention center at Artesia, an isolated New Mexico desert town, is one of the facilities housing women and children while they wait to receive the news of their asylum claims. 

Although the center has been referred to as a temporary place to house women and children from Central America, immigration officials say the facility could remain open until next summer.

Called the Angels to Angels Cards of Care and Prayer project, the letter-writing effort, says OSJ, “is a wonderful opportunity for the church to tangibly demonstrate compassion and God’s love for these mothers and children.”

These families, says OSJ, “have very little contact outside of the detention centers. Receiving a simple card will be very meaningful and make them aware that that Christians around the United States are holding them in their prayers and are aware of their present situation.”

Individuals may send cards, but it is also an ideal project for youth groups, small groups, Adult-education classes, and families.

“Our hope is that each mother and child would receive a card and we need your help,” says OSJ. Church World Service shares that a passage from Hebrews inspired the program.

“It reads, “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

This bit of scripture is a reminder that being an angel is about a mutual exchange. 

“In extending hospitality we might meet an angel; and in treating others as angels, we become angels ourselves,” says Kelsey Herbert of the OSJ.

With any questions, contact Herbert at [email protected] / 616-241-1691 ext. 6872.

Guidelines:

  • Cards may be sent or dropped off (bulk or individually) at the CRC denominational headquarters at 1700 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508-1407.
  • Cards should be addressed to Mother, Child or Teen resident of the Artesia Family Residential Center (AFRC).
  • If the card is for a child, please designate age (0-3yrs, 4-6 yrs, 7-9 years, 10-12 years or teen) in the bottom left hand corner of the card.
  • Please keep your messages simple. Keep in mind that these are cards of care and prayers from Christians. Please do not comment on the women and children's legal status within the United States, or give a political opinion.
  • No additional items may be included in the card. Please do not try to send money, small toys, candy, gum, or any items. We would have to dispose of them, as only cards are permitted.
  • This project is not to develop pen-pals, but to simply send cards of prayer and care and to share God's love and your love.