Remembering our Trip to El Paso/Juarez
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
In Romans 12:15, Paul writes, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." This verse captures the essence of empathy– entering into the experiences of others with genuine compassion and solidarity. When we rejoice with those who rejoice, we celebrate their victories and joys as if they were our own. When we weep with those who weep, we share in their sorrows and pains.
As followers of Christ, we are called to model his example of empathy in our own lives. This means actively seeking to understand the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of others, even when they differ from our own. By cultivating empathy, we not only fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves but also create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Cultivating empathy was one of the reasons why I needed to go visit the El Paso/Juarez border. I felt the Lord stir the desire to go when the trip was first brought to my attention in the fall of 2023. It was the opportunity to learn about what is happening at the border, grow in understanding, and grow in faith.
There’s no other way to describe El Paso/Juarez than a true binational community. One stand-out experience I had in Ciudad Juarez was visiting a shelter that was located in the upstairs of a church. The pastor of the church ran the shelter by himself, with immense support from his wife and daughters. He was not being paid or forced to keep his shelter open, but he does so because the Lord calls him to love others. When we had the opportunity to chat with him, I remember someone asking him how he has kept the shelter open with virtually no financial support. He said something along the lines of, “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit help me.”
This pastor also shared he wakes up every morning and prays with the migrants that are currently staying at the shelter. In Ciudad Juarez, asylum seekers now wait in Mexico to get an appointment with border patrol. It could be weeks or months before they are finally seen to seek refuge. Appointment schedules are based on a lottery system now, so the pastor wakes up before dawn and prays that one or more of his new friends receives the opportunity to cross into the United States.
He is a beautiful example of Romans 12:15. What a way to answer the call to love your neighbor.
Empathy is more than just a virtue; it's a transformative force that can profoundly impact our relationships, communities, and the world at large. Empathy is a profound expression of love and understanding that bridges the gaps between individuals, communities, and cultures. It's an essential virtue that reflects the heart of God and shapes the way we interact with others.
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