First Mennonite Church group experiences Christ at the Borders

Mya Cook looks up at a cross placed on the border wall. Photo by Jonathan Wenger.
Mya Cook looks up at a cross placed on the border wall. Photo by Jonathan Wenger.

From August 3-8, five youth and two adult sponsors from First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson, Kansas participated in Chapter One of the Christ at the Borders Just Peace Pilgrimage at the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona and the Mexican state of Sonora. While there, they explored the realities and implications of migration, including the reasons causing it and how churches or communities of faith are responding to it.

The JPP group prays for justice at the border wall. Photo by Arloa Bontrager.
Adrian Villalobos shakes hands with Arloa Bontrager, Mission Network’s Regional Director for North America (Short-Term Service). Villalobos works with CATPSIC, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Agua Prieta that partners with Frontera de Cristo. Photo by Jonathan Wenger.
Mark Adams, U.S. coordinator for Frontera de Cristo, speaks with the participants about his organization. According to their website, “through partnerships in both Agua Prieta, Sonora, and Douglas, Arizona, [Frontera de Cristo] works to extend welcome and support to migrants and the surrounding communities. Photo by Jonathan Wenger.
Douglas, Arizona resident Jack Knox shows a cemetery in Douglas Arizona that holds remains of migrants who have died in the desert as participants pay their respect. From left to right: Reuben Wenger, Hannah Nisly, Khue Vu, Ryker Sperman-Wiens, Mya Cook, Arloa Bontrager and Tanya Martin Nisly. Photo by Jonathan Wenger.
Ryker Sperman-Wiens, Jonathan Wenger and Arloa Bontrager hold crosses with the names of those who have died trying to cross the border. This prayer vigil has taken place every week since 2000. Photo by Arloa Bontrager.
Mya Cook looks at one of many murals that have been painted on the Mexican side of the border. Photo by Arloa Bontrager.

Just Peace Pilgrimages are designed for participants to listen, learn and explore what God is doing to bring about justice and peace in the world. To learn more about Just Peace Pilgrimages, including how you can sign up, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace.

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