Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Mosaic Congregations Come Together for Accompaniment in Worship

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by Jennifer Svetlik

As a community of congregations and nonprofit ministries committed to living like Jesus together, we have an opportunity during this time of increased targeting of our communities to come together to love each other, and bear witness that God’s perfect love casts out all fear.   
 
Over 40% of Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s member congregations are made up primarily of first and second-generation immigrants, from Latin America, Indonesia, and Haiti, among other countries. Beginning in late 2024, a number of these majority-immigrant congregations began to request that Mosaic Conference share information and resources and offer support to help reduce a sense of fear among their members about the possibility of increased arrests and deportations.  
 
The elimination of the “sensitive locations” policy by the Department of Homeland Security for churches as protected spaces in January 2025 further increased a sense of fear around gathering for communal worship by some pastors and their congregants.  
 
Mosaic has been responding to these needs by increasing staff accompaniment with vulnerable congregations, creating and disseminating relevant resources through partnerships with Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Central Committee, offering Know your Rights trainings, and empowering congregations and ministries to host their own trainings in their communities. 
 
In addition to these efforts, some immigrant-majority congregations began to request accompaniment by U.S. citizens in dominant-culture Mosaic Conference congregations during times of worship.  
 
“More than ninety percent of our congregants come from outside the U.S.,” shared a Mosaic congregation pastor, who requested anonymity to protect his congregation. “A lot of our members currently do not feel safe or comfortable during worship services, because of the changes in immigration policy that make them feel safe unsafe and unwelcome.” 
 
“The reason that we asked for accompaniment is that we need the support from our brothers and sisters from the dominant culture to comfort us and walk with us during this time,” this pastor shared. “Some of our members feel safer seeing Americans sitting in the back of the church. We recognize their presence, we share fellowship together, and we feel less alone.” 

The goal of the accompaniment partnerships is to strengthen relational connections between dominant-culture and immigrant-majority congregations in a geographic area, train both congregations with Know Your Rights and Be an Ally information, and for dominant-culture guests to offer a sense of calm and interface with enforcement agents should the need ever arise.  

One of the partnerships involves six congregations, including several that are not Mosaic Conference congregations. So far around 30 people in that partnership have visited a local immigrant-majority congregation over the past six weeks. 

One of the fruits of this accompaniment work has been a greater sense of fellowship and the creation of new relationships between various congregations. Some of these partnerships were based on prior relationships that congregations have had. 

“Our congregation has had a relationship for several years with an immigrant-majority congregation. When they asked for accompaniment, even though we are a small church, it was easy to say yes,” shares Jacob Curtis, Co-Pastor of Ambler (PA) Mennonite.  

“We have relationships with other Mennonite churches nearby, so we drew on those relationships and asked them this effort,” Curtis continues. “Everyone who has visited has been impressed by the warmth and energy of the congregation. And they’ve appreciated the chance to get to know each other too. Seeds are being planted. New relationships are being formed. We’re excited to see what God grows from all this goodness!” 

At least seven Mosaic Conference congregations are currently involved in congregational pairings, with other dominant-culture congregations still organizing teams for accompaniment. There are Mosaic Conference immigrant-majority congregations still seeking accompaniment relationships with dominant-culture congregations in their area. If your congregation is interested in learning more, email immigration@mosaicmennonites.org.  

There are a few other ways Mosaic Conference has been working at supporting our immigrant-majority congregations during this time.  

A Mosaic Conference congregation is part of the lawsuit Mennonite Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al. which asserts that DHS’s reversal of policy violates the first amendment freedom of religion protections. The Preliminary Injunction Hearing for this case has been set for April 4, 2025. 

Mosaic is also responding to identified needs for more bilingual communications and community engagement through seeking to hire several more staff members.  

The Shalom Fund, the Conference’s mutual aid fund, continues to accept contributions to support immigrant congregations with unexpected needs.  

We are grateful for the shows of support across the Conference for those who are most vulnerable among us. 

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer is Director of Community Engagement & Editor for Mosaic. She grew up near Houston, TX and spent a decade living in intentional community in Washington DC, before moving to Lansdale, PA. She serves as Children’s Faith Formation Director at Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA).

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Jennifer Svetlik, please email jsvetlik@mosaicmennonites.org.

The Fuentes de Agua Viva House of Prayer: A Beacon of Hope in Monterrey

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by Javier Márquez

Editor’s Note: In the summer of 2024, two congregations in South Texas and one church plant in Monterrey, Mexico asked to become partners in ministry with Mosaic Conference. Partners in Ministry are congregations that are not members but share our values and a vision for Anabaptist witness in their communities. Some use the time as a partner in ministry to explore membership. Others are emerging communities that value the relational accompaniment with Mosaic. Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX), Iglesia Menonita Fuente de Agua Viva (Los Fresnos, TX) and Casa de Oración Fuentes de Agua Viva (Monterrey, Mexico) are exploring membership. Learn more about Casa de Oración Fuentes de Agua Viva below.  

In the vibrant neighborhood called Colonia Emiliano Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico, the Fuentes de Agua Viva (Fountain of Living Water) House of Prayer stands as a beacon of hope and faith. Founded by Pastor Irma Solís and her husband, José Medrano Solís, this church has been a moving testimony of perseverance and devotion since its humble beginnings. 

Irma, 71, and José, 75, found their spiritual calling on October 29, 2020. Just three weeks later, driven by a fervent desire to share their faith, they began meeting with other families and turned their backyard into a sanctuary of worship.  

Pastor Irma and her congregation during the celebration of baptisms.

With the support of their children, they built a small house that has served as the center of their community; this gesture of faith and generosity has allowed the church to host about 25 people during services, revealing the growth they have experienced. 

Community baptisms.

Pastor Irma, with deep emotion, shares: “We are growing in the word, both spiritually and physically.”

“At first everything was beautiful and full of blessings; of course, then we faced challenges and obstacles, but each one has been an opportunity to strengthen our faith and move towards our goals.” 

The Fuentes de Agua Viva House of Prayer offers its services, with an open heart to the community, on Sundays at 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 3 pm, and Fridays, with women’s prayer, at 3 pm. At each meeting, members praise, pray, and share the word, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. A significant milestone in their journey was on June 23, 2024, when they celebrated their first baptism ceremony. 

The support of Pastor Alejo Solís, from the Fuente de Agua Viva Mennonite Church in Los Fresnos, Texas, has been fundamental in her journey. This support has not only provided spiritual guidance, but has also fostered inter-church cooperation. Pastor Irma received with enthusiasm and gratitude an invitation from Mosaic Leadership Minister Marco Güete to study at the Anabaptist Bible Institute.  

The church sees the Partner in Ministry relationship with Mosaic conference as an opportunity to receive new blessings and further enrich their lives and those of their community. Each step in their journey has been a manifestation of an unwavering faith and genuine love that continues to inspire all those who cross their path. 

All photos provided by La Casa de Oración Fuentes de Agua Viva.

In the heart of Monterrey, Fuentes de Agua Viva House of Prayer continues to be a place of hope and renewal. Its story is a reminder that even in times of difficulty, faith and dedication can transform lives and communities. The church not only serves as a place of worship, but also as a refuge for those seeking a deeper connection with their spirituality and with others. The work of Irma and José Medrano Solís is a living testimony that true spiritual strength and genuine love can flourish in the most unexpected places, lighting the way for all who seek hope and community in their lives. 

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Communications and Community Engagement for Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Courage and Joy: Reflecting on Hope for the Future

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by Cami Dager

In a time when federal directives are challenging diversity and immigration efforts, I expected to sense fear at the recent Hope for the Future conference in Goshen, Indiana. That fear was present—but it was far outshone by courage. 

Photo by Juan Moya, Anabaptist World.

I was deeply moved by the bravery of leaders like Regina Shands Stoltzfus and Tobin Miller Shearer, who, in 1995, developed and led the Damascus Road Anti-Racism Process. Their work came at great personal cost, as they faced resistance from the very Mennonite institutions that had initially encouraged them. Yet they persisted. Their courage was echoed in calls to continue this essential work despite today’s challenges. As one speaker reminded us, courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It compels us to speak up in spite of it. 

Likewise, joy is not the absence of hardship. Though we heard painful stories of resistance and exclusion, the conference was also filled with celebration—expressed through vibrant music, dancing and shared hope. The gathering honored the pioneers of anti-racism in MC USA and their lasting impact. As keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Lerone Martin urged us, let’s keep moving forward because, as Miller Shearer pointed out, transformation is not just possible—it is already happening. 

Participants (including Mosaic Leadership Minister Marco Güete, center) enjoy dancing at the evening gala.

Cami Dager

Cami Dager is the chief communication officer for MC USA and is a member of Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, Pa. 

Hope for the Future: Celebrating 30 Years of Damascus Road

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by Hendy Matahelemual

The chill of winter’s last stroll through the Midwest did not dim the hope sparked by leaders of color and others invited to participate in Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference at Goshen College in Indiana on Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025.  

This year, the theme was Celebrating 30 Years of Damascus Road Antiracism Process, now known as Roots of Justice. Around 130 people (including six Mosaic leaders) gathered for the event, which began with an evening reception at a local inn. The following day included worship and various sessions. I was honored and grateful to be part of a panel featuring trainers from Damascus Road/Roots of Justice. 

Hendy Matahelemual on a panel with other current and former Roots of Justice trainers. Photo by Juan Moya, Anabaptist World.

Antiracism is a key element of Mosaic Conference’s intercultural priority. Before we can truly gather as equals in the eyes of the Lord—as described in Revelation 7:9—we must address the elephant in the room: the sin of racism. This sin has divided humanity into two groups—the oppressed and the oppressor, the inferior and the superior, the dominant and the submissive—based on ethnicity, skin color, and race. 

Dr. Regina Shands Stoltzfus, the first keynote speaker of the day, reminded us to acknowledge antiracism work in the past and present as we prepare for the future. She is the co-author of Been in the Struggle with Dr. Tobin Miller Shearer. As part of an intercultural book study in 2023, Mosaic Conference invited both authors to lead a webinar discussion on it.  

Hendy Matahelemual (left) and Mosaic Conference Board Member Maati Yvonne (fourth from left) with the other past and current Roots of Justice trainers present at the Conference. Photo by Juan Moya, Anabaptist World.

I joined a breakout session on multiracial, cross-ethnic, and transracial identities in the church. This is where I realized that most of us, including myself, carry a mix of identities. Simply acknowledging it—and being acknowledged—was a liberating experience and a spiritual practice.  

The second day ended with a gala dinner where, for the first time, I heard the folk song Arirang performed by Korean brothers and sisters. The song symbolizes the sorrow and hope of the Korean people, longing for a unified Korea. The gala was a space for honoring our elders and celebrating, and yes, there was all sorts of dancing involved. 

Rev. Suzette Shreffler shared her story on the last day of the conference. As a Native American descendant, she grew up as a product of the Indian boarding school system, which forced her family to assimilate into Euro-American culture with the goal of erasing Indigenous languages, traditions, and identities. 

She experienced generational trauma but, thankfully, found peace in Jesus through her ministry at the local Mennonite Church. She became the first Northern Cheyenne woman credentialed by Central Plains Mennonite Conference. Her story of resilience is a beacon of hope for the future, and I believe there are many more stories yet to be told. 

Mosaic Mennonite Conference Executive Committee Board Member Maati Yvonne was one of seven elders honored at the 12th annual Hope for the Future celebration. Photo by Juan Moya, Anabaptist World.

The event concluded on Sunday with Dr. Rev. Lerone Martin, who shared one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermons, and I was amazed at how the sermon remains profoundly relevant today. 

Dr. King spoke about the three triplets of evil: racism, poverty, and violence. My hope for the future is that we can confront all of these in the way of Jesus. Our conference priorities are set to tackle these forces of evil as we become more intercultural, formational, and missional in the way of Jesus, in a world that is both broken and beautiful. 

Hendy Matahelemual

Hendy Matahelemual is the Associate Minister for Community Engagement for Mosaic Conference. Hendy Matahelemual was born and grew up in the city of Bandung, Indonesia. Hendy lives in Philadelphia with his wife Marina and their three boys, Judah, Levi and Asher.

Walking with Mosaic: A Historic Encounter

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by Javier Márquez

Between February 5 and 12, 2025, Medellín was the scene of a historic meeting that marked a new chapter in this process of transformation and movement that we are experiencing in the Mosaic Conference. A team of seven people from different countries—the United States, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia—traveled to the Colombian city to meet with pastors and leaders of Christian communities in Colombia, especially from the Anabaptist Community of Medellín, Resplandece Mennonite Church (Pembroke Pines, FL, Barranquilla, Colombia, and hybrid)—ministries that are part of the Conference—and the Shalom Anabaptist Christian Church of Cartagena. The purpose of the meeting was twofold: to strengthen ties between the communities and to witness the pastoral licensing of Manuel García and Carlos Sánchez as new pastors within Mosaic Conference. 

The visiting Mosaic board and staff members at the home of a sister of the Anabaptist Community of Medellín. Photo by Javier Márquez.

“The Colombian churches and leaders have been involved in God’s mission for a long time, Mosaic Conference noticed it, called them, and is walking with them,” reflected Leadership Minister Marco Güete. “The meeting in Medellín was an awakening guided by the Spirit of God.” From the beginning, the atmosphere was marked by fellowship, reflection, and the desire to share. 

“I discovered that God has a plan for each of these leaders and that they are ready to walk with Mosaic,” reflected Sandra Guëte. This feeling of walking together with mutual support was reflected throughout the visit. 

Pastors Carlos Sánchez (left) and Manuel García after receiving their credentials and mugs from Mosaic Conference. Photo by Javier Márquez.

The culminating moment was the pastoral licensing ceremony. Manuel García, pastor of Resplandece Mennonite, shared his emotion upon receiving his acceptance into Mosaic Conference: “The day I received the message that I was accepted to be licensed was unforgettable. I hugged my wife and cried with happiness. My mind traveled through the memories, the processes and the experiences that God allowed me to live until that moment.”

Likewise, Carlos Sánchez, pastor of the Anabaptist Community of Medellín, expressed, “Being part of Mosaico as a credentialed pastor and baptizing a small group of new brothers and sisters in the faith is an achievement for my life. It is one more step that God has affirmed in his mercy.”

In addition to these moments of joy and emotion, there was a space for community reflection led first by Ismael Conchacala Gil, a Wiwa indigenous Christian leader from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and then by Nidia Montoya, leader of the Anabaptist Community of Medellín. First, Conchacala shared a message about Luke 18 and, later, Montoya guided us in an exercise of expressing our feelings about these relationships that were emerging. In this context, the group “Walking with Mosaico” was born, which brings together Colombian pastors and leaders.

Working meeting with all the attendees. Photo by Jennifer Svetlik.

The cultural exchange was one of the most significant riches of this meeting. “The trip gave us the opportunity to connect and learn from each other while we traveled to different places in Colombia. We enjoyed delicious meals, drank good coffee, and had meaningful conversations and moments of communion. We got to know each other better,” said Mosaic Conference Leadership Minister for Mission Noel Santiago. The visits to the homes of the members of the Medellín community, the touristic activities, and the fellowship further enriched the meeting.

Sister Keila Barrero, who was accompanied by her husband Santiago Góngora, also shared about the experience lived during this meeting: “The opportunity to share with the pastors and leaders of Mosaico in various settings made this a valuable and enriching time. In addition, the welcome and attention provided made this experience a significant memory for us as a family.” These words reflect the sense of community and human warmth that characterized this historic meeting.

Santiago Góngotra and Keila Barrero. Photo by Javier Márquez.

For many, this trip was unforgettable, not only for the cultural and spiritual context, but for the human connection that was established. “I will never forget these two and a half days together,” shared Malka Blanco.

(from left) Marco Güete, Eliécer Virola, Malka Blanco, and Haroldo Nunes. Photo by Javier Márquez.

Pastor Eliécer Virola also expressed with enthusiasm: “My experience of this meeting with Mosaic was spectacular. What God is preparing in the spiritual sphere, what God is going to do in the church, is great.” His testimony reflects the vision and hope that the group shared during their meeting in Medellin.

Thus, in this historic meeting, Walking with Mosaic was born, both as a group of leaders united by faith, and as a tangible expression of the work that God is doing in Colombia and throughout the region. As Mosaic Conference continues to grow, “Let us be attentive to the voice of the Lord, wherever He calls us to get up and go,” encouraged Noel Santiago.

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Writer & Communication Coordinator for Mosaico Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Anabaptism at 500: What Anabaptism Means to Me – March 2025

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As Mosaic Mennonite Conference commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025, each month we will share a variety of Mosaic voices reflecting on the question, “What does Anabaptism mean to me?”  

Submission from

Joel Horst Nofziger, Methacton (PA) congregation and Executive Director of Conference-Related Ministry Mennonite Historians of Eastern PA 

There are many markers that people have used to describe and define Anabaptism. None of them is unique, but together they form a distinctive constellation of values, beliefs, and practices. Anabaptism describes an understanding of what it means to faithfully follow Jesus, individually and as a community of faith. It is the milieu in which I have lived, it is the tradition I study, and it is the order by which I live my life. Two intertwined ideals are central to this order, with the understanding that we cannot faithfully follow Christ alone.  

First, we are to live lives conformed to Christ. We are not bound to the patterns of the world but transformed by the Holy Spirit’s renewal of our minds so that our lives are pure and acceptable before God. If Christ cannot be seen visibly lived in our everyday life, then we are failing in our discipleship. 

Second is the understanding that all violence is outside of Christ’s perfection. The world in fear says that we need to protect ourselves, our property, our resources, our nation. Christ reminds us that death is not our end and that our call is radical hospitality, even unto those who would do us harm.  

Submission from

Carolyn Albright, Ripple (Allentown, PA) congregation and Refuge 

My journey to embracing Anabaptism has been a circuitous one, and some of the most meaningful parts of my journey have been:  

  • Belonging, love, and acceptance 
  • Lived out faith with a Jesus lens 
  • Ministry 
  • Meals 
  • Music 

My first encounter with Anabaptists was during the year after I graduated from college. I was a member of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and our household hung out with the Mennonite Voluntary Service household in Washington, DC. Someone gifted me The More-with-Less cookbook, and I became endlessly curious about Mennonites.  

Later, Whitehall (PA) Mennonite congregation accepted and loved my family, modeled practical faith in Jesus, and taught us to view Scripture through the lens of Jesus. Urbane and Janet Byler were important mentors in our faith journey (I have wonderful memories of trips to Honduras and time helping on their farm) and they helped me discern my call to licensing and ordination.  

Leaving Whitehall to begin Ripple Church, moving to inner-city Allentown, starting the Conference-Related Ministry Ripple Community, Inc. were all infused with community discernment and dedicated ministry. 

While living in Allentown, monthly meals with our community there (Zume House, which included Rose Bender, Angela Moyer, and Ben Walter) were relaxed places where we could ponder and puzzle together, as we served Jesus.  

Music was always interwoven in our gatherings, and Mennonites singing in four-part a capella harmony helps me envision what heaven will be like! 

Submission from

Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy, Ambler (PA)

Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy, Ambler (PA) congregation shares her earliest encounters with Anabaptism and the Anabaptist values that draw her.

The Ministry of Medicare Education

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By Cassandra Zetts

While pursuing my degree in education, I never imagined I’d be using my expertise to teach my community about Medicare – but I’m grateful for the opportunity. 

Congregational care takes many forms throughout life. It can include offering a meal train for new parents, contributing to the Mennonite Education Plan for families with school-aged children, or walking alongside elders as they face the financial and physical challenges that come with aging. 

When Everence (then Mennonite Mutual Aid) was founded, the goal was simple: go where our community needs us. In the 1980s, as an inter-Mennonite organization, we began offering Medicare education and products to our members. 

For most Americans, Medicare is two things: inevitable and bewildering. Church leaders and Everence consultants hear regularly that Medicare is a concern for our members and their families. Questions about Medicare are often shrouded in broader, deeper questions about aging: What will my health be like as I age? Will I be able to afford my medications? Will I burden my family?  While Medicare itself may not always be top of mind when caring for the elderly in your congregation, it remains a significant—and often unspoken—factor in many conversations. 

Transitioning from traditional pre-retirement insurance to Medicare can feel like moving to a foreign country, where the language and currency are unfamiliar. Add the overwhelming flood of advertisements and dozens of plan options, and it can leave one wondering how anyone can do it on their own.  

Luckily, they don’t have to face it alone. When I first considered leaving my teaching job to come to Everence, I wasn’t sure I could give up my “noble” profession to simply provide a product. But I came to realize that perspective was limiting.  

As a Senior Health Specialist, I build on the deep relationships between our organization and our congregations. I come alongside individuals and families as they move through a necessary part of aging, to provide education and help people make informed choices. 

If you or a loved one is approaching Medicare age, our team of Medicare specialists is available to answer questions over the phone, meet one-on-one, or present to a group within a congregation.  

We have an upcoming seminar for those approaching Medicare age/retirement at Zion (PA) Mennonite on March 25 at 6:30 pm. You can find more details and register to attend at everence.com/souderton or by calling our office at 215-703-0111.  

Cassandra Zetts

Cassandra Zetts is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Financial Consultant specializing in Senior Health Insurance. She works out of the Souderton, PA Everence office. 

MCC immigration staff in U.S. field urgent calls, questions

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By Linda Espenshade, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. News Editor

Editor’s Note: This news release was reprinted with permission. Mosaic Conference constituents can receive legal consultations through the MCC West Coast (559) 638-6911 or westcoast@mcc.org) and East Coast (305) 249-3477 or FloridaOffice@mcc.org) offices. Contact immigration@mosaicmennonites.org with questions and see Mosaic’s resources here, to support your congregation or community in Know Your Rights trainings and more.

*Maria is a pseudonym, used to protect her identity.

Maria* has a difficult decision to make in September when her legal documents that allow her to live in the United States expire.  

She could stay in the U.S., risking deportation and living under the radar, so that her young teenage daughter, a U.S. citizen, can continue living in her country. Or she could move back to Venezuela, after 16 years of living in the U.S., to a country embroiled in humanitarian and political crises so severe that 7.7 million people have fled. 

Maria came to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) East Coast immigration attorney, Rachel Diaz, to see if she has any other options to remain legally after her Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expires.  

Like other immigrants, Maria’s fear and concerns about living in the U.S. without documentation have spiked since President Trump instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to apprehend 1,000 to 1,200 immigrants daily. 

Diaz explained that Maria had no legal options to stay, despite a clean criminal record, unless Trump extends TPS for Venezuelans. 

Instead, Diaz advised her to make sure she has a family preparedness plan so that her daughter would be taken care of in case Maria gets deported.   

The plan includes actions, such as:  

  • Finding a trusted person to care for her daughter; 
  • Signing state forms giving that trusted person permission to care for her daughter temporarily, including getting medical treatment; 
  • Having a valid passport for her daughter so she can fly to Venezuela. 

“I have girls too,” says Diaz. “And here I’m telling this mom that I know has been working to give her daughter a good life that there’s nothing, no legal recourse for them at this point. So, that was tough to say.” 

As immigrants witness enforcement happening on the news and in the streets, with and without a warrant, calls to MCC’s immigration staff have increased.  

Immigrants are asking MCC staff for ways to get documentation so they can stay in the country. They also want to know how to protect their children and their assets in case they get deported. Pastors are inquiring about what to do if ICE agents come to their churches.  

MCC’s immigration staff, especially in California and Florida, respond by meeting with clients and meeting with groups in churches and schools. And they listen. 

“Sometimes I spend a good 20 minutes with people on the phone trying to listen to their situation, trying to calm them down,” says Crystal Fernandez-Benites, an immigration legal case worker for West Coast MCC. Sometimes there is no legal option, she says, “but you know, the accompaniment, the having someone, an organization where they can trust and go for guidance, I think that’s very important.”

Crystal Fernandez-Benites, an immigration legal case worker for West Coast MCC, speaks with two community members affected by President Trump’s immigration directives.  MCC photo/ Dina González-Piña

Staff across the country are giving increasing numbers of Know Your Rights presentations in churches, schools and the community. In these presentations, participants learn practical steps to take if they are apprehended and how to exercise their constitutional rights. They include:  

  • Exercise your right to stay silent. 
  • Don’t sign anything except an agreement with your own attorney. 
  • Carry copies of your immigration documents with you. 
  • Don’t open the door unless the ICE agent shows you a warrant signed by a judge with the specific name and address of someone living in your house.
  • Memorize a phone number to call from detention. (Don’t rely on your cell phone.) 

One woman who attended a training in California says that she has been very distressed by the increased ICE activity.  

“I go out feeling afraid. I only go out for the essentials, and I ask God to protect me. For me, this (training) was good because we need to be prepared and know our rights.” She now has an appointment with MCC to start the immigration process.  

Fernandez-Benites says the primary concern she hears from those attending the training is about their children. “These are people who have been in the community for a very, very long time. They have lives made here, and they have kids who were born here, and they are minors.” 

One pastor, who hosted a West Coast MCC training for her congregation of immigrants, says she and her husband, also a pastor, have been asked by at least three families to be their children’s temporary guardians.  

“They are concerned, and as they say, ‘Who else can we trust? We don’t have any relatives here.’ And if they do, they are in another state, and most of them are undocumented too,” the pastor says. She and her husband agree to support them “because my thinking is that the church is here to help.”   

For more resources for immigrants and those who want to help them, go to mcc.org/support-immigrant-neighbors. To ask your legislators to speak up for immigrants affected by Trump’s orders, as well as refugees and asylum seekers, visit mcc.org/campaign/speak-those-seeking-refuge-and-asylum.