MISSION OUTREACH & JUSTICE COMMITTEE
(MOJC)
Tutorial on how to use ZOOM for teleconference meetings
Chair - Andries Coetzee, acoetzee@upcsa.org
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Purpose:
The Mission Outreach and Justice Committee (MOJC) encourages, supports, networks with connectional mission and ministry partnerships among congregations, regions, ecumenical and interfaith organizations to participate in the witness of the church of God's activity of Jesus Christ in the world through its life for others and to, promote and enable ministries of social, racial, and general justice, peacemaking, and self-empowerment throughout the congregations of MIssion Presbytery.
2022 Meeting Dates:
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January 27 at 10:00 am
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May 14 at 10:00 am
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September 15 at 10:00am
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Mission Outreach and Justice Applications and Guidelines
Puentes de Cristo Newsletter
Puentes de Cristo acknowledges the call of Jesus Christ to proclaim the good news of His Gospel in a holisitc manner. To work as partners with our brothers and sisters in Christ along the US-Mexico border, and other international communities.
In response, our mission is to attend to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people with emphasis on the poorest populations in a constantly changing and dynamic world.
Border Lines:
When members of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Austin traveled to McAllen and the Humanitarian Respite Center, they learned that meeting basic human needs for thousands requires a miracle for the many saints in long lines.
Mission Presbytery Immigration Task Force has compiled a resource list for congregations. Click either link to download.
Mission Presbytery is at Ground Zero for Refugees Entering the USA
The question is not, what will the President do about it?
The question is not, what will Congress do about it?
The question is, what will you and I do about it?
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” Exodus 22:21.
Can anyone keep silent at times like these?
The answer is, there are opportunities for those who want to reach out to our neighbors.
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For lawyers and translators, here is one opportunity:
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Families and individuals who are detained, pending deportation, should have legal counsel. Many are eligible for consideration as “refugees.” Lawyers, even those who have never handled an immigration case, can be a great help to an asylum applicant. First, a lawyer may be able to work out a bond arrangement, for release to willing relatives or an agency. Second, a lawyer can assist with preparation and prosecution of an asylum application, in appropriate cases. I can testify to the great joy in assisting someone, who has been in acute distress, to stay where he or she will be safe.
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What is involved? Applicants are expected to answer questions about themselves and their families, and about their claims of abuse, Form I-589. Applicants frequently need help documenting their personal information or their claims. Research is usually needed to show that conditions claimed are documented in government reports and newspaper stories and published research papers. The kind of support work needed is like the work required of many lawyers in trial work, real estate transactions, corporate work and criminal defense. In short, any great lawyer can do this. Once the Application is submitted, counsel can usually plan to appear in Houston, or onsite at a Detention Center, at an interview with an immigration officer, called a “Reasonable Fear” Interview.
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What support is involved for volunteer lawyers?
American Gateways, http://www.americangateways.org/, (located in Austin and San Antonio) provides initial orientation (with CLE credit). Mentoring and supervision and support, access to translation, and insurance. If legal research tools are not otherwise available to you, Probono Texas will give you access to Westlaw to do your research. https://probonotexas.org/get-support
What will you and I do about the families who come into our country seeking caring community?
Please let me know what you decide:
Tom O’Meara, tom.omeara@sbcglobal.net
512-924-2277
Volunteer Attorney, American Gateways
Moderator, Mission Presbytery, Mission Outreach and Justice Committee
Ruling Elder, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin
