LUCHA Ministries, Inc.

10/15/2021

Environmental stressors are a key factor in migration and displacement. Weather patterns have changed, and extreme weather, increasingly strong hurricanes, floods and drought are becoming more frequent and devastating the agricultural industry in Central America and Mexico.
https://goodfaithmedia.org/poverty-migration-increasingly-driven-by-climate-change/

Environmental stressors are a key factor in migration and displacement. Weather patterns have changed, and extreme weather, increasingly strong hurricanes, floods and drought are becoming more frequent and devastating the agricultural industry in Central America and Mexico.
https://goodfaithmedia.org/poverty-migration-increasingly-driven-by-climate-change/

10/13/2021

"We are Latino every day. We're here every day. Our communities exist every day. We care about our jobs and education every single day...We are a really important part of what it means to be American." says Dr. Geraldo Cadava of Northwestern University.

"I'm waiting for this moment when Americans broadly come to think of Latino history as American history at large, and therefore every day becomes a celebration of Latino history because that is American history."

May we recognize more and more how much people from groups who were historically discriminated against have contributed to our nation.

"We are Latino every day. We're here every day. Our communities exist every day. We care about our jobs and education every single day...We are a really important part of what it means to be American." says Dr. Geraldo Cadava of Northwestern University.

"I'm waiting for this moment when Americans broadly come to think of Latino history as American history at large, and therefore every day becomes a celebration of Latino history because that is American history."

May we recognize more and more how much people from groups who were historically discriminated against have contributed to our nation.

10/01/2021

The Sound of Distress and a Call to Action

DACA is one of the reasons we began our legal services program, when we thought we’d be helping many Dreamers. We’re still hopeful…and we still offer DACA assistance. Take a look at this article by LUCHA founder, Greg Smith.

The mid-July Texas court ruling on DACA stunned DACA applicants and advocates. Here are five actions people of faith can take to advocate for immigrants.

09/23/2021

Lucretia* and her 8-year-old daughter, Rosmeri,* loved their homeland of Guatemala, but the failing economy forced them to leave.

Life has become intolerable for many indigenous peoples in the Guatemalan highlands as changing weather patterns have led to crop failures and farming families have been pushed deeper into poverty and desperation.

“We tried to stay in my country,” said Lucretia. “I moved from my village to [Guatemala City] to find work, but there were no jobs there, either.”

Language, culture, and discrimination against indigenous peoples make finding jobs even more difficult. Like Lucretia, many migrants seek options in Guatemala or Mexico before making the dangerous journey to the U.S.

If you were Lucretia, what would you do?

*Name has been changed.

Lucretia* and her 8-year-old daughter, Rosmeri,* loved their homeland of Guatemala, but the failing economy forced them to leave.

Life has become intolerable for many indigenous peoples in the Guatemalan highlands as changing weather patterns have led to crop failures and farming families have been pushed deeper into poverty and desperation.

“We tried to stay in my country,” said Lucretia. “I moved from my village to [Guatemala City] to find work, but there were no jobs there, either.”

Language, culture, and discrimination against indigenous peoples make finding jobs even more difficult. Like Lucretia, many migrants seek options in Guatemala or Mexico before making the dangerous journey to the U.S.

If you were Lucretia, what would you do?

*Name has been changed.

09/09/2021

Abdullah Rahmani is an Afghan man who was forced to flee for his life, only to end up in Greece's infamous Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesvos. Like many refugees, he had to stay in the unsafe camp under intolerable living conditions while waiting for permission to continue on his journey, never knowing how long that process might take.

But despite his grim circumstances, he still finds hope. Abdullah was able to gain access to art training and classes through The Hope Project, where he created this work.

May all refugees stranded in despair during their long journeys find the peace and freedom that Abdullah conveys here.

08/31/2021

Got any books lying around the house collecting dust? Let's put them to good use during this "Back to School" season!

In Fort Worth, TX, four churches collected and catalogued over 2,000 books to create Hope Library—a small community library designed to empower refugee and immigrant children and families as they master English together.

Donate your unused books to local schools and organizations empowering ESL learners. Start your own "Little Free Library." Or volunteer to read with ESL learners at a local school.

Got any books lying around the house collecting dust? Let's put them to good use during this "Back to School" season!

In Fort Worth, TX, four churches collected and catalogued over 2,000 books to create Hope Library—a small community library designed to empower refugee and immigrant children and families as they master English together.

Donate your unused books to local schools and organizations empowering ESL learners. Start your own "Little Free Library." Or volunteer to read with ESL learners at a local school.

08/24/2021

MYTH: Immigrants don't want to learn English.

TRUTH: Most immigrants want to learn English but it's not always a question of wanting to learn.

It can be very difficult to find affordable and accessible English classes. And the few free government-sponsored programs usually have long waiting lists.

Even when classes are available, immigrants often have to choose between class and work—many are working two or three jobs. They might also lack transportation or childcare.

MYTH: Immigrants don't want to learn English.

TRUTH: Most immigrants want to learn English but it's not always a question of wanting to learn.

It can be very difficult to find affordable and accessible English classes. And the few free government-sponsored programs usually have long waiting lists.

Even when classes are available, immigrants often have to choose between class and work—many are working two or three jobs. They might also lack transportation or childcare.

08/05/2021

What will you be doing on this day in 2044?

If you're a U.S. citizen petitioning for your adult Mexican sibling to come to this country today, that's when you can expect their Visa. That's how “easy” it is to come to the U.S.

What will you be doing on this day in 2044?

If you're a U.S. citizen petitioning for your adult Mexican sibling to come to this country today, that's when you can expect their Visa. That's how “easy” it is to come to the U.S.

07/31/2021

C.S. Lewis nos enseñó que "la verdadera humildad no es pensar menos en uno mismo, sino pensar menos en uno mismo".

Entonces, la humildad cultural es nuestra capacidad para reflexionar sobre la existencia de diferencias e impactos culturales en los grupos marginados con el objetivo de construir relaciones, según Kerry Fisher de la Universidad de Baylor.

Con humildad cultural, podemos poner en práctica las palabras de C.S. Lewis conociéndonos intencionalmente más profundamente mientras pensamos en los demás con más frecuencia.

C.S. Lewis nos enseñó que "la verdadera humildad no es pensar menos en uno mismo, sino pensar menos en uno mismo".

Entonces, la humildad cultural es nuestra capacidad para reflexionar sobre la existencia de diferencias e impactos culturales en los grupos marginados con el objetivo de construir relaciones, según Kerry Fisher de la Universidad de Baylor.

Con humildad cultural, podemos poner en práctica las palabras de C.S. Lewis conociéndonos intencionalmente más profundamente mientras pensamos en los demás con más frecuencia.

07/26/2021

This is Rosalie and she is a refugee. But she is so much more than that, too.

Stuck at a refugee camp for 12 years after fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rosalie's education was put on hold as a teenager.

After arriving in the United States, Rosalie was able to learn English, attend college, and obtain a master’s degree in social work.

Now working in health and hospital social work, Rosalie seeks "to help people get the resources they need to succeed in life and overcome all the obstacles they're facing."

This is Rosalie and she is a refugee. But she is so much more than that, too.

Stuck at a refugee camp for 12 years after fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rosalie's education was put on hold as a teenager.

After arriving in the United States, Rosalie was able to learn English, attend college, and obtain a master’s degree in social work.

Now working in health and hospital social work, Rosalie seeks "to help people get the resources they need to succeed in life and overcome all the obstacles they're facing."

07/22/2021

Supporting immigrant-owned businesses is more important now than ever.

While immigrants are twice as likely to start businesses as those born in the US and generate at least $1 trillion in annual sales revenue, minority- and immigrant-owned businesses have also been hit the hardest by the economic consequences of the pandemic.

Buying from these businesses not only supports the families who own them in this difficult time, but helps lift up their entire community.

Supporting immigrant-owned businesses is more important now than ever.

While immigrants are twice as likely to start businesses as those born in the US and generate at least $1 trillion in annual sales revenue, minority- and immigrant-owned businesses have also been hit the hardest by the economic consequences of the pandemic.

Buying from these businesses not only supports the families who own them in this difficult time, but helps lift up their entire community.

07/15/2021

Looking at refugees, but seeing Jesus

Looking at refugees, but seeing Jesus

By Elket Rodríguez “Look at me,” Jesus whispered every day as I participated in a recent tour of Fellowship Southwest’s immigrant relief network. Many times, I saw him on the U.S.-Mexico border. I …

07/15/2021

Immigrants In The Essential Workforce

Immigrants In The Essential Workforce

Immigrants are playing an essential role in the COVID-19 pandemic. They are represented in a broad range of sectors, and are essential to our economy with or without a crisis. Source materials: Overall: U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2014/demo/foreign-born/cps-2014.html Agric...

07/13/2021

May we hear the words of Bishop Curry and work to make it so.

May we hear the words of Bishop Curry and work to make it so.

07/09/2021

Warsan Shire—a Somali British writer, poet, editor and teacher—wrote “Home” to reflect the experience of those who are forced to leave their homes around the world.

Home
no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark
you only run for the border
when you see the whole city running as well

your neighbors running faster than you
breath bloody in their throats
the boy you went to school with
who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory
is holding a gun bigger than his body
you only leave home
when home won’t let you stay.

no one leaves home unless home chases you
fire under feet
hot blood in your belly
it’s not something you ever thought of doing
until the blade burnt threats into
your neck
and even then you carried the anthem under
your breath
only tearing up your passport in an airport toilet
sobbing as each mouthful of paper
made it clear that you wouldn’t be going back.

(...)

no one leaves home until home is a sweaty voice in your ear
saying-
leave,
run away from me now
i dont know what i’ve become
but i know that anywhere
is safer than here

Warsan Shire—a Somali British writer, poet, editor and teacher—wrote “Home” to reflect the experience of those who are forced to leave their homes around the world.

Home
no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark
you only run for the border
when you see the whole city running as well

your neighbors running faster than you
breath bloody in their throats
the boy you went to school with
who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory
is holding a gun bigger than his body
you only leave home
when home won’t let you stay.

no one leaves home unless home chases you
fire under feet
hot blood in your belly
it’s not something you ever thought of doing
until the blade burnt threats into
your neck
and even then you carried the anthem under
your breath
only tearing up your passport in an airport toilet
sobbing as each mouthful of paper
made it clear that you wouldn’t be going back.

(...)

no one leaves home until home is a sweaty voice in your ear
saying-
leave,
run away from me now
i dont know what i’ve become
but i know that anywhere
is safer than here

06/06/2021

Marvin Srivastava Obituary - Fredericksburg, VA

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Yesterday we celebrated the life of Marvin Srivastava, long-time board member, program director, and volunteer with LUCHA Ministries. We traveled as a group to Shenandoah National Park to honor her memory and scatter her ashes in the mountains that she loved. We are forever grateful for the influence Marvin has had on our organization, for her passion and love for her ESOL students, and for the privilege of calling her friend and colleague.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fredericksburg-va/marvin-srivastava-10210287

Celebrate the life of Marvin Srivastava, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service.

03/24/2021

LUCHA Ministries, Inc. updated their information in their About section.

LUCHA Ministries, Inc. updated their information in their About section.

03/24/2021

LUCHA Ministries, Inc. updated their website address.

LUCHA Ministries, Inc. updated their website address.

12/09/2020

4 Ways You Can Help with Migrant Crisis - Good Faith Media

Ever wonder, really, what you can do to help migrants? Those seeking asylum? Refugees? Please take a look at this article. Education, awareness, and advocacy on their behalf.

While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says people have the right to flee their country to seek a safe place to live, it also means countries like the US have the responsibility to accept them. Here are 4 ways you can help.

12/01/2020

During this time of giving, won't you consider a donation to LUCHA Ministries for #GivingTuesday? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TS8BMXYRJYNNW

10/14/2020

We’re very thankful for our community partners! Through Cinco Panes, our food pantry, we focus on those with the most need, providing basic healthy, nutritious foods. Couldn’t do it without great volunteers and partners!

LUCHA Ministries, Inc. is one of our new partners for Table In The World. Each week their volunteers pack up fresh veggies & fruit that we provide, plus pantry staples and meat for their clients. This week, cooking resource flyers in Spanish were provided by the Doctor Yum Project. We are blessed to be in such a collaborative community that cares for each other.
Sue shared that several recipients have been inspired to make new dishes with produce that they do not typically use. She has been given an apple pastry and a stuffed patty pan squash —- they are very thankful for fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to pantry staples and are excited to try new things to cook!
The Table is grateful for ALL of our individual donors and grant funders that have allowed us to reach so many people since the pandemic began, especially the Community Relief Fund of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.

09/16/2020

Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional

Quisiera compartir ese guia devocional, "Finding Hope, Enduring Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional". Nos invita a reflexionar bíblicamente sobre la interconexión del hambre, la desnutrición y el cambio climático, problemas que impactan negativamente a las comunidades latinas en los Estados Unidos e impulsan la migración al extranjero. This resource invites us to reflect biblically on the interconnectedness of hunger, malnutrition, and climate change, issues that negatively impact Latino communities in the US and drive migration abroad. https://www.paperturn-view.com/?pid=MTE112594&v=1.1

Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border A Bilingual Latino Devotional Foreword by Dr. Justo L. González

07/30/2020

Families, Individuals Often Drive Human Trafficking - Good Faith Media

La Trata de Personas, or Human Trafficking, happens right here in our community. A review of many of the risk factors that drive migration show that there is much overlap with the risk of being trafficked.

https://goodfaithmedia.org/families-individuals-often-drive-human-trafficking/

We think of human trafficking within the context of organized crime. In many cases, however, it is driven in a local context by loose networks of families or individuals operating independently. Juana’s story is just one example.