Dear Friend of the Ministry,
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian story. From the arrival of the angel to Mary, through Mary’s delivering the holy MAGNIFICAT to Elizabeth, to the glorious birth that was declared by angels and that produced a brilliant star to guide humble and regal alike to a manger bed, it was God’s shining moment of bringing salvation into the world in the form of a human life God called MY SON.
Just last month, we launched what we pray will be the next 40 years of our Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries by celebrating the completion of the first 40 years. We could never have survived in our efforts to support asylum seekers who have been duly vetted by the Department of Homeland Security, and to help “the least of these” here in the Rio Grande Valley, without the collaboration of our church partners, community allies, and friends who walk with us in this ministry. We work in concert, helping persons through the legal process and helping with the food, medicine, shelter, and clothing needs through their journey to a new life.
God fulfilled the promise of life everlasting starting with the birth of Jesus. Jesus provided a model for living here on earth that still inspires our earthly days. I continue to fulfill the promise I made to God when I was rescued from political and religious persecution in Cuba, fulfilling it by helping others who are similarly at great risk of death.
In celebration of all new beginnings, I offer warmest wishes to you for joy throughout the Advent season, for Christmas, and for the new year. I fervently hope that you will keep praying and keep giving to sustain our work that focuses on the essential message of the Christ: “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” Every child of God is a neighbor, and Jesus showed us how to help “the least of these.” God bless us everyone.
Most affectionately,
Rev. F. Feliberto Pereira
Executive Director
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
