February 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

HOPE is alive in this Valley, whether it is openly expressed in Spanish, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Sudanese, or English. In our Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries we have served these nationalities and more, while working with the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies to carry out the legal (and for us, practical and pastoral) processes of welcoming asylum seekers.

Faith, hope and love abide, but the greatest of these is LOVE. It is the LOVE month of February and so many of you have reached out to say WHAT CAN I DO? I wish I could give you an easy answer to that question. There is not an easy answer, as the situation changes daily. But there is an answer. Faith, hope and love abide. Keep them all in your heart and in your prayers.

It has been said in recent years when tragedy strikes: thoughts and prayers are not enough. That is true, but they are essential to the response. Faith, hope and love lead to continued efforts on the part of so many persons. Refugees, and those of us who serve them, grow weary but we do not faint. Compassion FUSION sets in, and caring souls become more committed than ever to doing what they can.

Monetary assistance is critical at this time. Asylum seekers are still waiting in camps on the Mexican side of the border. We continue to assist ministries that help on both sides of the border, including the CASA HOGAR BETEL orphanage, where there are now 33 children. This is an ongoing ministry. Unopened packages of underwear for both sexes and all sizes are also needed. The needs are many, so stay tuned as we will provide guidance as we can.

Your very presence in reading these words demonstrates your concern and commitment. Many readers have been faithful to this ministry in many ways, some for the 40 years of our existence here. Thank you! Please pray that your political leaders will seek God’s presence to be guided in such difficult times as these not only in this region but in the entire world.

We will not lose HOPE, and we will never lose sight of the role you play in all we do.