BISHOP PARK
ADDRESSES THE IMPACT OF MIGRATING CHILDREN AND THE UNITED METHODIST HOME FOR
CHILDREN
ADDRESSES THE IMPACT OF MIGRATING CHILDREN AND THE UNITED METHODIST HOME FOR
CHILDREN
IN MECHANICSBURG
“When
a person from another country resides with you in your land, you shall not
oppress them. The person from another country who resides with you shall be to
you as the citizen among you; you shall love the person from another country as
yourself…”
a person from another country resides with you in your land, you shall not
oppress them. The person from another country who resides with you shall be to
you as the citizen among you; you shall love the person from another country as
yourself…”
(Leviticus 19:33-34)
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did
for one the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
for one the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)
July 24, 2014
Dear United Methodists of the Susquehanna
Conference,
Conference,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Prince of peace, Healer of our brokenness, and Hope of the world!
Christ, the Prince of peace, Healer of our brokenness, and Hope of the world!
The recent influx of unaccompanied children
in tens of thousands from impoverished countries with dangerous environments in
Central America evokes a passionate reaction. People raise serious concerns and
express strong opinions about the surge of the migrant children. The current
situation impacts us locally, as well as nationally. The United Methodist Home
for Children in Mechanicsburg has been approved to receive an Urgent and
Compelling Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service to
provide temporary shelter services to the migrating children beginning August,
2014.
in tens of thousands from impoverished countries with dangerous environments in
Central America evokes a passionate reaction. People raise serious concerns and
express strong opinions about the surge of the migrant children. The current
situation impacts us locally, as well as nationally. The United Methodist Home
for Children in Mechanicsburg has been approved to receive an Urgent and
Compelling Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service to
provide temporary shelter services to the migrating children beginning August,
2014.
The Susquehanna Conference of the United
Methodist Church has enjoyed a long and collegial association with the United
Methodist Home for Children. Thousands of lives have been impacted for good
through its dedication to the welfare of children and youth. The Home seeks to
preserve its history and mission by a commitment to providing a safe and caring
environment for any children who, through no fault of their own, are in
desperate need for help. In support of the Home’s response to the needs of the
migrant children, I call upon the United Methodists of the Susquehanna
Conference to offer our prayers and care for the children while explorations
are being made for their future. Please know that the response made by the Home
was a humanitarian one according to its historic mission. Without regard to
political perspectives, there is already an outpouring of support from many
persons across our area as a show of commitment and compassion for these
children in such dire need. Their plight is our immediate concern as we are
blessed to support those providing safety and nurture at the United Methodist
Home for Children.
Methodist Church has enjoyed a long and collegial association with the United
Methodist Home for Children. Thousands of lives have been impacted for good
through its dedication to the welfare of children and youth. The Home seeks to
preserve its history and mission by a commitment to providing a safe and caring
environment for any children who, through no fault of their own, are in
desperate need for help. In support of the Home’s response to the needs of the
migrant children, I call upon the United Methodists of the Susquehanna
Conference to offer our prayers and care for the children while explorations
are being made for their future. Please know that the response made by the Home
was a humanitarian one according to its historic mission. Without regard to
political perspectives, there is already an outpouring of support from many
persons across our area as a show of commitment and compassion for these
children in such dire need. Their plight is our immediate concern as we are
blessed to support those providing safety and nurture at the United Methodist
Home for Children.
In solidarity with other faith communities, I
would like to remind the brothers and sisters in Christ of the biblical mandate
to care for the children who cannot defend for themselves, with compassion and
the Christian spirit of hospitality. They are God’s children entrusted to us at
the time of their most critical need for hope and healing, as well as survival.
May God protect, preserve, and guide their future for such a time as this.
would like to remind the brothers and sisters in Christ of the biblical mandate
to care for the children who cannot defend for themselves, with compassion and
the Christian spirit of hospitality. They are God’s children entrusted to us at
the time of their most critical need for hope and healing, as well as survival.
May God protect, preserve, and guide their future for such a time as this.
With You in Christ’s Ministry,
Jeremiah Park, Resident Bishop
Harrisburg Area
The
United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
