Ministry of presence

Today I attended the FAITH orientation (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust and Hope) held at St Peter's, Del Mar. The church was full of people of faith - Catholics, Protestants, Jews, clergy, lay people - all looking for a way to help their neighbor in these difficult times. The FAITH ministry began in June, when our Bishop Susan joined the Catholic Bishop Michael Pham and other faith leaders at the federal courthouse for World Refugee Day. Now some 400 volunteers are taking turns offering their presence with those navigating their unpredictable immigration appointments. In a place where people come in fear of being separated from their children, spouses, and loved ones, the FAITH volunteers provide accompaniment - a friendly face, a listening ear, an offer of prayer at a terrifying moment. 

The leaders stressed, however, that volunteering in this way is not for everyone: it is an intentional ministry of presence only. No power to 'help,' no confronting the powers that be, no speaking out against injustice, no 'doing' anything at all -- just being with. This is a hard ask for many of us. We want to do things that make a difference, to be busy, to have an impact. But just to be with? It doesn't feel like enough. And yet to be truly present with one another has immense power. In the end, it is the greatest gift we can offer another person, to show them they are not alone and abandoned. Just as God does with us. 

I hope to give some of my time to this ministry over the weeks ahead. Please pray for all of the people involved in all facets of the immigration system, that all remember their common humanity, and feel the presence of God.