This summer, a call for humanitarian assistance along the southern border of our country went out to Southern Baptist congregations. Dawson’s response was to seek a local church partner along the border that we could encourage and strengthen by providing both volunteers and financial support. Several months ago, the small city of Deming, New Mexico, located approximately 20 miles from the border, was notified that within a matter of days, newly-arrived immigrants legally seeking asylum would arrive in their city. Upon arrival, the immigrants would have been vetted for security and be in compliance with all U.S. immigration requirements. The impact on the city’s government, local charities, and churches was tremendous.
Deming, the poorest city in the poorest county of New Mexico, was understandably overwhelmed. Once the immigrants were released in Deming, the federal government’s responsibility for them ended. People (mostly women and children) who had legally followed the U.S. immigration process, were dropped off each day into McDonald’s parking lots. At that point they were on their own to connect with their U.S. sponsors spread out across the country. These people spoke very little English and had no U.S. currency, no place to sleep, and no food to eat.
City officials and non-profits quickly renovated a National Guard armory as a replacement for local parking lot drop-off locations. This center now serves as the official drop-off location in Deming and provides assistance with communication, food, and shelter when people arrive. All three resources distributed are donated by individuals, non-profits, and churches. The average stay in the center is two or three days while people make connections with their sponsors. Approximately 150 new immigrants continue to arrive in Deming every day. During the summer months of 2019, more than 10,000 people arrived in Deming—a city with a normal population of 16,000. Immigrants, no matter where they are coming from, have two things in common. First, they are vulnerable to abuse and neglect because of their unfamiliarity with their new surroundings. Second, their understanding of God is likely to grow out of their encounters with His people.
In an effort to assist in Deming, Dawson has partnered with Pastor Mason Davis and Bethel Baptist Church to provide funds for food. This small church is located a few blocks from the armory and is doing what they can to provide volunteers and food at the center. If you would like to know more about this partnership and how you can help, please contact Ben Hale at bhale@dawsonchurch.org.
Contact: Ben Hale at 871-7324 or bhale@dawsonchurch.org