CRC Promotes Day of Prayer for Kids at the Border

The Christian Reformed Church is spearheading a state-wide Day of Prayer for Kids at the Border to be held in churches across Michigan this Sunday, July 27.

Dr. Steve Timmermans, executive director of the CRC, is sending a letter announcing the day of prayer to all CRC pastors in Michigan.

“This is a prayer of hope that congregations will be with us and bring the issue, and the human faces involved, before God,” said Kate Kooyman, an immigration organizer for the CRC, at a press conference on Wednesday announcing the day of prayer.

“This is the right thing to do,” said Kooyman. “There is great concern over what is happening at the border. They are children, after all.’’

More than 50,000 young people have crossed the border between the U.S. and Mexico since late last year. Many are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America. Most are currently being detained by U.S. Customs officials.

The CRC’s immigration network is asking all of those with whom it works to use the prayer on Sunday and congregations across North America are also asked to read the prayer, available here.

“This is not just an issue for the CRC or evangelical churches,” said Kooyman. “Catholic churches are involved as are more mainstream churches.”

Historic black churches are interested in the topic as well, said Rev. Robert Dean,  pastor of New Life Church of God in Christ in West Michigan, at the press conference, which was held  in the Grand Rapids, Mich. office of the CRC.

“Prayer can bring about change in the hearts and minds of people,” he said.

Dean said he can see why many children would make such a dangerous trip.

“I’ve been to 39 countries and it is understandable that some children have the mindset that America is the place to be for a better future,” said Dean.

Timmermans said there is much to be done in addressing the issues connected to children at the border. “But it starts with embracing the children in prayer,” he said.

He said that this day of prayer “acknowledges our dependence on God — not just to meet the immediate challenges, but to help address the problems in Central America that lead children on such dangerous and uncertain journeys.”

Sr. Sandra Delgado, vicaress of the Grand Rapids Dominicans, said at the press conference that her order of nuns has a long history of caring for and serving children and advocating for government policies that ensure their safety and security.

“The Gospel message is clear when Jesus says, ‘Whoever receives a child such as this in my name receives me’.” (Matt. 18.5.)

Andy Ryskamp, co-director of World Renew, said prayer is important, as is the realization that these children come from dire circumstances that drive them to flee.

But it also important to remember, he said, addressing some of those dire circumstances might make it more likely that the children will stay home.

“It is violent in these places, but it is not hopeless,” said Ryskamp at the press conference. “There are things we can do to build on the resources and capacity that are already there.”