canon

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Sunday morning…returning from Cange, Haiti

It is Sunday morning, the day we are returning from Cange, Haiti; and it is time to head to the church on the hill. I was not sure what to expect from this Episcopal Mission. I had a feeling the service was going to be in Creole and even noticed many members of the church reading a Creole Bible. Protestant religions represent a small portion of the of the religious base in Haiti where Vodou is practiced by 100% of the population.

After the church service, I was thinking about how amazed I was with the number of people who connected to the sermon. As I was walking out, I noticed these children were running up the stairs to the church, nicely dressed in their church clothes. They brought out their best today, running up the stairs…hand-in-hand…not a worry in the world.

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Pastor Victor Ramirez, planting a church in the Colonias. #immigration

The moment I met Victor Ramirez…I knew I wanted to capture his smile, his face, his personality! Victor is a pastor at Nuevo Vino in one of the Colonias near McAllen, TX, planting a church to help the Latino and Hispanic populations navigate this new world called USA. He was born in Mexico leaving the construction business he started because of the violence and cartels. He left it all finding his next calling to pastor families, helping them navigate the legalization process, provide them food, supplies for shelter, and a big bear hug when needed. His face has so much texture, so many wrinkles and valleys that share his story…he just makes you feel warm. His face is a beautiful…representation how Christians can serve those in need…with love. As I shook his hand one last time, he asked me to come back. I will miss my new friend and hope his ministry grows!
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Conversation with Javier Perez from Buckner Ministries #immigration

I had the tremendous pleasure of spending time with Javier Perez from Buckner Ministries. He is from Colombia and arrived in the US on a student visa as he worked on his undergraduate degree in Texas. He now has transitioned to a work visa; along with his wife…they are fearful of the mixed timelines as they try to renew and stay to continue their work. He shared that he is concerned that under the pending executive order, he could be deported because his income level will not meet the new, pending guidelines. His salary is not considered as a high income earner to qualify, he is a minister. He shares in this meeting this question, “As Christians, is it our job to keep people out of the country or welcome into the kingdom of God?” #immigration #Canon #5dmarkiii #CanonBringIt

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