The Rev. Joel Hortiales (center) prays with migrants Darwin (left) and Santiago as they wait for a southbound train to pass behind the Oasis en el Medio del Camino migrant shelter in Apaxco, Mexico. Hortiales, a United Methodist missionary and director of Hispanic-Latino ministries and border concerns for the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church, was part of a fact-finding ministry that visited the shelter, which is operated by the Methodist Church of Mexico with UMCOR support. (Photo: Mike DuBose)

ATLANTA – Supporting migrants and refugees is fundamental to the work of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Since its founding in 1940 during World War II, UMCOR has consistently stood alongside displaced people across the globe, assisting those impacted by war, civil unrest and manmade and natural disasters.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

  • Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    
  • Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.
  • Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.
  • Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.
  • Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

Grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, Global Ministries and UMCOR alleviates human suffering without regard to race, religion or status. We believe that welcoming the stranger is essential to The United Methodist Church.

Roland Fernandes is the general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.

Learn more about migration ministry and programming through Global Ministries and UMCOR.

Humanitarian Relief & Recovery UMCOR