Our May Mission Offering: AMMPARO

AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany migrant families today and in the future.

The word “amparo” in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected.

On May 18 during Sunday Forum at the Rice Village Campus, please join the AMMPARO Committee and Katerin Jaime of Communities in Schools, Lonestar College, Irene Del Arco of St. James, and Mirla Lopez, DACA recipient and Director of UH College of Medicine's Community Health Program for a discussion about the drastic impacts recent immigration policies have had on Houston area community members. Discussion points will include the profiling and deportation of Venezuelan immigrants, the future of DACA, and upcoming state legislation that seeks to terminate the residency rate for undocumented college students.