East Valley Church Network Refugee Ministry Update

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Desert Palm UCC is collecting cards for Refugees at the Eloy Facility, for The East Valley Church Network, the week of June 15-20. A CARD COLLECTION BOX will be set up inside the church gate for you to drop your cards off. 1230 E Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283

The Holiday Card project last November sent 5000 cards to asylum seekers held in the Eloy Detention Center. They are doing it again. Their goal is to collect several hundred "Thinking of You" cards by June 30th. Several worship communities in the East Valley Network are taking part. If you have friends or neighbors looking for something to do, you might suggest they write some cards.

As we all sit at home wondering what we can do to make a difference during this time of isolation, here is that "something" you can do. Our ministry to asylum seekers need not end during a pandemic. We adjust, adapt, and re-energize.

There are several cases of COVID-19 in the detention center and refugees are kept much more isolated than before. A cheerful card offering encouragement and prayers will certainly brighten someone's day.

"Blank Inside" note cards are perfect to use. Hopefully, you have several of these stacked in your stationery drawer.

Below, you will find detailed instructions and a list of Spanish phrases.

Thank you all for taking part in this. Even if you only do one card, one person will feel loved.

Helpful Phrases in Spanish Greetings –

Regards - Saludos Hello, how are you?- Hola, ¿Cómo estás?

Thinking of you – Pensando en ti.

You are strong – Eres fuerte

You are brave – Eres valiente

You are not alone – No estás solo/a

Keep fighting for your dreams – Sigue luchando por tus sueños.

God bless you – Dios te bendiga.

I am praying for you – Rezo por ti.

I hope you feel God’s presence during this difficult time – Espero que puedas sentir la presencia de Dios en estos tiempos difíciles.

Continue being brave. – Sigue siendo valiente.

Your guardian angel protects you. – Tu ángel de la guarda te protege.

Take care of yourself – ¡Cuídate!

Your intelligence will help you resolve problems - Tu inteligencia te ayudará a resolver problemas.

Your heart wants to be happy.- Tu corazón quiere ser feliz.

Listen and think positive – Escucha y piensa de manera positiva.

Don’t lose your cool. – No pierdas la calma.

This will pass. It’s a question of time. – Esto pasará. Es una cuestión del tiempo.

Don’t despair. – No te desesperes.

Take care and take care of whoever needs you. – Cuídate y cuida a quien te necesite.

Take care of your family. - Cuida a tu familia.

Let others lean on you. – Presta apoyo a otros.

Be thankful for the good things. – Da gracias por las cosas buenas.

Blessings – Bendiciones With Love- Con amor A big hug - Un fuerte abrazo

Affection – Con cariño Peace- Paz Life-Vida

Your new friend, - Tu amiga nueva, (your name) Tu amigo nuevo, (your name)

Refugee Card Project - information and How-to

Between now and June 19th, the East Valley Church Network will be collecting "Thinking of You" cards for asylum seekers held in detention in Eloy. The number fluctuates, but there are several thousand men and women currently being held. There are Covid-19 cases in the center, so refugees are more isolated than ever before. Our cards should be cheerful and uplifting. Thank you!

Tips:

  1. Write as a friend.

  2. Don't promise to write again if you don't really intend to.

  3. Do not write that someone will win their case, that everything will be ok, etc. False hope can be very damaging.

  4. Do not assume that everyone wants to reunite with their family. Some are fleeing FROM their family.

  5. Acknowledge their power. These folks are courageous, intelligent, and resourceful. Many have had careers, speak several languages, and been leaders.

  6. Detainees are from diverse faith traditions. Be respectful. Prayers, hope, compassion, and love are universal.

  7. Remember that your cards will be read by a guard. Be tactful.

Cards:

  1. Blank note cards work well- the more cheerful or colorful the pictures, the better. Please complete as many cards as you wish.

  2. Card cover picture must be printed, not glued on.

  3. NO stickers, glitter, bows, sequins or other 3D decorations on card OR envelope

  4. NO glued or taped items

  5. YES: draw/decorate your card with colored pencils/pens!

  6. You may write in English or use the list of helpful phrases to write in Spanish. Or both.

  7. Don't have cards? Make cards out of colored paper (remembering #2, #3, # 4 and #5) white paper with colorful had drawn pictures, etc.

Envelopes:

  1. DO NOT SEAL the envelope

  2. On the back, in small letters, indicate the language(s) used in the card (E=English, S=Spanish, E/S= both English and Spanish, etc.)

  3. Do you want to continue correspondence? Print YOUR address in the return address spot. DO NOT use an address sticker!

  4. If you do not want a response, use this return address: Casa Mariposa, P.O. Box 40884, Tucson, AZ 85717

  5. In the address area, leave room for two lines to be filled in with the person's name and A#. Finish the address with: Eloy Detention Center, 1705 E Hanna Rd., Eloy, AZ 851316. If you are able to provide a stamp, that would be appreciated.

Final Instructions:

  1. Return completed cards to the church the week of JUNE 15-19. A card box will be placed inside the church gate for you to leave your notes.

  2. Cards will be delivered to the EV Church Network on the 20th.

  3. Donations of stamps-or money to buy stamps- are welcomed. To donate money, go to: https://donorbox.org/cmvisitation-covid19support

Thank you, everyone! In these trying times, when there are many worthy "asks" The East Valley Church Network appreciates all that you do in all the areas of your life and thanks you for choosing to help asylum seekers and other immigrant communities.