Proud of church’s efforts to help

I am very concerned about the influx of Central Americans, especially the children, crossing our border, and I believe we should help. As a longtime members of the Salem United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, it was encouraging to discover that The Methodist Church is finding ways to help with the influx of Central Americans crossing our border.

Right now there are many agencies of The United Methodist Church, and other churches, trying to help with this huge problem. The new arrivals are offered a place to clean up, clothing and food.

The United Methodist Church's National Justice for Our Neighbors (http://njfon.org), which provides legal assistance on immigration issues, is doing intake legal work with unaccompanied minors and briefing them on the legal process. In August they are sending bilingual lawyers to help. There are plenty of hotels to stay in but it is advised that churches find out what the needs are before sending teams. Currently, our United Methodist leaders are saying one of the best ways to help is to give donations to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), 475 Riverside Room 330 New York, NY 10115.

I am proud to be a part of a church providing health kits and legal help at the border.

Pat Conrad

Marion