Advent’s Inbreaking Joy!
Celebrating Sergio’s asylum!
In early December, we were able to celebrate with Sergio that after his four year journey of fleeing his country and looking for safety he was officially granted asylum in the United States! Having endured much violence, uncertainty, detention and mistreatment – we are grateful for this ruling that will provide him safety and an opportunity to settle down and begin the process of reuniting with his family.
Last week, I received more news of advent joy in two more areas of our immigration justice work.
Salesh Prasad, for whom we signed pardon postcards on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (thanks to Jesse Lucas for sharing his story with us), was released from immigration detention on bond and has been reunited with his community! Sal is still at risk of deportation, so we continue to pressure Governor Newsom to issue him a pardon. For info on how to call or email Gov. Newsom in support of Sal’s pardon, go to bit.ly/PardonSal.
Last Friday I received word that Yuba County Jail is ending it’s partnership with ICE and will no longer be used as a detention center! This ends the last county partnership with ICE in California! Our friend Oscar was released from Yuba County when he came to stay in our sanctuary in 2020. Below is a photo of several Lakeshorians at a vigil to close down Yuba Detention Facility this summer. Slowly, slowly, detention centers are closing throughout California and we dream and continue working for a day when the inhumane practice of detaining immigrants no longer exists!
As we continue our journey through Advent – anticipating the inbreaking of God’s salvation – let’s celebrate with joy the ways in which we are already a part of this divine work!
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- Sal is deeply appreciative of the support of Lakeshore as he journeys to freedom
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- Lakeshorians outside of Yuba Detention Facility, praying for an end to detention and access to thriving communities
Peace,
Pastor Allison
PS – I hope you can join us for part 2 of our Advent Bible Study series on Apartheid Israel and the role of the International Christian community.
PUBLIC WITNESS BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Night at 6:00 and Wednesday Morning at 10:30
Online: https://zoom.us/j/8599095914 Dial-in: 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 859 909 5914 Password: 192833 One tap mobile: +16699009128
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