South America's Refugee Crisis
Some 1.2 million Venezuelans have sought safety in Colombia. Jess Wanless/International Rescue Committee
Immigrants are a floating population. It is estimated that about 4,500 Venezuelans cross into Colombia every day. Of these, somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 decide to stay, while another 1,000-1,500 end up traveling to other countries.
These Venezuelan brothers are in our streets, outside commercial establishments, restaurants, traffic light corners with their children, begging for coins to pay for lodging in a room where more than two or three families are crowded. Being a population that cannot settle without employment (a small percentage of Venezuelans that manage to be hired are often exploited for their work), saving a few pesos to share with their families (that have remained in Venezuela) is one of the primary goals of these refugees.
Venezuelans cross the Simon Bolivar bridge linking the San Antonio, Tachira state in Venezuela, with the city of Cucuta, Colombia. Mikolombia.com
However, some of them have thrown in their lot with chaos and crime, generating so much distrust to the point that many of our people do not want to help them. There are many stories and dramas that are woven by hearing them. The church continually welcomes the brothers who come in this transit, as many immigrants dream of settling in the big cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali). While they are passing through, they are supported by the church with food, clothing, and some money for their travels.
Some families have settled in vulnerable areas, forming new communities. We have had the privilege of serving them emotionally, spiritually, and with some rest—especially the children. We have legally established a foundation for this: “Abrazo del Padre” (Father’s Hug), and we visit them every week (Saturdays) to bring food and life to the houses. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of the pandemic, it is not possible to reunite with them as it was some months ago.
This year, we have a defined program of work, spiritual instruction for children and parents, school supplies, and snacks. Benefactors are always welcome. There are few rays of hope for the Venezuelan people, as the crisis continues and has grown. An indolent and arrogant government remains in power in Venezuela, and we fear the reconstruction of that beautiful nation will take many years.
Supporters of the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country’s rightful interim ruler, take part in a rally to demand President Nicolas Maduro to allow humanitarian aid to enter the country, outside of an Air Force base in Caracas, Venezuela February 23, 2019. Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins
So, we offer our prayers and help in the pursuit of making a difference. Our aim is to be Jesus for others, and we represent the image of God in the midst of all their pain and helplessness.
Additionally, four years ago my wife and I decided to open a new space to help and alleviate the pain of immigrants, especially the children. Before Covid-19, we met in a room provided by the community. We carried out activities every Saturday: a song, a prayer, crafts, and a snack.
We observed changes in the children. At the beginning they all had their share of aggressiveness, low self-esteem, and a good number of the children had parents addicted to drugs and alcohol. Some children show signs of sexual abuse and domestic violence. But eventually, the children have healed somewhat and become more receptive.
Fortunately, I have surrounded myself with a group of women who specialize in the management of these kinds of problems with children, and only two men accompany me periodically.
Again, since immigrants are a floating population, the work that is done in the hearts of children must be a mustard seed. With those who have remained, we are accompanying on family issues.
We have sustained ourselves with the resources of some friends and brethren who show great empathy with the work. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, we have also been visiting houses (keeping the recommended measures), but it is inevitable that children will crowd when they see us arrive.
This year, we will introduce a new package that includes a book of stories about the life of Jesus that includes a notebook, colors, and a pencil.
The intention is to reach 40 families with the instruction, (children from 8-10 years old). We do not have enough collaborators to follow up with more children in this first plan. Children from 11-14 years old will receive material designed for adolescents. We plan to have a graduation for these teachings in mid-June.
People cross the Tachira River into Colombia near the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, which Venezuelan authorities only open to students and the sick, in Cucuta, Colombia, Tuesday, March 12, 2019 on the border with Venezuela. AP/Schneyder Mendoza
We have observed with pain and helplessness sometimes the transit of Venezuelan families, looking for food and shelter. They have their areas to gather, waiting for help from the community.
Due to differences between governments, state aid is little, leaving the population to deal with mercy.
How good it would be to give them a backpack that contains some food and cleaning supplies for the road, while they make two or three-day trips on foot from one city to another.
Much remains to be expressed. I do not want to exhaust you with a detailed report. Now you have one more to join a good work. Please join us in prayers to the Father for that beautiful nation of Venezuela. A big hug to all.