Let Her Stay
Throughout our shared history, Christian churches have offered sanctuary to innocent people suffering persecution by the powers and principalities of this world. In this way, we fulfill the teachings of Christ.
Historically, our congregation participated in the underground railroad – willfully violating federal laws in order to protect escaped slaves. The ministers of our church prepared food for the perilous journey and offered physical sanctuary to our brothers and sisters fleeing the state terrorism of chattel slavery. Sojourner Truth preached from our pulpit.
Early in 2017 our church took a “deep dive” into the Word of God in order to discern a faithful response to the various crises faced by immigrant families in our nation. In May of that year, we voted to enact a covenant and witness of sanctuary.
During the Lenten season of 2018 we were approached by a beloved member of our community. “Auntie” Saheeda Nadeem is a long-time caregiver in Kalamazoo. She has provided care for a household of adults with severe disabilities and has volunteered as a surrogate mother for dozens of orphans and refugee teenagers. Her son, who is her own caregiver, lives here in Kalamazoo.
Despite this, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has determined to deport her to Pakistan, an country that she has not lived in since she was a teenager.
Please use the resources below to support Auntie Saheeda and help her remain here with her family in Kalamazoo. Check this page frequently for updates and information.
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