Online Book and Video Study starting this September: The Truth in Our Stories - Centering Immigrant Voices for Faithful Growth
made possible by a grant from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church
Placing immigration and immigrants in a political silo separate from daily discipleship not only dismisses scripture and misses opportunities to grow in faith and join in God’s mission for the world, it eliminates an opportunity to stand in the presence of Jesus. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me,” says the Son of Man to those who saw a stranger and chose welcome (Matthew 25:40).
Just like Jesus taught through story and the bulk of our Bible is stories that teach us about relationship with God and one another, we believe a primary entry point for study and spiritual growth in regard to the command to "love the stranger" (Deuteronomy 10:19) is to listen to the stories of our immigrant neighbors in their own words. Not all of our immigrant neighbors feel empowered to share their stories, unsure if they can trust the people around them to listen. Thankfully, as part of a collaborative project, we worked with 12 immigrants eager to share their stories in their own words - not just focused on the literal migration but also realities of life as an immigrant in the United States today.
As Christians, we are called to the ministries of both mercy and justice. The work of mercy will be never-ending until the work of justice moves forward, the voices on the margins are centered, and the fullness of the Body of Christ is united with no member being told “I have no need of you” (1 Corinthians 12:21).
Join us this September to take a step forward through reading and prayer, watching and listening, questions and conversation.
Eight of the immigrants featured in the book also share their story in video format.
Click to view a preview of some of the stories.
Sessions will be held on the Zoom platform.
There are four options for day and time you choose to attend:
Thursdays at 11am and 7pm, Saturdays at 10am, and Sundays at 5pm.
Sessions start on September 12th, 14th, and 15th.
If you have a conflict with one of your scheduled sessions, we hope you can join one of the other options in the week rather than miss out altogether.
eBooks and paperback copies are available from major retailers online and can be ordered by most independent stores. Paperback copies purchased directly from the JFON shop help provide free immigration legal services and will be discounted through the month of August.
Study details
The Truth in Our Stories is a book that presents twelve compelling stories highlighting the immigrant experience, centering the voices of immigrants in their own words. These testimonies are unapologetically honest and reveal the horrid conditions and crippling fear that continue to characterize the lives of immigrants throughout the United States.
Yet, there is hope.
These stories challenge the public narrative about immigrants and dismantle the myths that lead to their persecution. While the stories shared in this book are full of hardship, the immigrants who share them shine with resilience and fortitude. As the fight for immigrant justice continues unfolding, we hope this book will help restore a sense of shared humanity and passion for dignity and justice for immigrant neighbors.
Dr. Jesse Esparza, professor and interim department chair for History, Geography, and General Studies at Texas Southern University, contributed a brief and brilliant summary of the history of U.S. immigration as an introduction to the book.
Part Two of the book delves into data that undergirds details from the stories in Part One and more, correcting misinformation and highlighting how integral immigrants are in our communities today.
The Truth in Our Stories book and video series is a collaborative project by The Undocumented Stories and Justice for Our Neighbors of Austin, made possible by a grant from the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation.
Books are for sale
in the JFON Shop
Thank you to our book sponsors, whose generosity maximizes the impact
of every book purchased
from the JFON Shop:
Central Texas
Methodist Federation
for Social Action
CenTex MFSA supports "The Truth in Our Stories" in memory of
Julie Fuschak, a passionate supporter of Austin Region JFON and an instrumental figure in organizing clinics in Georgetown, Texas during ARJFON's early years.
