On March 12, 2023 Portage United Methodist Church held its first Forum on Immigration as a result of receiving a Mustard Seed Grant from Global Ministries and UMCOR.
A total of three forums were held during the months of March – May. The focus of the forums was to provide information on Immigration in the US along with specific information about undocumented immigrants and the DACA program. Attendees also heard personal stories from two church members who immigrated to the United States and are DACA recipients.
Mexican snacks were provided at two of the forums with the last forum offering a full Mexican meal. Everyone who gathered commented that they learned new information about immigration and migrants. It was unsettling but also therapeutic for the DACA recipients to finally be able to share their story in a safe, loving environment. -Submitted by Barbara Berg