Despite the heated political debate about whether or not to deport the tens of thousands of immigrants who've entered the U.S. illegally through Texas, Christian charities operating in border states say they're serving those in need with a heart of Christ.
"The need is massive," pastor Chad Mason of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, told The Christian Post Saturday. "The goal is to do the best we can to serve with the heart of Christ in Matthew 25. We still have lot of work to do."
Mason estimates that last month alone, Catholic Charities and other volunteers in McAllen helped 6,000 Central Americans who've crossed into Texas seeking refugee status for asylum in the United States.
"We started our work in April," said Mason, who explained that he first heard about the spike in people crossing the border from Border Patrol agents in December.
Volunteer organizations are providing food, clothing, water, meals and showers; and the Texas Baptist Men have provided a wash and dry station that has three to four washers and dryers where volunteers are laundering more than 100 towels a day. Volunteers are also collecting quarters to wash people's clothes and blankets for the immigrants, some of whom have lice and scabies.
Part of Mason's work has been to facilitate incoming donations to ensure they meet the most immediate needs, which he told CP are changing daily, as one need is filled another need must met.
For those who want to help and provide donations, Mason said the best place for people to go to is South Texas Refugee Response (SouthTexasRefugees.org), that provides a way for people to volunteer, make a monetary donation, or send items, such as food, clothing and cleaning supplies.