The Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has shared in the great concern that our young people have been experiencing with the recent announcement that DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) will end in six months. If this were to happen, more than 800,000 young adults or “dreamers” in the U.S. would be drastically affected and leave this country.

Our prayers are with these young people and their parents and families in our churches and communities. With Congress set to act on the “Dreamers” Act, the sense among some congressmen and women is that it will be enacted and Dreamers will be protected. That is our hope and prayer, and we urge each of our members to continue praying that this will be the case.

We know that prayer changes things — and that it can move mountains — and we believe that God is still listening to the faith-filled prayers of His children.

With nearly 30 languages spoken in our churches, Southern California Conference is clearly an immigrant conference, with immigrant churches, members and leaders. As we stand united in concern and prayer, we do so remembering God’s mandate for His children: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34).

We pray for wisdom and understanding for U.S. leaders as they seek resolution. Our prayer is that God’s grace and mercy will be instilled in their resolution. We pray that the dreamers be aware that God’s hand will lead them forward as surely as He has led immigrants of many nations in both biblical and our times. Seventh-day Adventists will continue to pray and stand with all those who come to our country in hope of a better life.

 

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Message from James G. Lee, Jr., Vice President
Southern California Conference

We know we have to remain vigilant as it relates to the DACA issue. I want to strongly suggest that we contact our elected officials, starting with U.S. Senators and Representative. For your convenience, here is the process that will enable you to do that:

  • Click here to visit the PARL page on our website.
  • This will connect you with www.churchstate.org.
  • On the right, scroll to “Engage Now” and click.
  • On “Find Your Elected Officials,” on the right, enter your full address: street, city, state and zip code.
  • Find the U.S. Senator representing your area and the Representative for California.
  • Scroll to their local offices and call or write a letter voicing your support for DACA now.