Jesus’ life and words are a challenge at the same time that they are Good News. They are a challenge to those of us who are poor and oppressed. By His life He is calling us to give ourselves to others, to sacrifice for those who suffer, to share our lives with our brothers and sisters who are also oppressed. He is calling us to “hunger and thirst after justice” in the same way that we hunger and thirst after food and water: that is, by putting our yearning into practice.

– Cesar Chavez

I start this my first “blog” for La Red with a forty-year old quote that continues to be relevant today in our society, nation, and, most importantly, churches. These words call out to us as Christs’ followers and challenge us to live a “Praxis” reality; one that embodies faith.

On Wednesday, March 26^th, 2008 I had the privilege of witnessing and being a part of a historical moment in the “evangelico” community; Latino and Anglo leaders/pastors from Orange Country of various denominations, united to dialogue about a “controversial” subject – The Immigration Reform. Throughout the event, a series of dialogues emerged surrounding this unjust broken system that affects us all, but through different venues. What does it mean (as Christians) to help our neighbor when we don’t even know them? We were able to voice and listen to everyone’s “side” of their story and in hopes of broadening the very much needed cultural “communication”. It is indeed an exciting moment for this generation, who has the opportunity to learn from the forerunners whom will soon be passing on the torch over to us.

Verónica Castañeda

Administrative Assistant, La Red