Gospel Without Borders is a new non-partisan, biblically-based documentary on immigration produced by the Baptist Center for Ethics with support from Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – NC and the United Methodist Church.
A trailer for EthicsDaily.com’s immigration documentary, “Gospel Without Borders.” Go to www.gospelwithoutborders.net for more information.
I had the pleasure of gathering with folks at First Baptist (Greensboro) last week for the local premiere of the film. We were lucky enough to hear directly from Robert Parham, executive director the Baptist Center for Ethics, who produced Gospel Without Borders. Dr. Parham spoke powerfully about his experiences in making the film and in seeing how these stories are already connecting with audiences across the U.S. After watching the film together, we heard from three great panelists: Hector Villanueva, pastor of Iglesia Bautista La Roca in Siler City and a featured story in the film; Mike Aiken, executive director of Greensboro Urban Ministries; and Rabbi Fred Guttman, Temple Emanuel (Greensboro). Each connected the messages of the film with their own contexts. You can read more about their responses here.
Hector’s Story
CBFNC Pastor and Missions Council Member, Hector Villanueva, recently faced deportation. A legal resident who has lived in the U.S. since the age of three, Hector was arrested by the sheriff’s department at his house in front of his wife and children, who are American citizens. Hector had applied for citizenship, and a background check revealed a prior record. Authorities found that when he was homeless in California, he had tried to cash a check that wasn’t his.
He pled guilty and served time, but, unfortunately, any non-citizen who commits a felony can face deportation regardless if they have paid for their offense by serving time. Hector found God in prison, became a pastor, began ministering and planting churches, and has had a clean record since his release fifteen years ago.
Attend a Screening
CBFNC is hosting local screenings across North Carolina. The next one is Monday, Oct. 3 at First Baptist Church in Raleigh (99 North Salisbury Street). Click here for more info and to RSVP.
Click here for more info about the film, including order information.
