Local Yuma area United Methodist churches and community members gather for an immigrant solidarity prayer vigil

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Locals came together Thursday evening for an immigrant solidarity prayer vigil. Yuma area United Methodist churches and community members gathered at Friendship Park. They emphasize it wasn't a political event or protest but a time for prayer and mourning.

"Immigrant communities are experiencing times of turmoil. I describe it as a storm that is raging and people are suffering, and so it's important for us to create spaces for people to come together to acknowledge our common humanity- our common sacred worth. Our common humanity moves us to compassion, to caring for one another, " said Gila Mountain United Methodist Church pastor Edgar Vergara Millán.

They also want to bring hope and lift their voices.

"It's important for all of us to have our voices be heard- to all of us to have an understanding of what's taking place because it is affecting us all in different ways, in different aspects," said event organizer & speaker Roxanne Barley.

Locals are standing in solidarity with immigrant communities who are being impacted by immigration policies and recent ICE raids and deaths.

"So we're praying that as we emphasize our common humanity and sacred worth, we can support each other and pray and work together so that change occurs," said Pastor Millán

The Church Desert Southwest Conference (DSC) made an announcement Thursday of the their solidarity fund and lenten match to financially support families impacted by immigration policies.

"We believe that through the solidarity fund, we can come together, join our resources, and again have that compassion be evident. The families that are struggling to make ends meet because of these reasons can receive the support they need," said Pastor Millán.

Donations are welcome from Yuma community members that want to support this fund and local effort to support immigrant families here in Yuma. Locals can learn more about donations here. 

The DSC website also shares their short term goal "A generous matching gift from the Board of Global Ministries commits that the first $5000 will be matched directly. We hope to raise this during this matching amount during the Lenten Season as our community unites over a season of Prayer, Repentance, Fasting."

They say they hope people walk away in unity.

"I hope that what we all come away from is that there are things we can do. It doesn't have to all always be the same every day. We can make changes. We can work together, and we're not alone," said Reverend Katie Fuchs.