TULSA - The Oklahoma Conference of Churches hosted a discussion and listening session at Southminster Presbyterian Church on immigration and refugees on the same day of President Trump's deadline for border wall prototype designs.
"The fear is the same regardless of where you're coming from."
Sisca Friend lives in Oklahoma City, but for her Indonesia is home.
"Everybody has a spirit inside us, so listen."
And Thursday evening, like many of the people sitting in the pews she came to listen and be heard.
Experts of different backgrounds explaining what people of faith must do at a time when immigration is a volatile topic.
"As people of faith we're called to be people who act, people who do, people who show up for the least of these," said Oklahoma Conference of Churches Director of Community Engagement Shannon Fleck.
On the very day prototypes were erected along U.S. borders for the president's proposed wall keeping immigrants out, these people learned how to make immigrants feel safe in the country.
"They're brushed aside, and ignored and shoved, and locked out of what could potentially be a better life," Fleck said.
Sisca sharing her story of survival and her own fear.
"Border, from the airplane, checkpoints, wherever. It's really human beings that we're dealing with."
Saying the idea of a wall is hurtful at best to the people who just want a better life.
"Is this the way we treat our human beings? We treat our dogs better! Are you kidding?"
Attendees writing down goals and plans of action to make their country a safer place for everyone.
"If we don't talk about it we can't move forward."
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