March 21, 2011
Christ United Methodist Church
“Christ in the Heart of San Diego”
3295 Meade Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 284-9205
Pastorgraphs: "A Stranger Came Our Way”
The stunning news that one of our Haitian church members died last Monday night has yet to sink into our minds and hearts. Dieumene Delicieux, age 30, came to us last November, a refugee from Haiti presented to the care of our church and Haitian congregation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security. Rather than having pregnant women and mothers of small children sleeping on concrete floors and eating bread and water in the over-crowded detention centers at Otay Mesa or San Ysidro, ICE seeks out individuals and churches to help sponsor these special case refugees while they work their way through legal asylum appeals. It is a most compassionate and practical policy on behalf of our government.
Dieumene was the mother of a 15-month old daughter, Elena, and was expecting another baby. They were among the first occupants of “The Loft” apartment at Christ Church (a suite in our Sanctuary building that has private entrance, two bathrooms, office, family room, and two rooms that easily convert to bedrooms). She was a faithful member of our Creole-language ministry, and was in worship last Sunday night.
Dieumene had been experiencing seizures, but the exact cause of death is unknown. She apparently died in her sleep. It may be that Dieumene suffered an injury in the January 12, 2010 Haiti earthquake, making her and her unborn child yet more victims of that awful tragedy. We may never know. County officials have taken custody of Elena, and she will soon be joining extended family members in Mexico or France.
I am grateful for Becky Innocent and the members of “Louange a Dieu” (our Haitian Gospel Music Group) who cared for Dieumene and Elena, as they have for dozens of Haitians who have come to us over the past months. Becky, Jean Elise and the musical group have jobs, but unselfishly coordinate trips to doctors, attorneys, English classes and Catholic Charities (who have been our main partner and an immense help in the Haitian ministry).
I am keenly aware that the word “immigration” is one of those words that generate all kinds of emotions. Some think we are running an “underground railroad” at Christ Church. I state again, the US Government brings these refugees to us, and is not only aware of this ministry, but is grateful there are “open hearts, open minds, open doors,” at 33rd and Meade in San Diego.
Come to think of it, I would not mind standing before St. Peter, answering the charges that we took in strangers who needed a helping hand. (“I was a stranger, and you took me in…”)
Isn’t it strange that many despise the larger group until they meet one individual? Maybe there is a lesson here. The way to love a group (a race, a nation and even “those immigrants”) is one person at a time.
Dieumene, your short stay here blessed us. Your leaving us so soon stuns and challenges us. My prayer is that little Elena will someday know how much her mother loved her. As a good mother, you wanted a better life for your child. You risked everything, as mothers often do. May God richly bless you in your heavenly home.
Rest in peace, knowing there are those who care, who will make sure Elena is loved, protected, and on her way to the better life you envisioned for her.
Devotedly, Pastor Bill
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