Matthew 25 In Action: “We Will Keep Showing Up” — Coastlands Presbytery Stands with Families at Delaney Hall
When Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ re-opened to house people detained by ICE, the sidewalks outside filled with parents, partners, and children—often waiting hours to see a loved one. Members of Coastlands Presbytery, together with community groups, immigrant-rights advocates, and other faith partners, answered a simple, gospel-shaped question: How do we love our neighbors here and now?
Origins: Love Made Practical
From the first days, volunteers recognized immediate needs—shade, seats, water, snacks, children’s activities, and prayerful presence. Four times a week, teams arrive with pop-up tents, folding chairs, umbrellas, cases of water, fruit, crackers, protein bars, and art supplies for signs. Another urgent gap soon emerged: the strict visitation dress code (no ripped jeans, no logo tees, no open-toed shoes) was turning families away at the gate. In response, the Presbytery added clean, code-compliant clothing for adults and children—and shoes in all sizes—so no one would miss a visit for lack of attire.
Scope & Impact
On any given day, 50 to 200 people may line up at Delaney Hall. Volunteers focus on tangible care—food, rest, child-friendly spaces—alongside emotional and spiritual support for those navigating fear, uncertainty, and long waits.
Faith in Action (Matthew 25)
This ministry is an expression of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 and 1 John 3:17–18: love not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Volunteers understand this work not as a political statement but as Christian witness—serving Christ in the vulnerable, honoring dignity, and meeting real needs with compassion.
Partnership Ecosystem
This effort is sustained by many hands—congregations across Coastlands Presbytery, local nonprofits, immigrant-support coalitions, and neighbors who donate supplies, funds, and time. Collaboration has been essential to respond quickly and respectfully as needs shift.
A Holy Shoe Story
On a recent Saturday, a young woman—shaken and in tears—was denied entry because her clogs did not meet the footwear rule. A volunteer brought her beneath a tent lined with donated shoes. She found size 10 sneakers, perfect fit, and soon disappeared past the gate to see her loved one. An hour later she returned, tried to pay, and was gently told: “No charge.” She left with gratitude—and the shoes returned to the rack for the next neighbor in need. There have been dozens of such moments: small mercies, sacred encounters.
Challenges & What’s Next
As detentions and deportations fracture households, economic vulnerability grows. Families increasingly need gas and grocery cards and, at times, rent assistance—support that partner organizations help coordinate, yet demand outpaces donations. Volunteers have learned how far human kindness can go; they have also seen that long-term hope requires just policies and welcome for our immigrant neighbors.
Vision: We will keep showing up. Coastlands Presbytery will continue bringing shade, snacks, shoes, prayer, and presence—even as we advocate for the dignity and rights of those made in God’s image.
How Congregations Can Help
Collect: new/like-new closed-toe shoes (all sizes), plain shirts/pants (no rips/logos).
Supply: cases of water, healthy snacks, children’s toys/activities, pop-up tents, folding chairs, umbrellas.
Support: designated gifts for gas/grocery cards and emergency rental assistance via partner orgs.
Show Up: send small teams to serve on-site; offer prayer and pastoral presence.
This is the church putting Matthew 25 into motion—one cup of cold water, one pair of shoes, one family at a time.