Plaza de Paz Receives Large Donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Plaza de Paz, the respite center of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas’ Immigration and Refugee Ministries, received an $87,500 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ) for the purchase of a mobile shower trailer. The generous gift, made possible through the organization’s grant process, provides more than three times the number of showers at the center.

Jim Mears, Church of Jesus Christ Stake President- San Antonio East Stake, presented the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, with a check stating “We became involved with Plaza de Paza because as Christians, we look for opportunities to serve. Our Baptismal Covenant is to care those who are in need of comfort.”

Bishop Read accepted gift on behalf of Plaza de Paz, sharing “We are lifted by the generosity and compassion of the Church of Jesus Christ for recognizing the importance of serving migrants, our brothers and sisters in Christ. The donation and ongoing volunteerism offered is a wonderful example of Christianity in action.”

Flor Saldivar, Director of the Immigration and Refugee Ministries, expressed great appreciation for the donation and for volunteers who regularly serve at the center. “We are grateful to the Church of Jesus Christ for their support and partnership in helping Plaza de Paz to be an instrument of God through this ministry. When migrants land at the center, they are hungry, tired and in need of a shower. Through this gift, we are better equipped to provide this basic level of care to the many individuals we serve."