OPERATION CACTI 🌵 COMPASSION CARE PROJECT
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…" - Isaiah 35:1-4a
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…" - Isaiah 35:1-4a
artist: Gabriel McLaughlin, age 11
Welcome to Operation Cacti!
A partnership of Obra Hispana (Rev. Dr. Esther Robles, Education Coordinator) and Week of Compassion (Rev. Grace Kozak, Associate Director for Immigrant and Refugee Response), Operation Cacti is an educational and biblical resource designed for families (with kids ages 5-17), pastors, and churches being directly affected by current immigration policies and for those who seek to be in solidarity with them.
Why call it cacti?
Cacti are resilient plants able to grow in desert places, which are often dangerous, dry, and arid, yet filled with beauty, life, growth, and possibility. The desert is a place where people, communities, and nations have passed through for centuries in search of safety and a better life. Our shared history of faith tells us that it is also a place where God is actively present, guiding, protecting, and providing for people in unexpected ways. With this idea in mind, we want children and families to be encouraged in this struggle and hope, and be empowered to grow in strength and resiliency like the cacti.
A partnership of Obra Hispana (Rev. Dr. Esther Robles, Education Coordinator) and Week of Compassion (Rev. Grace Kozak, Associate Director for Immigrant and Refugee Response), Operation Cacti is an educational and biblical resource designed for families (with kids ages 5-17), pastors, and churches being directly affected by current immigration policies and for those who seek to be in solidarity with them.
Why call it cacti?
Cacti are resilient plants able to grow in desert places, which are often dangerous, dry, and arid, yet filled with beauty, life, growth, and possibility. The desert is a place where people, communities, and nations have passed through for centuries in search of safety and a better life. Our shared history of faith tells us that it is also a place where God is actively present, guiding, protecting, and providing for people in unexpected ways. With this idea in mind, we want children and families to be encouraged in this struggle and hope, and be empowered to grow in strength and resiliency like the cacti.
How does it work?
Operation Cacti is a resource kit (resources, manuals, and comfort items for children) that families can receive through their churches, starting in the Pacific Southwest Region. It is designed for a family home setting but can be adapted for church gatherings.
Each kit includes:
While the physical kits are being piloted in the PSWR, churches across the country are encouraged to download the storytelling and study resources below for use in their own congregations. Contact Esther Robles or Grace Kozak to learn more about getting kits for the immigrant churches and children in your area. While the kits were designed with immigrant children in mind, these educational resources can be used in any congregation.
Operation Cacti is a resource kit (resources, manuals, and comfort items for children) that families can receive through their churches, starting in the Pacific Southwest Region. It is designed for a family home setting but can be adapted for church gatherings.
Each kit includes:
- storybook (storytelling with kids) – Four bible stories are provided about individuals and communities who faced danger and how together they overcame with God’s help. Storybooks and Q&A sessions are written from a Hispanic-migrant, marginalized perspective. Additional Q&A created for children far removed from the immigration experience is designed to help them be in solidarity with other children in need. While the stories are for young children, youth and adults can benefit as family unit.
- manual for parents/teachers – Lesson outlines for each of the four bible stories.
- a special comfort item (stuffed animal or soft toy), including a blessing for the night is included
- coming soon: a digital link to access the story with music – Families can opt to listen to the story together.
While the physical kits are being piloted in the PSWR, churches across the country are encouraged to download the storytelling and study resources below for use in their own congregations. Contact Esther Robles or Grace Kozak to learn more about getting kits for the immigrant churches and children in your area. While the kits were designed with immigrant children in mind, these educational resources can be used in any congregation.
RESOURCES
Storybook (bilingual)
Manual for Parents/Teachers
Youth Resources
Coming Soon!!
Manual for Parents/Teachers
Youth Resources
Coming Soon!!
- sermons from the Disciples' Proclamation Project
- adult bible study companion resource
A few RELATED RESOURCES that might be of interest to congregations impacted by current immigration policies, and those committed to being in solidarity with them:
Learn more about Week of Compassion's Immigrant & Refugee Response. To support Operation Cacti, give to Week of Compassion.
- Your congregation can take steps to increase your security and have a plan in place should law enforcement come to your place of worship. The Congregational Safety Planning guide created by Disciples Immigration Attorney Jonelle Ocloo is available in English and in Spanish.
- Week of Compassion has created training for churches to make and pratice a safety plan on What to do if ICE comes to your church. The videos are available upon request, along with a sample policy for interaction with these authorities.
Learn more about Week of Compassion's Immigrant & Refugee Response. To support Operation Cacti, give to Week of Compassion.
