United States (MNN) — Say the word “immigration” in the United States today and you’re sure to stir up an opinion. But policies aside, there are heart-level, eternal issues at stake.
Jehiel Ortiz with Trans World Radio describes the situation for immigrants at the beginning of 2025 as a roller coaster. “Everything was going up and down, up and down. You [could] see at that time the uncertainty that the people have in their faces, in their expression, and the reality that they feel hopeless.”
The surge of detentions, deportations, and policy changes since January has stirred up a lot of fear. That’s why the team at RTM USA (TWR’s Spanish-language ministry) created a new podcast, Esperanza en el Camino, or Hope Along the Way. Through honest conversations with show guests, Ortiz wants listeners to find the hope of Christ in a deeper way, or perhaps for the first time in their lives.
“We use our voice to remind them, ‘Jesus Christ is your hope, your only hope, no matter what situation you are living,’” he says. “All people from all countries [need] to know the hope that is in Jesus Christ.”
Being an immigrant is an experience not everyone has. But spiritually speaking, every Christian can relate to this experience.
“There’s a reality that happens even though you spend years in one country that is not your [home] country, you always feel like you don’t belong 100%,” Ortiz says.
“Automatically, [when] you are a believer, you are not part of this world. You know that this is not your final home, that there’s something for you in another place.”
Join in praying that Hope Along the Way reaches and transforms immigrants in the most difficult circumstances. Ortiz explains it’s not about the number of listeners. Instead, it’s about what God will do in people’s hearts.
“When you receive testimony of transformation, that’s when you [say], ‘YES!’” he says. “Pray for grace. Pray they can really trust God no matter what.”
Politics and legal counsel are outside of the scope of Hope Along the Way. Instead, the good news of Jesus is center.
“They need to understand — as any of us need to understand — that the life here is temporary, and nothing in this world can compare to Jesus. Nothing, absolutely nothing,” Ortiz says.
“When you understand that nothing this world can offer can compare to what Jesus Christ offer[s] for you, man, that’s the big difference. So let’s pray for that.”
Header photo courtesy of TWR/RTM 360.
