-by Bill Given

It's been a busy and troublesome year for borders, barriers and fences of all kinds. Every time I watch the news or turn on my radio I hear about borders. People trying to get across borders. People trying to stop them. People trying to help them. People wanting to build a wall across all of Mexico. People rolling out that razor wire like Christmas lights.

If we had a nickel for every mile of barbed wire, well we'd have a pretty fair boat-load of nickels.

I've seen way too many photos of children looking through razor wire.

We have kids living on the wrong side of barriers in every city and town.

Barriers like being too tired and hungry to go to school. Changing schools, moving to a new town where youdon't know a soul. Being bored out of your mind at home. Not having a single adult in your life who would listen.

Just not fitting in anywhere.

Those barriers are as real as any razor wire and as hard to cross as the River Jordan.
Barriers and borders of all kinds are very grim when there's no welcome on the other side.
I have some friends who are working hard to break down some of those barriers in Owen Sound. The people of R.A.Y. Ministries are just plain good people. People who truly believe that every kid deserves a chance. People who are living examples that it's worth the effort to get past those barriers because life on this side of the border is pretty good. People who truly care.
Barriers and borders of all kinds are very grim when there's no welcome on the other side.
We are having a concert to help support our friends at RAY Ministries on April 23rd. It would be great if you came by. We will be accepting donations, but if you don't have a donation, bring a prayer.
https://www.facebook.com/events/105089913222911/

originally published here: https://forgottentreasuresalongtheway.wordpress.com/2016/04/15/borders-barriers-fences/