The Media Center offers DVDs and study books on the facts about immigration in our contemporary society and in the Bible, including true immigration stories. Use these resources in your congregation or small group to better understand issues of immigration in our world today.
Request to borrow any of these resources from the Media Center to educate your church about immigration to the United States.
To assist those in your church that are concerned about their immigration status, contact Apex Immigration Services, a ministry of NC Conference churches.
DVD Christian Documentaries
This documentary presented by the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas shares the stories of documented and undocumented immigrants, and how the church has responded to them, to show that the gospel is indeed without borders. The DVD includes a 31-minute version and a 53-minute version divided into four chapters. Study guides for each version are included. Learn more in our online catalog: Gospel Without Borders; EthicsDaily, 2011.
The Evangelical Immigration Table makes a biblical case for immigration reform and welcoming the stranger in this documentary that features three recent immigrant families and commentary by evangelical leaders. The film is 40 minutes long and a discussion guide is available. Optional English and Spanish subtitles. Learn more in our online catalog: The Stranger: Immigrants, Scripture, and the American Dream; National Immigration Forum, 2017.
The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church produced this DVD to share the difficult stories of racial struggles in American history. One session considers contemporary immigration in light of the history of the U.S./Mexican border and Christian hospitality. Another session on the immigration of Pacific Islanders may also be of interest. A study guide is included. Learn more in our online catalog: Forged By Fire; GBCS, 2007.
The Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the University of Notre Dame produced this film to share the stories of migrants who travel to the U.S. for work including the hardship they endure, why they do it, and where is God in it all. The 33-minute film has chapter access for discussion. Optional Spanish subtitles. A five-day study guide is available. Learn more in our online catalog: Dying to Live: A Migrant’s Journey; University of Notre Dame, 2010.
DVD Immigration Stories
This PBS documentary film follows the life of one 66-year-old Mexican man as he legally enters the U.S. each year as part of the Guest Worker program, works hard and long hours in the fields of North Carolina for months, and then travels back home to be with his family including his ailing wife. This 52-minute film offers optional English and Spanish subtitles for bilingual audiences. Learn more in our online catalog: The Guestworker; Markay Media, 2007.
This film by Duke University Professor Charles D. Thompson, Jr. tells the stories of immigrants who travel from Guatemala to Florida illegally for work. Voices of immigrants, those opposed to illegal immigration, and those helping the undocumented are included. The film ultimately highlights our shared humanity. The 58-minute film includes optional Spanish subtitles. A study guide is available. Learn more in our online catalog: Brother Towns, Pueblos Hermanos; Charles D. Thompson, Jr., 2010.
There is a tragic connection between immigration and human trafficking. This documentary funded by the United Methodist Women and several other religious organizations exposes the vulnerability of immigrants seeking the American Dream and why they would risk so much to come here. The stories of two young women who were trafficked are featured. The 58-minute film has English closed-captions. A study guide and supplementary resources are included. Learn more in our online catalog: Lives for Sale: A Documentary on Immigration & Human Trafficking; Maryknoll Films, 2006.
Immigrants who come to work in the U.S. are often treated poorly. In this award-winning documentary, three Latina women working in Los Angeles sweatshops fight for labor protections from clothing retailer Forever 21. This 70-minute film is in Spanish and English with bilingual subtitles. Learn more in our online catalog: Made in L.A., Hecho en Los Angeles; Semilla Verde Productions, Inc., 2007.
Books & Studies
This book is the true story of Enrique, who travels on a perilous journey to the U.S. to find his mother who had moved there to find work. Enrique’s story illustrates the conditions in Honduras that cause people to leave, the dangerous journey to come to the U.S., and the struggles one faces when they arrive. Includes discussion questions. Learn more in our online catalog: Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario; Random House, 2014.
World Relief immigration experts put a human face on the issue of immigration and tell stories of immigrants’ experiences in and out of the system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just as they offer concrete ways for you and your church to welcome and minister to your immigrant neighbors. Includes discussion questions. Learn more in our online catalog: Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate by Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang; Intervarsity Press, 2018.
This group bible study and devotional book considers six major biblical statements related to immigration that will lead participants to a better understanding of how the Bible calls them to respond to immigration by welcoming the stranger and fighting for justice. Each week includes daily personal devotions and a group study with scripture, immigration facts, reflection questions, prayers, and actions. Learn more in our online catalog: Strangers in the Land: A Six-Week Devotional Guide on Immigration, the Church, and the Bible; Sojourners, 2008.
The United Methodist Women published this book study that analyzes the Bible’s call to radical hospitality and its relationship to immigration, immigrants, and migration. The book includes a four-session study guide with prayers, study questions, and activities. A Spanish version of this book is also available. Learn more in our online catalog: Immigration and the Bible: A Guide for Radical Welcome; United Methodist Women, 2012.
Presbyterian minister Ben Daniel tells the story of immigration in our country through its people, politics, history, and faith. He encourages Christians to consider immigrants as their neighbors and friends. Each of the three sections offers reflection and action. A group discussion question for each of the ten chapters is also included. Learn more in our online catalog: Neighbor: Christian Encounters with “Illegal” Immigration; Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.
The North Carolina Council of Churches published this online downloadable study that looks at immigration and the Bible, as well as contemporary law and policy, in order to encourage healthy conversations. Six sessions include scripture, prayer, activities, videos, and discussion questions. Learn more in our online catalog: Becoming the Church Together: Immigration, the Bible, and Our New Neighbors: A Biblically Based Curriculum; North Carolina Council of Churches, 2011.
This online video teach-in is for people of faith to learn about current issues related to immigration, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), temporary protected status, and sanctuary. Learn more in our online catalog: Undocumented: What Do Faith Communities Need to Know?; Trinity Church Wall Street, 2017.
Request These Resources
These resources can be borrowed for free by anyone involved with a United Methodist Church in the North Carolina Conference. We can even mail them to you! All you need to do is fill out the Resource Request Form.