Approximately 160 persons are found dead in the Arizona desert each year as they attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, migrating from Central America and Mexico. The Colibri´ Center for Human Rights works in cooperation with the medical examiner of Pima County, Arizona to identify the remains of these persons in order that the dead might be reunited with their families in Central America and Mexico.

This project focuses on the question, “How can spiritual practices and resources be utilized as means of healing and renewal for those who are confronted with the trauma of gruesome desert deaths and who assist the families of those whose loved ones are missing after attempting to migrate to the U.S. through the Sonoran desert?” This project will focus on developing resources for those who work to connect families with the remains of their loved ones. Such work takes a toll on one’s spiritual and psychological well-being. As a member of the Advisory Board for Colibri´, this project will provide me with needed release time from my role as senior pastor at Clemson United Methodist Church, allowing dedicated time for research on spiritual care for those facing compassion fatigue. The research will culminate in a week of shared experiences with the Colibri´ staff and a concluding retreat that utilizes some of the findings of the proposed research. It is hoped that this project will be but a first step in helping Colibri´ begin to incorporate spiritual care of staff and team members as they seek to be vehicles of compassion for those impacted by death along the border.