First Korean UMC in Wheeling, Ill., held a vigil in February 2026 to express members' support for Minnesota residents enduring violent incursions by federal immigration agents. (Courtesy Photo)
Northern Illinois Conference | March 16, 2026
As a sign of its commitment to stand alongside immigrant communities and serving as a protective umbrella for those facing uncertainty and hardship, First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling, Ill. held a prayer vigil on Feb. 7 in solidarity with Minnesota.
Part of their participation in the Chicago Sanctuary Church Network, the gathering was a ger prayer service. Ger is a Hebrew word meaning a foreigner or sojourner; people who reside in a land not originally their own.
As immigrants living as gers in this country, participants found it impossible to ignore the heartbreaking realities of recent months. Yet rather than yielding to fear, the community discerned that this was precisely the moment to respond faithfully as followers of Christ.
The vigil was intentionally structured around three movements: remembrance, lament, and hope.
During the time of remembrance, the congregation called aloud the names of two individuals who lost their lives while attempting to protect demonstrators as well as the names of eight individuals who died in detention centers or in custody. Each name was spoken slowly and reverently, followed by moments of silence and communal prayer, honoring their lives and grieving their loss.
In the movement of lament, participants listened to firsthand testimony from Rev. Isaac Park, director of emergency services for the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, Minn. He described the realities on the ground through stories of fear, displacement, and resilience. After hearing these accounts, the congregation entered into guided prayer, lifting up those directly affected and bringing their collective grief and anguish before God.
Finally, in hope, participants were invited to come forward and light candles at the altar, remembering the victims and offering prayers for solidarity and peace. As each flame was kindled, the sanctuary grew brighter—a quiet yet powerful reminder that even in the midst of sorrow, hope continues to shine.
Although held on a Saturday afternoon, the vigil drew approximately 70 participants, reflecting the community’s deep desire to gather in prayer and bear witness. It was a sacred time of shared tears, united intercession, and songs of peace and hope.
In gathering this way, the church embodied its calling to be a community of compassion and courageous faith. Even amid fear and uncertainty, the witness of remembrance, lament, and hope declares that violence and exclusion do not have the final word. As the people of God continue to walk as gers in this land, may they also remain steadfast bearers of peace, justice, and enduring hope for all.
The Rev. Juyeon Jeon is associate pastor of First Korean UMC in Wheeling, Ill. This article is republished with permission from the Northern Illinois Conference website.