Join Me on This Journey for Justice and Compassion
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Again, I’m Pastor Tendo Steven, founder and president of ELOI Ministries. As I navigate the complexities of the US immigration system, I’m committed to transparency and accountability. This UPDATES page is dedicated to sharing my journey, including the challenges and triumphs, as I seek justice and continue to serve vulnerable communities through ELOI Ministries.
On this page, you’ll find regular updates on:
My asylum case and legal battles against the US government
ELOI Ministries' work in Uganda and Vermont, including our advocacy efforts for new Americans
Ways, you can support me and ELOI Ministries through donations and prayers
Your support means the world to me. I’m grateful for your encouragement, prayers, and generosity. Together, let’s fight for justice, compassion, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Pastor Tendo Steven
On Tuesday 01/21/2025, I was summoned by immigration to appear to them with all my belongings and legal paperwork. I was caught off-guard because my reporting schedule has been once a year and by email and on phone. I had already checked in on 11/14/2024 and a new date of 11/11/2025 had been given to me meaning I had a full year ahead of me.
Based on the immigration atmosphere in the country currently, being summoned abruptly only meant the worst. I want to thank my friends, work colleagues and UVM staff united, our state delegation, organizations like ELOI Ministries, CVRAN, NEKASAN, Migrant Justice among others, media houses like VT digger, WCAX, VT public radio, among others as well as the general Public for all the support and company you gave me to the ICE offices in St Albans. The legal battles are still going on and I kindly call for more support and solidarity.
Based on the immigration atmosphere in the country currently, being summoned abruptly only meant the worst. I want to thank my friends, work colleagues and UVM staff united, our state delegation, organizations like ELOI Ministries, CVRAN, NEKASAN, Migrant Justice among others, media houses like VT digger, WCAX, VT public radio, among others as well as the general Public for all the support and company you gave me to the ICE offices in St Albans. The legal battles are still going on and I kindly call for more support and solidarity.
Colchester Asylum-Seeker Fears Deportation After Being Ordered to Report Following Trump’s Inauguration
What has been done since then:
Prof. Fatma Marouf –A & M University Texas (lead attorney)
Prof. Brett Stokes-Vermont Law School
Attorney Hassan Elsouri -Washington DC
I am so grateful and humbled with my dedicated Legal team that is working tirelessly to save my life. I am proud of Prof. Fatma Marouf –A & M University Texas (Lead Attorney), Prof. Brett Stokes-Vermont Law School, Attorney Hassan Elsouri -Washington DC among others. They have already Filed a -stay of Deportation, we have an ongoing case against US government for mistreating me while incarcerated in the Detention Center in Texas.
Underway Action: working to Filling a motion to reopen based on changed country conditions
SPECIAL THANKS:
I can’t forget the kindness of people like Jeniffer Harbury, Dinah Yessne, Madeleine Sandefur, Dian khan, Nancy Toney, the Henkin Family, CVRAN Family, and so many of you! You are such Incredible souls, and you will all never leave my heart…
SPECIAL THANKS:
I can’t forget the kindness of people like Jeniffer Harbury, Dinah Yessne, Madeleine Sandefur, Dian khan, Nancy Toney, the Henkin Family, CVRAN Family, and so many of you! You are such Incredible souls, and you will all never leave my heart…
CALL TO ACTION:
Continued alertness and solidarity
Resource mobilization to defend many in our community who are in the same boat as mine but suffering silently with fear.
Lobbying for immigration policy changes at both state and federal level
Make sure our state Delegation and representatives are aware of our unified voice against brutal and unreasonable immigration policies by calling them and make our stand clear.
Passionate spiritual leader, dedicated philanthropist, human rights activist, healthcare enthusiast and committed humanitarian.