Mission in Mexico - Part 1
How can I make a difference?
I’m writing a group of posts to keep you all up to date on what I’m doing in Mexico. I’ll try to send these weekly while I’m here.
I arrived in Rio Bravo, Mexico on May 1. I was met at the airport in Texas by two United Methodist pastors that I know from my work on a missions board. We crossed into Mexico across the Donna bridge, and the crossing was easy. Mexican border guards asked us to open the car and the trunk, they looked inside, and then they waved us on. It was nothing like the hassle that I imagined.
My first impressions of Rio Bravo are that it is struggling. It is a fairly typical Mexican town, in that there are Oxxo stores (like 7-11) and pharmacies, and even two large supermercados, but there are many rundown buildings and businesses. Most of the cars are ten years old or older, and it’s not uncommon to see bumpers attached with wire, and taillights not working. Some streets are unpaved, and it’s not uncommon to see abandoned cars in various stages of disrepair. The streets are full of deep potholes.
The mission where I am helping out is called Manos Juntas (Many Hands), and it has a gated area that houses a community center, a clinic, and dormitories for visiting mission groups. I’m in a clean little apartment with a kitchen and two bedrooms.
Manos Juntas is involved in many activities — the medical clinic, an orphanage, schools, churches, and many construction projects. Church groups arrive for a week or more and build casitas, or small homes for families, out of cinder blocks. They have completed over 3500 casitas in the area. I hope to learn more about each of these ministries while I am here.
I’m spending my first weekend here staying at the orphanage, Casa de Esperanza, or House of Hope, in order to learn about their program. They care for 9 children here, ranging in age between 6 and 15. The facility includes two dormitory style rooms with bunk beds, a dining area with a big kitchen, several classrooms, a playroom with a TV, and an outdoor area with swings and a slide. There is also a separate chapel building outside.
The children attend public school during the week, and rotate to different churches on Sundays. Saturday has scheduled activities and some free time. While you’ll notice that I’m not able to take pictures of the children’s faces, overall the kids look happy and healthy, running and jumping and playing.
The facility is in need of help. Some of the toilets are not working, there are cracks in the walls, and in one spot the ceiling is falling. The books and games are all well used, and some are outdated. Doors don’t close smoothly, and some don’t close at all. There are only two small laptop computers available for homework or research, and many of the lights don’t work. Despite these concerns, the children are safe and well cared for.
The big issue, which is a concern for all these ministries, is money. Feeding 9 children each week costs about $200. Then there are salaries for the four staff members, utilities, clothing, health care, and transportation. It all adds up. Everything is funded through donations. Giving is easy through the United Methodist Advance site - https://gbhem-umc.my.site.com/hemgm/s/donate-to-campaign?id=a3fPo000000D43R. Every little bit helps.
Thank you for your prayers while I am here. I can feel your support.
