We barely pulled into the Ensenada Prison parking lot when a female guard approached us. She beamed as she gave each of us a big hug, a peck on the cheek (Mexican tradition) and a friendly greeting. This was a beautiful start of an amazing day as our Prison Ministry team and other ministry teams joined together preparing a Mothers Day event for the female prisoners. I can not begin to tell you how reaching out to the women with the love of Christ has been a blessing to each one of us. There was a lot of chatter and excitement amongst us as we returned to our homes, knowing that the dramas, food and personal items given out brought much joy to each woman.
As missionaries, our desire is to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the Mexican people. Many thanks to my mom & dad (John and Gerry Szott) and the residents of the Lost Canadian RV park in Apache Junction, Arizona for partnering with us in ministry through gathering donated clothing. Rod and I made a quick visit to Arizona to pick up the donations before my parents returned to Canada. We took the clothing to Casa Caritas, a day care run by Laura Mc Grain (YUGO missionary) in small village in the Mexicali, Mexico.
Laura shared with Rod and I about the devastation left behind after the 7.2 earthquake that ravaged the small villages in the Mexicali Valley Easter Sunday. She shared that some people were living in tents or under tarps as their homes were destroyed. One woman who is a pastor of a church lost her church and her home. She is now living out in the yard with little to no protection from the weather. Our hearts were broken by the news. These people, who already have so little, now have less. YUGO Ministries and other ministries are inviting others to join them in reaching out to the people of Mexicali who have suffered greatly. The plan is to build or rebuild 100 homes in the area of Sonora, Nyarit, Cucapah, Durango, Indigena, and Puerta.
Family living under a tarp
Damaged roads after the earthquake
Please join us in prayer that many will feel led to come forth and help those in need. If you are interested of know someone who may be interested in “How to Get Involved” with this project or others, please contact us and we will help you in any way possible.
