This year, 2020, has been tumultuous for the entire world. For ministries, it is a year of relying on our faith like never before. Through the ups and downs, we still believe in God’s guiding hand over the mission of our organization and are grateful for the powerful progress we are able to make in Juarez.
Starfish Scholarship Program:
Vicky Barandiaran, along with helper Yadira Rivera, now run the Starfish program in Juarez while Steve Williams has taken over the reins on the U.S. side of the border. The book is closed on the 2018/19 school year, all receipting completed and ready for auditing. Eager students are now receiving their initial money, which for many of them this is coming as a wifi-enabled tablet allowing them to study from their homes. One student, so overcome with emotion, cried when he received the tablet.
Yo Y Mi Casa: The ministry center run by Felipe and Vicky Barandiaran
As part of the ministry, Vicky continues to teach English classes online, while hoping to re-open music and guitar classes in October. Food is distributed to the families who come seeking help, especially during this time of COVID, with your donation, progress can be made to help the community in these ways. The center has also set up a burial cost fund to help families who have lost a loved one.
Meanwhile, Felipe is experimenting with a greenhouse and blessing families with some plants. COVID has slowed down the plan for a rooftop greenhouse on Yo y Mi Casa's roof.
Tocando Puertas: The center run by Pastor Jesus and Lety, his wife
Vast space at the center has allowed Pastor Jesus to take a more active response despite some COVID restrictions. The music ministry has continued with the church band practicing and playing at services, where a maximum of 10 people take turns attending weekly. Food is being delivered to homes and made available for local kids at Tocando Puertas. With limited outdoor and educational resources due to COVID, the center is offering outdoor programs for kids including basketball, soccer and a girls club. The center continues to be the heart of the community thanks to your donation that goes to serving the children and adults in the school and government gaps.
La Ultima Milla, Supports outreach ministries at the Redencion Church and the Toribio Family Center
The Toribio Daycare is not open due to in-person school not in session yet. Toribio continues to be a haven for immigrants. Jerion and others search for additional food that can supplement the limited Mexican government rations. They assist the immigrants to find temporary work, who await hopefully a more permanent solution. Computer classes are taught online, and the ladies sewing ministry continues to sew masks.
Arrow is continuing to soldier on and carry new responsibilities due to the virus as it fills the gap left by the schools and government. That is what God has called us to do. We hope God is also calling you. Your support is needed more than ever for us to continue. Have you seen on our website and social channels the difference that even the smallest donation can make? We ask for your prayers and donations as we continue to maintain these ministries in Juarez. Thank you.