Mexico Mission Trip - Why we're still going

Many ask us if we're still planning to go on our annual mission trip to Mexico and the answer is yes.  "But is it safe?" they say.  Juarez is a place that has been hit very hard by drug-related violence, and there has been much media focus on the issues they are experiencing.  For those of us who have gone to Juarez for many years, we have always felt safe in the areas where we work and stay because it is away from the inner city areas where the violence has occurred.  Rev. Jose Luis Portillo, pastor and director of Proyecto Abrigo, continues to assure us that they do not see or experience any of the violence portrayed in the media in the areas where they live, work and worship.  We depend greatly on his assessment of the situation there and his assurance of our team's safety in going there to work.  We also have reports from other teams who have recently gone there through Proyecto Abrigo and have had good experiences and no safety concerns.  Larry Norman, Louisiana UM Conference Director of Volunteers in Mission, says this about mission work in Mexico:  "We all continue to be painfully aware of the media hype concerning the drug problems along the border and elsewhere in Mexico, but we must also weigh this against the reports of our friends with Mexico VIM who live along the border and from our own Louisiana people who continue to serve there and to experience the real situation.  Our teams still go, some are smaller due to personal fears and the concerns of loved ones, but all return with strong reports of service, the evermore stronger need they felt to be there.  It is in times of concern and distress that our teams are needed the most.  In these same times of service we learn more fully how we are the healing hands and laboring feet of Jesus bringing the body of Christ to a hurting world."

So we go, knowing we are needed there more than ever, not only to build houses for a few families, but also to encourage and support the ministry of Rev. Portillo and Proyecto Abrigo which has suffered greatly due to the lack of teams going there to work.  With your support and prayers, not only for us, but for the people of Juarez, we go to share our love, the love of Christ, and to bring hope.  We want them to know that others care about them and want to join hands in serving our brothers and sisters in need.  Please pray for us as we prepare to go, give your financial support as you are able, and support Noel's team in stepping out in faith to serve. 

Rachel Scott

Minister of Service & Outreach