Last Saturday, we celebrated our 20-year anniversary with a service and party in Reynosa. We were lucky enough to host over 200 people, including the Board of Directors, church groups and guests from North Carolina and Indiana, church and community members from Reynosa and Naranjito, as well as family and friends of the U.S. and Mexico staff.
Founder and Emeritus Director Deantin Guerra spoke about the history of Faith Ministry and told stories of when he founded the ministry in 1994. Ken MacDonald, president of the Board of Directors, spoke about the activities the ministry is presently involved in, and volunteer Colleen Cook spoke about the future of Faith Ministry and the faith, hope and love we will continue to share with the community.
We had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Ben Life, the first president of the Board of Directors. We also heard from families in Reynosa that have been involved with various areas of Faith Ministry. The Hipolito Gonzalez family spoke about the home they received as part of Faith Ministry’s construction program. Raul Trevino, a current university student, shared about his experience being part of our child sponsorship program since he was young and how it has led him to where he is today. Maricela Bustos told us about the benefits she and her family have received from our medical clinic.
Pastor Pedro Silva shared a special message with us, and David Garcia prayed over the ministry and the community; both men are from the Netzer Presbytery. We enjoyed music in both English and Spanish from members of the Reynosa and Naranjito churches. We also had special musical guests, including guitar played by Andy Hawks, the son of board member Kathy Starkey, and a special harp performance by Mario from the church in Reynosa.
We also recognized our staff members with a token of our gratitude, including those who have been involved with Faith Ministry since the very beginning. We ended the service with our favorite song, “Unidos, Unidos!”
Following the service, we had a party outside with live music and a huge lunch, including over 1,500 tamales cooked by Mexican staff and volunteers. God blessed us with a beautiful day, and everyone enjoyed the time to eat and laugh together.
Thank you so much to everyone who was able to come and celebrate with us! And thanks to all of you for being a part of Faith Ministry. Because of you, your family, your church and your prayers, Faith Ministry has grown to be what it is, and we praise the Lord for it!
We hope to see you in Mexico soon!
