Since our last update, we’ve weathered a few storms, figuratively and literally.

Hurricane Alex passed to our south but dropped torrential rains on us nonetheless, damaging the Betty Clinic and flooding some of our families’ homes, but we’re happy to report we’re all safe. Meanwhile, we’re riding out a storm of another sort – the reduced number of work teams able to visit because of this year’s violence in the region. With improvements in the security situation in Reynosa, the Faith Ministry Board of Directors opted in June to again allow work teams into the area. We’re hoping things will improve in Miguel Alemán before long. Thanks for your continued prayers and support, and many thanks to those who have mailed gifts!

Here’s the latest from the border:

Construction

A small team from Presbytery of the James has been in Reynosa. Though their churches are waiting to send teams, three of the 40 came anyway, and they’re working on this year’s house number 8. Because of safety concerns, teams aren’t being sent to Miguel Alemán, but staff and Mexican volunteers are at work on house number 5.

Meanwhile, fifteen families are waiting for roofs, and many families are waiting for homes. Many teams from the U.S. who aren’t able to visit this summer because of safety concerns have sent money so that staff and Mexican volunteers can continue construction work. For this, we’re very grateful!

A small team and volunteers working on a house in Reynosa

A team and volunteers worshipping together in Reynosa

Damage Report

Hurricane Alex brought four days of rain to the area, forcing many families from their homes. The Betty Clinic staff is expecting an uptick in gastrointestinal problems and infections and are gearing up to treat them. The clinic’s roof is in need of repair (to the tune of $5,000 to $6,000), and there is water damage to some walls and drop ceilings. But all programs are running and serving the colonia.

Damage from Hurricane Alex to the street outside the clinic

Water damage to the complex in Reynosa from Hurricane Alex

Scholarships

Currently, there are 140 children being sponsored with scholarships. In the next few days, all sponsors should receive current photos of their children, a report on their grades and the amount needed for the coming year. There are still 30 children waiting for sponsors. If you’d like to make a difference in a child’s life, help his or her family provide an education. Sponsorships range from $425 per year for elementary students to $625 for high school students and can be arranged by contacting David Rodriguez at the McAllen office by phone at (956) 631-3567 or by email david@faithministry.org.

Staff Prayer Requests

  • Omar’s parents are having health issues (his mother is having surgery and his father is suffering complications due to diabetes).
  • Lupe injured a leg.
  • Ezequiel is having a hard time with his blood pressure.

Web Contributions

We’ve received a number of contributions through our website. Thanks to all who have sent money, amounts small and large! This will help us continue to provide clinic, nutrition and sponsorship services until our construction programs return to full strength. If you’d like to donate by credit card, the secure link is here:
https://faithministry.org/give.

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