Mexico Earthquakes: Tarps and Tomatillos

Mexico continues with recovery efforts after the three earthquakes in September (or two and a major aftershock, depending on how you count them. But of course there have been many aftershocks – which continue even today). It’s about time for another quick update.

What’s Been Happening?

We personally have not been able to go out to do specific earthquake relief again. We hope to go again, but for the time being will be focusing more on support and administration for those who are going.

Since I last wrote, we’ve been able to get earthquake related tracts out to several churches, to help with their local ministry and relief efforts further afield. I was also able to meet with Camino Global missionaries last week to discuss next steps, and longer term help.

Many of the immediate needs have been met, at least in Mexico City and other parts of central Mexico. I’m not sure what people are going to do with the mountains of clothes they’ve received! But in harder to reach areas, and in southern Mexico, there seem to be many urgent needs.

Rod had been hoping to get to Oaxaca last week, but reports of significant violence on the way down led to a change of plans. They went closer to home again, delivering blankets and tarps to those who are struggling with a lack of proper shelter. (See more here)

One of our coworkers was able to get to Oaxaca to help there. A typical story he told was of a woman and her four children. She lost her husband to cancer a few years ago, and makes memelas (a kind of baked tortilla) for a living. The family house was seriously damaged, and the oven destroyed.

As you might imagine, it is very difficult for a family like that to recover.

What Next?

Another trip is being planned from the 9th-15th of this month.

Many churches in Mexico City are hoping to go out again in the weeks ahead.

So, Lord willing, various types of ministry will be going on over the next couple of months:

• Ministry at home: Not only does normal ministry need to continue, there are many who are struggling with fear after the quakes. Also, many are growing in their faith as they reach out in new ways.
• Continuing to meet immediate needs: Making sure that there is proper shelter, medical supplies, and food in affected areas. Sharing the gospel of hope with those who are angry, confused, and discouraged.
• Longer-term needs: Supporting churches, rebuilding homes and businesses.

We continue to be thankful for those of you who have prayed and donated to the effort. At Camino Global Canada, the director’s wife Ruth Ann was inspired to make salsa verde – 40 pint-sized jars, made from her fresh garden harvest of tomatillos! She was able to share about the need in Mexico and sell the salsa, resulting in a generous donation for the work. Thanks, Ruth Ann!

Please continue to pray that people would find their hope in the Lord, and that needs would be met in His Name. Many, many people have a long road to travel before they can have a normal home and normal work day again.