Juarez: Hope and Blessings in the Time of the Pandemic

In a time of fear, worry, struggles, and separation from friends and family, we have found a time of blessing in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. This blessing has many parts and sources. The recently completed food/fund drive included many blessings. This year we lost the support of a large donor of many years, but the loss was replaced by others who were in a position to join the effort or increase their donation. Both Trinity Episcopal and Our Savior’s Lutheran congregations were again solid in their support of the Mission in Juarez. The food included 4,000 pounds of beans donated by Northern Feed and Bean and by a couple of members of OSL. Others donated 2,000 pounds of rice. Another family donated 1,650 pounds of dried milk. Onions were again donated by Sakata Farms of Brighton and Fagerberg Farms of Eaton and carrots by Hungenberg Produce of Greeley. A new supplier was Strohauer Farms of LaSalle who donated 800 pounds of potatoes. A total of 11,050 pounds was loaded December 3rd and driven to El Paso the next day. We arrived by 7:15 pm, quickly unloaded and began the journey back to Greeley.

The community served by the Mission has more struggles than normal due to the Pandemic. Jobs have been lost, and the financial struggle is serious, resulting in increased privation and hunger. Even though the mission is temporarily closed by local government rules, the donated food is still feeding the children. Pilar is preparing food boxes which are collected by those in need or delivered to those who are unable to get to the mission. This is a blessing to those who are hungry and gives them hope.

The funds donated were even more dramatic. Many families and individuals were part of the blessing with their donations. Both congregations along with others who are not members donated a total of $27,095. These funds allow Pilar to pay ongoing operational costs and obtain additional foodstuffs such as eggs, flour, cooking oil, and dish detergent to complete the food boxes. The only way this is possible is with the involvement of God. This is a blessing both to those who donate and those who receive. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of these blessings.

A few years ago, at the end of a visit to the Mission, Pilar, the Director of the Mission, said to us, “Do not forget about us.” Thanks to all who have made this food/fund drive such a success, they are not forgotten. Your gifts have blessed them and given them hope.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you.

Ian Percy and Steve Teksten