Partnering with non-profit organizations in Juarez, such as DIF and Juarez Mio, has given Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLMHC) many opportunities to disperse needed resources into rural areas of Chihuahua, which is four to five hours outside of Juarez.

Partnering mission-churches in Chihuahua, Gloria Dei, and San Esteban, which are shepherded by Pastor Misael Tovar, have ensured to provide needed resources, such as food, clothing, and school backpacks, to their small communities however, through DIF and Juarez Mio, larger amounts of resources have gone into areas outside of the reach of the Chihuahua mission-churches.

Medical equipment and supplies donated through, and delivered by, the Orphan Grain Train (OGT) are some of the most needed items in these rural areas, where Tarahumara families have minimal access to well-equipped clinics. These rural areas are an hour to two from a hospital, which means for those seeking medical attention, the rural clinics with their limited resources and funding, are their only source of medical care.

In the last three months, equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, an electrocardiogram machine, were taken to several different clinics and rehabilitation centers with limited government funding.

Individuals in need have received adult diapers from these donations. One man with physical deformities making it difficult to walk without assistance, was given a sturdy wheelchair that he uses. The video below shows a smile of joy at being able to walk easier. It will make you smile in joy over his exuberance.

Food is another source of need among the Tarahumaras. Thanks to donations of ready meals through OGT, families in these indigenous communities have been able provide for their most vulnerable members, children, and the elderly.

Individuals in the outskirts of Juarez, on the far side, individuals who receive generous food bags also receive the Word of God from one of the distributors, who is a deaconess student at the Dominican Republic seminary, affiliated with the Mexico Lutheran Synod.

YLMHC continues to dedicate resources and assistance to those in need, and through these kinds of partnerships, multiple organizations dedicated to bringing relief to the suffering through human care. In conjunction with these acts of kindness, we bring the freeing grace of God through Word and action, thanks to ministry partners such as Pastor Misael and the deaconess student.

Donate today towards the Greatest Need to help bring God’s love through acts of kindness and compassion.