Mexico City                                       November 10, 2010

Dear Friends,

     You are high on our thanksgiving list.  We pray that as you gather with family and friends on this very special holiday, God’s love will fill your hearts with peace and hope and gratitude.  Please know that we are grateful beyond words for your prayers and financial support.  We are in Mexico because of you.       

     Chuck travelled to Chiapas last week, a month after the floods  caused extensive damage to numerous highland communities.  Homes not destroyed are being cleaned and repaired and families whose homes were swept away are living with relatives and uncertain as to their futures.  The worst hit areas were in places that cannot or should not be rebuilt because of the potential for future flooding.  These families need land as well as materials to rebuild their homes.  In the photo below, all that is left of the Martinez family home is a section of the concrete slab.  The cresting river changed its course and in a few short minutes their home was shattered by boulders and floating trees.  Please pray for the hundreds of families whose homes were  destroyed along with most of their possessions.  A small lot costs around one thousand dollars US and materials for a replacement house will cost two thousand dollars.  We pray that God will enable us to help at least ten families rebuild.  

     In talking with   flood victims we realized that many had lost all of their cooking implements.  Working with colleagues and students at the Baptist Seminary’s San Cristobal Center we have begun delivering basic kitchen utensil kits.  The seminary  had  already distributed food baskets immediately after the flooding.  Local church members have pitched in on the clean-up efforts.   

     Disasters are events that test the faith of those affected and the compassion of all of us.  James wrote to the Jewish believers:  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...because the testing of your faith develops perseverance...so that you may be mature and complete.”  It seems that the poor of this world have endless opportunities to develop their perseverance.  We are grateful to God’s people who share their sufferings and open their hearts and treasure so that needs can be met.   Gifts to help families rebuild in Chiapas can be sent to One Great Hour of Sharing: Chiapas Mexico Relief.  International Ministries PO Box 851  Valley Forge PA 19482-0851. 

Thank you for all that you do.  God bless you!  --Ramona & Chuck