Mexico City
February 15, 2012
Dear Friends,
     Sixteen months ago highland communities in Chiapas Mexico were devastated by severe flooding.  A meter (37”) of rain fell in just 48 hours.  Homes were swept away and crops slid down steep hillsides.  Many of you responded with generosity and compassion.  You prayed and you gave and needs were met.  New homes were built, household and kitchen items were replaced, lost crops were compensated so that families could eat.  Gifts from US churches given directly or through One Great Hour of Sharing enabled us to help 10 families replace destroyed homes and 33 families replace household goods carried away by flood waters.  Twenty eight families who lost their crops received food grants to sustain them through to the next harvest. A widow in her 70’s received a new traditional dress to replace the one lost in the flood. To all who prayed and gave and on behalf of all who were helped, the biggest and warmest GRACIAS, YO KO LA WAHL (Mayan), and THANK YOU.  The difference you made was significant and the message you sent was powerful:  GOD’S PEOPLE CARE!
     The Martinez family, already stressed by weekly travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez (14 hour round trip) where their 13-year-old son Eloy received chemotherapy for Leukemia, lost everything when the flood swept away their home.  With the help of so many, from Cartersville GA, Southern IL and Buttonwillow CA, the family was helped with the travel during 120 weeks of treatment and now has a new home.  A team from ABC Great Rivers Region arrived in Chiapas last April to help with construction both of the Martinez Home and a new Sunday school building for the Baptist Mission in Tacuba Nueva.   
 

We cannot thank you enough  --Ramona & Chuck