June 14, 2010

If you follow the news, you know that there is much violence along the Mexican/American border due in large part to turf battles among the Mexican drug cartels. Last week in Chihuahua, 19 persons were shot and killed in a drug rehabilitation clinic. Upon reading that I sent an email to Rebecca Wynia, who is the director of the Interaction language school.

Here is her reply:

Hi Doug,

Yes, last week brought about a very unfortunate turn of events here at the drug rehabilitation center Fe y Vida, of whom the director and pastor Rene Castillo is a good friend to many here in ministry. Ministry leaders and churches throughout the city have rallied up in prayer and the body of Christ is yet again coming together to support Rene, his family and the ministry he has. Many of us know him personally and the mood is mainly one of sadness. Ironically enough, the day after this happened was a day designated by all of the churches here in the city as a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Chihuahua. However, this hasn’t really brought up any different safety concerns for us. The violence was directed at men in an opposing drug cartel who were in the rehabilitation process at Rene’s center, the violence is still very targeted and those of us who are not involved are really of no interest to the cartels.

We are all still doing very well here at Interaction and at the orphanages! On Saturday morning I actually made the trip to the border to pick up a mission team and bring them back to Chihuahua, they will be here all this week working on construction projects at the orphanage Adonai (where you will be giving classes) and a church here in the city. We crossed through Juarez and had zero problems. God is good and faithful!

Thank you for your email and concern, please let me know if you have any more questions! I saw your other email as well and will respond to your questions regarding classes.

Rebecca
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Given that response and still feeling this a trip that God wants me to make, I will be leaving on Saturday, the 19th for Chihuahua.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I will be teaching some English as a Second Language at a nearby orphanage -- Casa Hogar Adonai. Many church groups have come down from the states to help in its construction.

Here is a YouTube video of the intial construction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odn9Qe5gH_0

It is now finished and looks well done according to the Facebook photos

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-Adonai-Chihuahua-Mexico/186872621635#!

These past few day I have been preparing some lessons for the days that I will be there.

Best wishes to all.

dr