Fifth Annual Board meeting for Casa MAMi MX

On March 11, 2009 directors of the US 501 (c ) 3 non profit organization that was founded in 2005 with the sole purpose of supporting the Ministry of Love and Mercy which established Casa Hogar MAMi, met in McAllen, Texas. As guests of the Community for Health (www.cups.org) we were allowed to meet in their conference room, which was very convenient. We are grateful for their hospitality. If you would like a copy of the minutes of the meeting you may request that by emailing: casamamimx@gmail.com

Pictured from left to right are: Judge Martha Jamison of Houston, Mary Patterson of McAllen, who serves as a laison between the US directors and the Mexican directiva, Bill White, of Opelika, AL, who serves as president, Kathy Scruggs, of Memphis, TN; Sister Elma, the founder and director of the home, Olinda Jehovics of Sugarland, Tx, Celia Thrash, of McAllen, Renee Teel, of Sugarland, TX, Glen Folds, of Opelika, AL and Rev. Larry Bein, also of Opelika, AL. In this picture, Sister Elma is holding a plaque, describing a recent honor she received from the social services (DIF) of the state of Tamaulipas. She was named Volunteer of 2008, for the stat, and Casa MAMi was recognized as first in the city of Reynosa (out of 13 similar homes) and named Exemplary home for the state.

The meeting was especially productive as God brought a wonderful selection of talents and commitment to the ministry together. The McAllen ladies, Mari Paz, Celia and their friends Elaine and Rosalie have had fund raisers for the home for three years in a row. They send $500 per month to help with food and supplies. They are also working with some of the maquilas (US factories employing Mexicans and operating on the Mexico side of the border) to fund jobs and education for those girls who graduate high school and are too old to live at Casa MAMi. Casa MAMi MX pledged to send $4,000 per month to cover salaries. Methods for expanding the donor base were discussed. We hope to begin online donations through the website and to develop the sponsor a child program.

Three girls have applied to spend the month of July living and helping in the home. The newly formed committee for Ministry Coordination of Volunteers, comprised of Olinda, Renee, Celia and Mary, will work closely with Sister Elma to orient these volunteers. Concerns for the violence and unrest make travel to Reynosa questionable. Those living near the border reported that the dangers are serious and often not publicized. This means that we are praying for safety and aware that fewer people will most probably cross the border in 2009.

God has brought new challenges and blessings to the home in 2008. Much of the staff is new, and includes a mature couple, Brother Abraham and Sister Martha, plus younger ladies who have degrees in early child care and psychology. They are all Christian. A clinic that operates three days per week was started last summer. Interns from a local medical school work in it. In the fall, a licensed parent education class was begun for parents of children in the daycare. These adults are able to earn high school and literacy certification through this program.

Sister Elma lost her husband in November. She misses him very much. Her role as director and primary fund raiser keeps her very busy. She continues to work and serve and is actively looking for an assistant director who can be ready to move into her role as manager, when God presents the time for that. Casa MAMi MX will work to provide the funds for this position.

Thank you for your interest, support and prayers for the ministry. We appreciate comments. God bless you!