Sister Elma visits Memphis

 What a wonderful visit our city and church received from Casa MAMi this weekend! Because of the violence in the Reynosa area, we have not visited Casa MAMi in four years. How dear that board members Celia and Maria were willing to bring Sister Elma to Memphis to reconnect with friends here.

The ladies were able to present a "moment for mission" during both worship services and to speak for the Sunday School hour to a group of interested adults and youth. Our church, Advent Presbyerian, has participated in supporting the ministry in Reynosa since 2000. It was truly a privilege to have the opportunity for Sister Elma to express her gratitude for the years (12) of friendship and support and for some church members to meet her for the first time!

Sister Elma prayed for each person who gave support to the ministry, specifically asking God that they "have the assurance that the Lord is working in their life; they each person would have the security of knowing God's love and purpose for them".
Celia Thrash of McAllen spoke about the current accomplishments and programs that the home is maintaining: residential girls, day care and kindergarten programs; parenting classes and sharing blessings program. Maria Patterson described the current violent situation in the area and the new boys home that was initiated in 2009. Since so many of the girl residents have brothers, it became necessary to open a home that would provide equal care to brothers of the girls in the home. 

One of the most distressing cases discussed was the incidents of youths who are being recruited by the drug cartels. These children, ages 9 and older, are at risk to be contracted by cartels like the ZETAs or GOLF to give children cell phones and money to transport drugs or to participate in mutilation of kidnapped victims. Truly, the situation is critical. If anyone says that the situation is not serious, they are not being truthful! This violence extends from the border communities all the way to Mexico City D.F.

The beauty of today is that Sister Elma still trusts God and sees His faithfulness everyday. Thank you Lord! Many of the children who have been helped over the years of ministry are living lives of redemption, attending college and walking with Christ.

We heard stories of children who were prostituted by their parents and yet, they came to Casa MAMi to seek refuge. We heard stories of Sister Elma getting accused of kidnapping and being acquitted. The visit gave us an insight into the challenges and victories that the ministry experiences every day.  Thank the LORD that many Mexican individuals and corporations offer support. This ministry is truly a partnership, which was our initial mission. Thank you for your prayers. God bless you for loving this work of God!