Casa MAMi MX

January 2012

2012-01-22T13:41:00.003-06:00

Casa Hogar MAMi in Reynosa continues to help many children and families. Elma reports that over 50 parents attended 'parenting school' on Friday evening. A maquiladora (factory) made a gift of $30,000 recently, with the stipulation that it may only be used for food. When the food is purchased and a receipt is presented, Casa Hogar MAMi is reimbursed. This will continue until the funds are exhausted. This is a huge blessing.

Elma doesn't know for how much longer the ministry "Love Never Fails International" will continue its support. A little over two years ago they adopted Elma's project as their primary international focus and began sending $10,000 per month to cover expenses. Apparently this level of support is becoming more and more of a burden. Elma, in her typical way, is confident that God will continue to provide through someone, should these devoted givers change their support.

The pure water system that our church, Advent Presbyterian of Cordova, TN, installed in October 2006 has worn out. Men from our church plan to return and install a larger system, as well as a smaller unit for the boys home. I do not think the date for this trip is set.

I asked Elma about the violence. She said that so far, in January, there have been no incidents, and that in December there were two. The police have been replaced by soldiers, and they are everywhere~!

I asked her about Fernanda and Anastasia, two of my favorite older girls from years past. She said that Anastasia went to live with some family and that Fernanda is in another casa hogar, but she loves to visit Elma. She tells Elma 'thank you' and that she appreciates how hard she worked to help 'clean her up'. She said, "no matter how hard I try I still curse and say horrible things, I can't help it!". She is working hard in school and plans to go to college. I will never stop praying for Fernanda, she is a strong girl with a strong will with a terrible upbringing to overcome.

My family and work life have kept me very busy for the past two years. I have not given much time to this ministry but THANK all of you who continue to send donations, even when no one asks or reminds you. The wonderful friends in McAllen have tea parties and other events every fall to raise funds for Casa Hogar MAMi. They send gifts for special needs such as school materials, English lessons for employees, clothing, music lessons, etc.

Elma, her residents and staff pray for all donors and appreciate your gifts and prayers. If you wish to send coats or clothing, I suggest you let Elma know to expect the box on her doorstep. (She is having her sister watch for the box I FEDEXED down there on Friday). Her home address is: 105 N Sixth St. Hidalgo, TX 78557 and her phone number is: 956-821-5025

Christmas Cards 2011

2011-11-11T07:24:00.004-06:00

The residents of Casa MAMi have designed Christmas cards this year! Our McAllen Ladies are selling these and will fulfill orders. You may ask them to send you a carton full to sell to friends and church members!!
10 5x7 full color cards, packaged in plastic with raffia tie- $15. There are other designs included in the box. On the inside it says "Feliz Navidad". For information and orders:
casahogarmami@ymail.com

Rain!

2011-06-22T20:15:00.003-05:00

Just called Sister Elma: I sent a check to her P.O. box and it was returned. I resent it and I wanted to find out if it arrived! Yes. She thinks they have a new carrier, or postal employee who just made a mistake.

It is raining a lot and they are happy about this!

All is well at the Casa Hogar in Reynosa, in spite of the terrible reports of violence along the border, from Monterrey north. She told me that everyday they pray, "Dear Lord, please keep all of the bad people away from the casa hogar, and do not let any of them knock at our door"! It is working and the children are pleased to know of God's faithfulness.

She told me about one new boy, resident at the Casa de Niños on Carranza, opened one year ago. He is almost 8 years old. He witnessed his father kill his mother and is struggling to overcome the anger and other problems that you can imagine he feels.

The patio is built on the third floor and the children use it for play and extra space. Currently, 65 girls, ages 3-18, sleep at the Rio Frio location. While 16 boys, ages 6-12, stay at the Carranza location.

Thank you for remembering this ministry with your prayers and support.
God bless you!

Sophie Cassidy and other random works of God

2011-04-11T20:58:00.004-05:00

Today I had a short phone conversation with Sister Elma. The violence has risen in the past week. The buses and roads to Ciudad Victoria are in danger. The carteles are creating fear and havoc throughout much of northern Mexico. It is a very difficult season.

Our friends, Rick Hagans http://www.harvestevangelism.org/, visited Casa MAMi in March. Not many are brave enough to cross the border these days. Sister Elma explained to me that Rick Hagans' son is ministering in Ireland and one of his friends, Sophie Cassidy (Irish) is now at Casa MAMi for a month. She is a delight! She helps the little ones at lunch and then teaches English classes to the older girls in the afternoon. She is a blessing! She is a perfect servant with the spirit of Christ who consistently helps and takes care of the children! They are very happy that she has come to help for a month!

The Casa de Niños is doing well! It is just a few blocks from the main location of Casa MAMi. We praise God that so far, the families who come to Casa MAMi are sefe and well.

Also, we had a strange phone call last week. A young mother in Nashville read about our ministry and contacted us to say that her father made mission trips to northern Mexico back in 1978. She and her husband have an adopted Guatemalan daughter and were wondering if we could help them find a young women who her father met at an orphanage years ago. As you may know, adoption in Mexico is very difficult. The laws do not protect adoptive parents. In other words, the adoptions are not secure. This is just to say that needy children and families have been around for a long time and we are thankful for ministries like Casa MAMi that can help these families.

Thanks for reading and please remember to pray for the violence to stop in Northern Mexico.

Bridge is closed - often. These are hard times...

2011-02-05T16:45:00.003-06:00

Friends, the problems of the social unrest and conditions on the street as well as border crossing from McAllen to Reynosa continue. I spoke with Sister Elma today. They are serving God in the trenches~

Spirits are good inside the home. Another store in Reynosa collected donations at check out for Casa MAMi and gave the proceeds to construct stairs, a fence and a play area on the roof of the home at the Río Frío location.

The property next door is still for sale and the price is falling! The family representative died. This is truly a 'wait and see how God is working' story! Eventually, when God's timing is perfect, the funds and the price will coincide! Hallelujah~

For now, the Casa de Niños on Carranza street, a few blocks from the main location, is keeping a few boys. Some parents would rather keep their boys at home in poverty, than listen to their complaints of having to wake up early and take a shower each night. We have heard stories of how hard it is to live in areas plagued with poverty and violence. Sister Elma enforces rules, such as: you must wake up early, in order to have breakfast at Casa MAMi and go to school; you cannot roam the streets; you must do homework, help with chores, and go to bed clean. Children today feel entitled to complain, and some parents give into their complaints. Girls have made the adjustment and are following a good regimen. Let us pray that some boys will rise to the occasion and give leadership at the Casa de Niños.

On a happy note: Our church sent about 60 pounds of never worn VBS t shirts, all sizes to Sister Elma. She was very excited, and wanted to know if she was allowed to share them with poor people or anyone in particular! OF COURSE!! May anyone who needs them be blessed~!
=

Welcome 2011 - We pray for God to lead!

2011-01-08T12:46:00.006-06:00

Dios les bendiga, God bless you! The ministries in Reynosa are flourishing. To God be the Glory!

No reports of violence in the area since just before Christmas. The home on Río Frío street is busy with resident girls who are growing in the Lord and performing well in school. Parenting classes, a Kindergarten and Day Care happen at the main location on Río Frío street, as well. Around 20 boys are living at the Carranza location, "Casa de Niños". The funds for the additional property that is for sale, next door on Río Frío, are still insufficient to make that purchase.

We are talking with Sister Elma about a visit over spring break (March 9-13). At that time, we plan to make some improvements at the Carranza location and, possibly, have a women's conference.

In the past 7 years, Casa MAMi has sponsored five of these. By saving on having a room donated at the Best Western El Camino hotel, preparing the food at the casa hogar, and depending on churches to help with transportation, the costs may be kept at a minimum. Last year 800 women and 300 children attended. They were sent home with provisions, such as beans and rice; they were given free examinations, hygiene supplies, and above all, THE MESSAGE OF LIFE IN CHRIST, with testimonies, prayer, and teaching. The cost for all of this is estimated to be $5,000-$7,000 USD.

Finally, since June 2010, our organization has been sending $2,000 per month to support the home for boys, "Casa de Niños". We invite you to join all of these hopes and dreams with your prayers, participation, and gifts! Thank you!

Phone conversation with Sister Elma, 17 de nov. 2010

2010-11-17T10:13:00.004-06:00

Today I spoke with Sister Elma. She was in Hidalgo, TX, about to cross into Reynosa. She reports that the violence has subsided, drastically, and that all is currently tranquilo.

The adjoining property is owned by a family. We pray that it may become a playground and chapel area for the ministry. Last summer (2009) the bank appraised it for $175,000. The family hopes to sell it for $282,000. The family consists of five: one brother disappeared December 2009. One brother died last week. One sister has Alzheimers. That leaves a sister and brother responsible for the sale of the property. We are praying that, over the next few weeks, our donors and friends will negotiate and successfully acquire the property for Casa MAMi.

This summer the Mexican corporation that operates the SMART store chain funded construction of a walled and open patio on the roof (third story of the Rio Frio property.)It is useful as a play area. A multipurpose room where students may do homework is also planned. Music classes and other teaching opportunities will happen there. Mission teams who want to help, could install electricity in this area (11 meters x 6 meters), cabinets, tables, benches, etc. They hope to store and use a projector and screen in this area. (No mention of this part having a roof, but I would think that showing anything on a screen where there is no roof might be a challenge.)

The number of boys sleeping at the Carranza location is down from 34 to 18. Some families did not like the schedule the boys were forced to observe. In other words, they only sleep at the Carranza street location (due to shortness of staff and facility). They spend the entire day at the Rio Frio location and attend school.

I forgot to ask about the bilingual person who the Mexican accountant recommended as an assistant and apprenticed director.

Also, I completed the 990ez online this year! I am finally not struggling with these IRS reports!

blessings through Christ our Lord!

Violence and an answered prayer

2010-11-12T17:47:00.002-06:00

In case you do not remember, a year ago, when our friends from Love Never Fails International came on board, we began to pray that a bilingual person/couple would be found who could apprentice with Sister Elma and hopefully become a director of a new Casa Hogar MAMi site along the TEXAS/MEXICO border. Sister Elma informs me that the accountant recommended someone who can do this. Perhaps, this person has now been identified. I'll confirm later when I know more.

I have been watching some disturbing reports on MSNBC regarding street children/teenagers in Mexico City. I immediately thought of the girls I know at Casa MAMi who have been rescued from the streets. This report will sadden you and make you thankful for the work of Sister Elma and her staff. May God raise up more Casa Hogares for these children in the toxic society of Mexico.

Mexico hunting 12-year-old drug hitman
Soldiers are hunting a 12-year-old suspected drug gang hitman accused of helping wage a gruesome turf war in central Mexico, a state prosecutor and Mexican media said on Friday.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40155213/ns/world_news-americas/from/toolbar

November News

2010-11-01T10:54:00.004-05:00

The Quinceañera held on Oct. 9 was wonderful. 15 girls from Casa MAMi were honored. About 60 people attended the party.

Last week the violence was especially difficult. School was canceled for several days and the boys who live at the Carranza street location were NOT happy that they had to spend the entire day at the Río Frío location. The Río Frío location is the main house where all meals are served, day care, kindegarten, and second floor residential girls live. The Casa de Niños opened in July and offers sleeping but no meals for 34 boys.
Please continue to pray for the peace of Reynosa. Sister Elma says 'never has it been like this' in their community. She has not been allowed to cross the international bridge on a number of occasions.

Big news: For nearly three years we have prayed and looked for additional land to purchase. We talked about the land behind Casa MAMi. For two years the owners of the piece of property next door have been talking to us. They have now agreed to the price of $282,000 US dollars. Please pray and seek those who will help make this happen.

Also, The McAllen ladies will have their annual reception for Casa MAMi this weekend. The generosity of this group has been a huge blessing for several years!

Thank you! When I have some new pictures I will share them!
Phil 4:19.

Lots of News - ¡Muchas Nuevas!

2010-09-17T15:53:00.009-05:00

1) The Casa de Niños is open! 34 boys are living at the old Casa MAMi location on Carranza, just 4 blocks from the Río Frío location. Our organization is committed to sending $2,000 per month for the needs of this particular home.
2) 154 children were given school clothes, backpacks, shoes and supplies!
3) We have a new mailing address for donations; please see above and on the emails! Casa MAMi MX 2000 S. McColl Rd, Suite B #130, McAllen, TX 78503. Please note that the P.O. Box in Germantown, TN is also active, for administration of IRS and other official business. Remember that any gifts in kind, in the form of boxes, should be mailed to Sister Elma, 105 N. Sixth Street, Hidalgo, TX 78557.
4) 15 girls will celebrate a special birthday this year: The Quinceanera! A lovely lady from Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland, TX has prepared gifts for each of these girls. Sister Elma has found donated /gently used white dresses for the event. Our friends at the Best Western El Camino Hotel are hosting a party after the worship service. This will happen on Saturday, Oct. 9. Because of the unrest in the city, it will be held in the morning followed by a luncheon. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

5) Speaking of travel: our friends from Love Never Fails International, based in Ft. Worth, Texas, joined us for our annual board meeting in May. Some of us visited their meeting in Ft. Worth. They share the vision of helping children by the mercy of Christ and are enthusiastically supporting this ministry, hoping to enlarge and duplicate it along the border. They visit often and we are grateful to God for their partnership. It is true that much violence continues in the Reynosa area, however, the police seem to have a good idea of what areas are dangerous. We have concluded that the decision to travel is an individual one. Communicate with us or Sister Elma if you would like to go to Reynosa!

6) Finally, here are two happy examples of children being blessed through this ministry. Bryan, is a smiling 8 year old boy! Dulce, pictured with Olinda of Sugarland, TX is a happy 4 year old girl.

We are humbled by your support and the opportunity God has given all of us to share in His work at Casa MAMi in Reynosa!

Hurricane Alex

2010-07-07T13:07:00.002-05:00

Friends,

Here is a report from Sister Elma. They are closing the International Bridge that connects Reynosa with Hidalgo (closest town to McAllen) due to high water in the Rio Grande.

Also, that optional property for the expansion of Casa MAMi (NOT Carranza, this is an apartment building that is for sale and was considered an alternative to building a third floor) will not work out. It is in a violent part of the city, that many people are trying to leave.

Your prayers are very important and appreciated. Here is Sister Elma's email:

Buen dia hermana Kathy!
la nueva propiedad que ofrecian para la casa hogar, parecia
una buena opcion, por el terreno y la contruccion, pero fui
paara hablar con los vecinos y me dicen que es una area muy
violenta, que la personas que viven en es area, se van a vivir en
otro lado por lo mismo y ya con esta informacion y sin comentar
nada al respecto fuie al departamento de policia y me dijieron que
es un area de mucho peligro y que no hay ninguna seguridad,que
en una semana, por lo regular hay de 3 a 4 eventos de violencia.
asi que hay cosas que parecen buenas pero no lo son, como en las
cosas de Dios hay cosas que parecen de Dios pero no lo son

por favor oren porque tambien a partir de hoy se va a cerrar el puente internacional
de Reynosa-Hidalgo, por problemas de inhudacion, ha llovido mucho y el rio tiene
mucha agua, ya casi llega al puente y esperan que esta noche, ya este sobre el puente,
y asi po eso es que el puente hoy se va a cerrar y no se cuando lo van a abrir, yo
me quedo en la casa hogar, no sabemos cuentos dias va a estar cerrado el puente, porque
se esperan mas lluvias este fin de semana. por favor oren por esto!

Voting in Tamaulipas

2010-07-04T08:02:00.003-05:00

Reynosa is located across the Hidalgo International Bridge, near McAllen, TX. It is in the Mexican State of Tamaulipas, a northern area that includes Monterrey and the capital city, Ciudad Victoria. Sister Elma regularly makes trips to Ciudad Victoria for governmental permissions, funding, etc. Here is a recent article (from Yahoo news) regarding the elections and conditions. We need to be in prayer for this area. Standing against this great poverty and corruption in behalf of the defenseless is a central part of God's calling for this ministry. Thank you for your loving prayers, concerns, and partnership.

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico – A dozen Mexican states held elections Sunday after a campaign marred by assassinations and scandals that displayed drug cartels' power. The party that ruled Mexico for 71 years hoped to capitalize on frustrations over the bloodshed and gain momentum in its bid to regain the presidency in two years.
The elections for governors, mayors and local posts are the biggest political challenge yet for the government of President Felipe Calderon, who is deploying troops and federal police to wrest back territory from drug traffickers.

The Institutional Revolutionary Party, which held on to power for seven decades through a system of largess and corruption that many considered a quasi-dictatorship, has recovered popularity amid frustration with Mexico's surging drug gang violence.
The party, known as the PRI, held up the assassination of its gubernatorial candidate in the northern state of Tamaulipas as evidence Calderon has failed to bring security despite the presence of thousands of troops in drug trafficking hot spots.
Torre, who had been widely expected to win in the PRI stronghold, was killed Monday along with four companions. The day before, he had pledged to make a security a priority in Tamaulipas, a state across the border from Texas that has been torn by a turf battle between two cartels.

Even Calderon said the ambush of Torre's campaign caravan showed cartels are trying to sway the elections. Torre was the second candidate killed in Tamaulipas: a member of Calderon's own conservative National Action Party was gunned down in May after ignoring warnings to drop his campaign for mayor.
The prospect of the PRI regaining the presidency in 2012 would add uncertainty to the future of Mexico's drug war, backed by millions of dollars in U.S. aid and marked by an unprecedented increase in the number of drug suspects extradited to the United States for prosecution under Calderon's party.

Calderon urged Mexicans to vote and show they will not be intimidated. But many say they are afraid. Scores of election workers have quit in Tamaulipas, often because they were afraid to show up at polling stations.
The PRI nominated Torre's brother Egidio to run in his place. But many voters felt the cartels had snatched their right to choose — a new low in a state where henchmen extort businesses and people avoid highways where caravans of armed men travel openly.
"After what happened you don't even know that to think," said Jose Rodriguez, 52, a street vendor who had planned to vote for Torre. "I had already decided who to vote for, but after what happened I don't know."

National Action leaders have long insinuated that the PRI protects drug traffickers in Tamaulipas, the birthplace of the Gulf cartel, which is now waging a turf battle with its former ally, the Zetas gang of hit men. They said they couldn't find anyone to run for mayor in some Tamaulipas towns because of drug gang intimidation.

Drug scandals also have hit elections in Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, and the northern state of Sinaloa, the cradle of the cartel by the same name.

In Quintana Roo, Cancun Mayor Gregorio Sanchez was arrested last month on charges of protecting two cartels, ending his campaign for governor for a leftist party. He says the charges as politically motivated.

In Ciudad Juarez, former Mayor Hector Murguia of the PRI led polls despite facing allegations of ties to drug gangs ever since the director of police operations in his first administration was sentenced in 2008 to prison in Texas for facilitating marijuana smuggling.

In Sinaloa, a scandal broke out when the newspaper Reforma published a photograph of PRI candidate Jesus Vizcarra Calderon attending a party many years ago with drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Vizcarra has dodged questions about whether Zambada is the godfather of one of his children.

National Action has allied with leftist parties to try to oust the PRI from some of its strongholds. Polls suggest the strategy has the best chance of succeeding in the southern state of Oaxaca, one of the few states where the election has not been dominated by the drug war.

The state was shaken by five months of deadly protests over allegations that Gov. Ulises Ruiz of the PRI rigged his 2004 election victory.

Two Colonias: Nopalera y Alacrán

2010-06-27T14:42:00.002-05:00

The names of these two colonias in Spanish mean "cactus plant" and "scorpion". Sister Elma and her ministry have been visiting these two very poor (practically uninhabitable) areas of Reynosa to deliver food and milk. The one called "Scorpion" is located between the railroad tracks and the canal. She says the scorpion are not as prevalent as they once were.. but I don't think I would pick that as a place to live, if I had any choice in the matter.

Beginning tomorrow (Monday, June 28) children from those areas will come to Casa MAMi for meals and clothing needs. The parents will be coming for classes. Please send any shoes and/or clothing for boys, ages 2-14 to this address: Elma Fonseca 105 N. Sixth Street Hidalgo, TX 78557. Cash donations (specify NOPALERA) may be mailed to our P.O. Box: Casa MAMi MX P.O. 382636 Germantown, TN 38183-2636

By the way: Sister Elma reports that for the FIRST TIME EVER, she saw US Troops on the Mexican side of the border!

I am attaching the list of children and their ages.Please PRAY for them! Sister Elma says many are in poor physical condition due to hunger and sun burn.

Other prayers we invite you to remember:

1)Decisions for expansion of building for ministry- occupation of Carranza building for Home for Boys (Carranza Casa de los Niños); construction of third floor at Río Frío location, possibility of apartment building that is for sale-15 minutes away.

2) Continued search for additional staff for ministry

LISTA DE LA NOPALERA
1 Ana Karen Hernandez Miguel 2 años
2 Cristal Fabian Chavez 2 años
1 Fernando Estrada Hernandez 3 años
2 Sol Melanie Flores Torres 3 años
3 Julian Emmanuel Cazares Cruz 3 años
4 Miguel Angel Prado 3 años
5 Luis Angel Hernandez Carlos 3 años
6 Jairo Fabian Aldama 3 años
7 Elizabhet Cortes Olmos 4 años
8 Martin Ismael Cazares Cruz 4 años
9 Cristal Ortega Garcia 4 años
10 Melanie Vanessa Hernandez Miguel 4 años
11 Diana Sofia Morales de la Cruz 4 años
12 Cristal Ortega Garcia 4 años
13 Jose Guadalupe Hernandez Islas 4 años
14 Jose Manuel Contreras Tristán 4 años
15 Adriana Dominguez Hernandez 5 años
16 Anyeline Castillo Lozano 5 años
17 Esmaralda Hernandez Garcia 5 años
18 Maria Isabel Uscanga Hernandez 5 años
19 Yessica Jil Camara 5 años
20 Gustavo Adolfo Gonzalez Casas 5 años
21 Paola Hernandez Carlos 5 años
22 Anyeline Castillo Lozano 5 años
23 Emanuel Pérez Osorio 5 años
24 Alyin Betzabe Castillo Lozano 6 años
25 Britney Vanessa Estrada Hernandez 6 años
26 Lucero Mitzau Angeles Corona 6 años
27 Rafael Diaz Hernandez 6 años
28 Karla Alejandra Lara Sanchez 6 años
No NOMBRE EDAD
No NOMBRE EDAD
29 Hector Alejandro Cazares Cruz 6 años
30 Jose David Fabian Chavez 6 años
31 Daisy Rarely Estrada Hernandez 7 años
32 Jesus Dominguez Hernandez 7 años
33 Sud Angel Ramirez Pérez 7 años
34 Daniel Isac Medina Valdez 7 años
35 Yahir Jil Camara 7 años
36 Xochilt Ortega Garcia 7 años
37 Deyanira Elizabeth Cortes Olmos 7 años
38 Sandra Paola Villanueva de Alejandro 8 años
39 Andrea Jaquelin Rubio Del Angel 8 años
40 Yazmin Berenice Cazares Carrasco 8 años
41 Briseldi Deyanira Cortes Olmos 9 años
42 Cecilia Guadalupe Hernandez Hernandez 9 años
43 Litzy Cristal Estrada Hernandez 9 años
44 Perla Thonantzy Ramirez Pérez 9 años
45 Yageli Magali Villanueva De Alejandro 9 años
46 Ana Cecilia Cazares Carrazco 9 años
47 Alexander Garcia Gonzalez 9 años
48 Oswaldo Adau Salazar Hernandez 10 años
49 Fausto Cesar Lopez Sanchez 10 años
50 Axel Camara Conteras 10 años
51 Juan Antonio Ramirez Gamboa 10 años
52 Eduardo Zuñiga Dominguez 10 años
53 Juan Antonio Ramirez Gamboa 10 años
54 Samuel Medina Valdez 11 años
55 Ana Delia Camacho Martinez 11 años
56 Kevin Garcia Gonzalez 11 años
57 Abigail Castillo Castillo 12 años
58 Brizeida Lizbeth Orozco Barboza 12 años
59 Leonel Hernandez Mateo 12 años
60 Zaida Deyanira Flores Olmos 12 años
61 Ricardo Ismael De Alejandro Carrillo 12 años
62 Josue Barron Hernandez 12 años
63 Mario F. Zuñiga Reyes 12 años
64 Luis Alejandro De la Cruz 12 años
65 Viviana Yudith Jacobo Barboza 13 años
66 Ricardo Daniel Camacho Martinez 13 años
67 Jose Hector De Alejandro Carrillo 13 años
68 Jose Octavio Cordova Hernandez 13 años
69 Jorge Alejandro Rojo Olvera 13 años
70 Josue Israel Medina Valdez 14 años
71 Jose Antonio Camacho Martinez 14 años
72 Alejandra Virginia Cazares Carrasco 14 años
73 Rodrigo Del Angel Romero 14 años
74 Carlos Alberto Ruiz López 14 años
75 Ana Guadalupe Zamarria Tovar 15 años
76 Judit Castillo Castillo 15 años
77 Reynaldo Roman Hernandez 15 años
The following group are ages 2-5
GUTIERREZ MALDONADO MA. SUSANA
WOO BAÑUELOS MATEO FABIAN
CAVAZOS RODRIGUEZ KEVIN
COCINO MENDOZA SARAI
DE JESUS MENDEZ GABRIELA
DE LUNA BENAVIDES VICTOR MANUEL
GARCIA OZUNA OMAR ELIUD
HDZ. HDZ. ANETTE MARIANNE
CRUZ PEREZ GRISS VIANEY
SAENZ RIOS XIMENA
SOTO MACOSSAY SASHA
TORRES DE ANDA GENESIS ELIZABHET
SAENZ TORRES STEFANY SUSYBEL
RICO RAMIREZ LINDA VICTORIA
GARCIA ANDREW PEDRO URIEL
GENESTA BUENTELLO KARLA
GONZALEZ FERRARA MARIA ELENA
NOLASCO OROZCO NADIA DE JESUS
SEGURA HERRERA DULCE MARIA
SORIANO BUENO DULCE XIMENA
DE JESUS MENDEZ CRISTINA
RIVAS GONZALEZ CARMINA
RICO RAMIREZ CRYSTAL
CAVAZOS RODRIGUEZ JOSE ANGEL
COCINO MENDOZA REYNALDO
GUZMAN NOVOA FRIDA GABRIELA
JIMENEZ LECONA SILVIA
MARTINEZ PINTOR ABRIL ITZEL
SORIANO BUENO ALEXIS IVAN
TORRES DE ANDA NERY ALEXANDER
ZAMORA CASTILLO SAMANTHA
RICO RAMIREZ SYLVIA ROSIE
CARMONA GALLARDO HUGO
DIAZ GENESTA KEANU
DIEGO HERNANDEZ GABRIELA
GONZALEZ MARTINEZ CINTHYA
GONZALEZ MARTINEZ PRICILIA
RIVAS GONZALEZ ERANDY IVAN MONSERRAT
RICO RAMIREZ SANTA LUCIA

117 GARCIA MAR ARMANDO 2 años
118 AGUILERA ZUÑIGA GENESIS 3 años
119 JUAN ANGEL LOPEZ ZUÑIGA 9 años
120 EVA DANAY GUTIERREZ FERRARA 7 años
121 SOFIA GENESTA BUENTELLO 8 años
122 REYNA CELESTE GARCIA ANDREW 9 años
123 VIVIANA AMERICA GONZALEZ FERRARA 7 años
124 KARLA HERNANDEZ CARMONA 6 años
125 MONSERAT HERNANDEZ CARMONA 8 años
126 SALVADOR HERNANDEZ CARMONA 7 años
127 LLUVIA AISLIN SOTO MACOSSAY 7 años
128 ANASTACIA VICENTE GONZALEZ 18 años
129 BELINDA
BERENICE
PEREZ
SEGURA 7 años
130 CINTHIA YAZMIN CRUZ GARCIA 12 años
131 DE LA FUENTE GREGORIO WENDY 13 años
132 DEYSI GONZALEZ QUIROZ 16 años
133 DIANA ELIZABETH SOTERO PEDRAZA 14 años
134 ESMERALDA GUADALUPE CAVAZOS RODRIGUEZ 13 años
135 FABIOLA
ESTRADA
SEGURA 11 años
136 FLOR CERDA MENDOZA 14 años
137 GARZA CERVANTES CLAUDIA KARINA 16 años
138 GARZA CERVANTES DEYSI YOHANA 13 años
139 JAIRA GUADALUPE MALDONADO CABELLO 18 años
140 MARIA EULALIA HERNANDEZ SANTIAGO 15 años
141 MARIA MAGDALENA MORALES DEL VALLE 18 años
142 MARIA SANJUANA MELECIO IÑIGUEZ 14 años
143 MAYORGA ROBLES SILVIA 13 años
144 NOHEMI HERNANDEZ TORRES 14 años
145 REYNA MELISSA PONCE DE LEON 12 años
146 THALIA RUBI VICENCIO ROSAS 16 años
147 BELIA ANGELES VICENCIO 13 años
148 CORAL ANGELES VICENCIO 15 años
STA DE LA NOPALERA

Dirección De Gobierno Reynosa

2010-05-01T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hola Amigos,

So far, Sister Elma and the ministry of Casa MAMi MX is doing well. The board meeting of our organization is planned for Saturday, May 22 in McAllen, TX. Sister Elma is in communication with the police of Reynosa to ensure that the situation is safe for US citizens to visit Reynosa.

Dirección De Gobierno Reynosa is a source for updates on the situation. We will send more reports as they are available.

Dios les bendiga,

The Women's Conference: "A PRAISE"

2010-03-14T07:40:00.000-05:00

Sister Elma reports that at 9:00 Saturday morning there was a long line of women waiting to attend the conference that MAMi sponsored at the Lion's Club.

682 women attended
314 children attended
96 volunteers made it happen
103 received Christ~!

Lunch was served to all. Clinics for cancer examination, glucose,& blood pressure were offered. This was the 5th Women's conference that MAMi has sponsored. The girls from the home performed a musical piece with their flutes (recorders) and other instruments. Sister Elma promises to send pictures!

I mentioned that this article (see below) reported that the violence is worse. She said that the days are much more quiet and that school almost always is held. The trouble is not in their area and it is mostly at night. Praise God.

Mexico Drug War Hits New Bloody Level in Border City

Saturday, March 13, 2010

AP

March 12: Soldiers guard the perimeter where a tunnel was found near the US-Mexico border.

REYNOSA, Mexico — This border city and others near the eastern end of the U.S. border escaped the worst of Mexico's bloody drug war for years, but now the bodies are piling up, several journalists are reportedly missing or dead and once-busy streets are empty after dark.

The crumbling of an alliance between two Mexican drug gangs has plunged the 200-mile stretch of border into violence, raising fears of a new front in the drug war, a U.S. anti-drug official told The Associated Press.

In Mexican border cities stretching from Matamoros near the Gulf to Nuevo Laredo, gunfire has been heard almost daily, and at least 49 people were killed in drug war-related violence in less than six weeks.

Reynosa's main plaza and Calle Hidalgo, a pedestrian shopping street, still bustle during the day. Shoeshiners were doing brisk business on a recent afternoon. But the streets are deserted by evening, clothing store manager Manuel Diaz said.

"I imagine they (shoppers) are scared, because there are no customers in the street," he said. Diaz himself kept his children home from school last month when rumors of abductions terrorized parents and many schools suspended classes.

Drug gangs have set up vehicle "checkpoints" along highways to the U.S. border, apparently to look for their rivals, according to the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, two hours south of the Texas border. As a result, the U.S. Consulate offices in the area had restricted travel of their employees to Reynosa, but lifted that ban Monday.

While the Pacific coast city of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas, have long been wracked by open warfare among rival cartels, border cities to the east had enjoyed relative calm under The Company, a drug-trafficking duopoly formed by the Gulf cartel and the Zetas.

The tenuous union was broken when a member of the Zetas was killed in Reynosa in January, perhaps because he was in the Gulf cartel's territory without properly announcing himself, said Will Glaspy, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office across the border in McAllen, Texas.

The Zetas — a gang comprised of former Gulf cartel hit men — demanded that the Gulf cartel hand over the men responsible. Battles followed when the Gulf cartel refused, Glaspy said.

The clash is the latest of several power struggles among drug traffickers that have led to an upsurge of violence throughout the country, said Jorge Chabat, a Mexican expert on drug cartels.

There were four major cartels a decade ago, Chabat said, "and now we have at least seven."

Drug violence has killed almost 18,000 people throughout Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug traffickers in December 2006. Most of the killings have been among rival smugglers, according to the federal government.

Whether the surge in violence from Nuevo Laredo to Matamoros is a taste of the bloodshed to come or a brutal blip has yet to be seen. But it has been an unwelcome glimpse of the violence seen more commonly in other parts of the country since 2006.

Eight journalists were kidnapped in Reynosa between Feb. 18 and March 3, according to the Inter-American Press Association. One was found dead with signs of torture. Two were released alive and five are still missing.

State prosecutors in Tamaulipas and the federal Attorney General's Office in Mexico City could not immediately confirm the report. The press association said those close to the victims had been too afraid to report the abductions.

The Company controlled drug trafficking along hundreds of miles of terrain at the eastern end of the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a federal indictment of Company chiefs unsealed last year in Washington. The group moves tons of marijuana and cocaine through border city regions, each managed by a different boss.

The Zetas, originally Mexican special forces soldiers recruited to be the Gulf cartel's muscle in the 1990s, have evolved into a drug-trafficking force of their own. The Gulf, Sinaloa and La Familia cartels appear to have united against them, Glaspy said.

A banner hung in Reynosa's main plaza last week addressed to Calderon asked for the withdrawal of the military so that the sides could fight it out among themselves. It was signed by the "fusion of Mexican cartels united against the 'Z' (Zetas)."

The Mexican army's 8th Division has had a visible presence in border cities since late 2007, and has recently found signs of drug gangs escalating their battles along this stretch of border.

Late last month, a military patrol responding to the scene of a shootout in the border town of Camargo found 22 vehicles shot up and abandoned, six rifles, 96 magazines for various weapons, 2,300 rounds of ammunition and more than two dozen grenades.

On Feb. 23, military patrols confronted armed groups in several border towns, killing six gunmen and seizing 14 vehicles — two armored — 29 guns, 1,700 rounds of ammunition, 88 magazines for various weapons, 10 grenades and two Kevlar helmets.

Two days later, a military patrol killed four gunmen traveling in a Cadillac Escalade in Matamoros.

Convoys of as many as a dozen shiny new Ford F150 pickup trucks loaded with masked rifle-toting federal police have become common sights.

The violence against the journalists has led local media to censor themselves, leaving residents on their own to separate fact from pervasive rumors. Residents tweet to let each other know of the latest gunbattle and what streets to avoid, and Reynosa officials have set up their own feed on the social networking site Twitter.

Ramiro Sanchez, 72, set aside his newspaper one recent afternoon to say he thought most of what was scaring people was rumor. But, he said, it was hard to judge because it was impossible to know what local media aren't reporting. In any case, the retired construction worker said, people are staying inside their homes at night, and Americans aren't crossing the bridge to shop anymore.

Asked if an all-out drug war was a possibility for Reynosa, Sanchez said, "You can't know where it's going to go, but I think we're still far from that."

Glaspy, the DEA head, said there are "multiple scenarios that could play out," and added, "We're hopeful that cooler heads will prevail."

Women's conference

2010-03-04T15:26:00.001-06:00

I was able to speak with Sister Elma on Monday morning. She reported that the violence had somewhat abated and they were able to go to church on Sunday. She thought that school would reopen this week. I told her about the reports and prayers. She was very appreciative.

You can see that a women's conference is scheduled for March 13. We are thankful for the lives that can be helped with this ministry and pray for the peace of Reynosa and the help that is greatly needed by all in the area!

US Consulate in Reynosa temporarily closed

2010-02-28T13:54:00.000-06:00

Friends of Casa MAMi MX:Schools in Reynosa have been closed since Feb. 18. Sister Elma says that they feel safe in their home, but there are sounds of gunfire and much praying. Please remember this ministry in your prayers. We continue to send $ but no one is crossing the border these days. We appreciate your friendship!

Here are two recent reports:

Feb 26, 2010

(CNN) -- The U.S. Consulate in the border city of Matamoros, Mexico, temporarily closed its Consular Agency in the nearby city of Reynosa because of heightened drug-related violence in recent days.

A "Warden Message" was issued by the consulate "to advise U.S. citizens of recent gun battles in Reynosa, Mexico, and cities surrounding Reynosa in the last week."

The mayor of Reynosa, located across the border from McAllen, Texas, told a Mexican newspaper that recent shootings have not been between authorities and drug cartels, but between two drug trafficking organizations operating in the region, the Gulf cartel, and the Zetas.

In response, the U.S. Consulate has restricted travel of American officials to Reynosa and closed its office there until further notice, the letter says.

"The Consulate General in Matamoros advises U.S. citizens to take the above information into consideration when making any decisions concerning traveling to or within Reynosa," the letter says.

Details of the confrontations and numbers of injured or killed are hard to come by, as local media often self-censor out of fear of retaliation.

According to local reports, gunmen in as many as 20 vehicles clashed with members of the Mexican military and municipal police in Ciudad Mier, just west of Reynosa, during a daytime gun battle Tuesday that reportedly resulted in the kidnapping of 10 municipal police officers.

Video from the scene showed abandoned police sport utility vehicles with bullet holes and broken windows. Shattered glass covered the street in the backdrop of palm trees. A damaged red truck with the insignia C.D.G. -- the Spanish acronym for the Gulf Cartel -- was shown being towed from the shooting scene.

Neither federal nor state officials would confirm or deny the reports of the gunfight in telephone calls from CNN.

A state attorney general's office spokesman in Tamaulipas, the state where Reynosa is located, did not confirm any shootings in or around the city but said that many of the reports were unsubstantiated.

"All this is a wave of rumors," Ruben Dario Rios told CNN.

On a tour of the border cities, Tamaulipas Gov. Eugenio Hernandez Flores acknowledged the rumors but sought to reassure residents that the government was committed to controlling the drug cartel violence.

ALSO....FEb 23, 2010

More than a dozen dead in recent Mexico battles

Reynosa mayor denies kidnapping, confirms at least three major recent shootings
February 23, 2010 4:41 PM
Martha L. Hernandez, Sean Gaffney and Jared Taylor
The Monitor
REYNOSA — More than a dozen people have been slain in gun battles across the border from the Rio Grande Valley since Sunday night, U.S. and Mexican officials said Tuesday.

At least eight people were killed in a Monday night gun battle in Reynosa and four more people were found dead in Miguel Alemán on Tuesday, the officials said. The dozen slayings came after a civilian was killed Sunday night, caught in the crossfire between suspected cartel members and the Mexican army outside a Matamoros shopping center.

Los Zetas, once the armed enforcement wing of the Gulf Cartel, are rumored to be staging a coup for control of the Reynosa plaza, one of the busiest and most important transport routes for drugs bound for the United States, federal officials said.

The violence erupted amid rumors that Reynosa Mayor Oscar Luebbert Gutierrez had been kidnapped and assassinated Tuesday morning. Luebbert quashed the rumors in a telephone interview from City Hall that afternoon.

“This is part of how the federal government is fighting organized crime in our country — they have reinforced their presence here on the Tamaulipas border,” he said. “Unfortunately, this has worried the population.”

Nuevo Laredo Mayor Ramón Garza Barrios was also falsely reported kidnapped Tuesday morning, according to the Mexico City newspaper Excelsior.

In Miguel Alemán, across the Rio Grande from Roma, at least four people were found dead Tuesday morning as the rumor of a violent Zeta takeover emptied city streets, shuttered schools and closed shops for the day, Roma city officials said. The normally bustling bridge connecting the two cities was virtually empty late Tuesday afternoon.

Rumors and confirmed reports of street violence spanned most cities just across the border from the Valley — from Matamoros to Ciudad Mier, across the border from Zapata County.

Luebbert said at least three violent gun battles in less than three weeks have left several casualties. Mexican law enforcement has denied the recent skirmishes, last confirming a Feb. 8 battle between the army and cartel hit men that included the use of grenades and left six dead.

Other Mexican authorities said the death toll from the Monday night shootout was eight. An official with the Mexican Attorney General’s Office said federal agents requested a team to watch over the Reynosa morgue after the incident.

“The officers have to know how many bodies are there, and they said that there were eight bodies with gunshot wounds,” the official said.

For at least the past two weeks, rumors, some well-founded and others false, have stoked fear among many in the state of Tamaulipas that the Gulf Cartel's normally quiet dominion was growing increasingly violent.

The fear has been spread through mass e-mails and on social networking sites like Twitter, where Reynosa’s residents have uploaded photos and videos to share reports of the growing surge in violence across the city. Reynosa's local media almost never report on the gun battles.

Speaking at a meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association on Tuesday, Will Glaspy, who heads the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s McAllen office, acknowledged the rumors but said many have been untrue.

At one point last week, rumors circulated of two shootouts with civilian death tolls as high as 100. Another rumor held that the cartels had shot down a Mexican military helicopter, and yet another had the military surrounding a grade school. Glaspy said as far as he could tell, they were all untrue.

“Last week was rather disturbing to a lot of people,” he said.

Luebbert, however, said his city's people are panicking after a Mexican navy raid Thursday in which about 500 sailors surrounded an area near two of Reynosa’s biggest schools. Each has more than 2,000 students.

The naval commandos were reportedly pursuing Miguel “Zeta 40” Treviño Morales, second-in-command of the Zetas who oversaw the operations of the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas — collectively known as “The Company” — in Veracruz and Nuevo Laredo.

“The navy had an ongoing operation,” the mayor said. “There was a helicopter flying over the area. … They deployed sailors on top of the school.”

“Just imagine that you get to your neighborhood and it is surrounded by navy sailors, and you see sailors on top of your house’s roof and helicopters flying the area. You would get nervous.”

The naval commandos failed to capture Treviño, who remains on the run.

The hysteria shut down much of Reynosa on Thursday, when schools dismissed early and businesses closed their doors across the city. On Saturday, banners were found hanging from pedestrian bridges across Reynosa stating in Spanish that the city is safe and assuring residents that “nothing is happening and nothing will happen.

“Continue your life as normal,” continued the message, which ended with the initials CDG — the call sign of the Cartel del Golfo, or Gulf Cartel.

The DEA’s Glaspy acknowledged that fears of a split between the Zetas and Gulf Cartel have fueled much of the speculation of growing violence and have even prompted U.S. law enforcement to beef up security at border crossings in case a running gun battle were to spill onto U.S. soil.

“Some of the reports had talked about this growing split, and that had a lot of people in Reynosa nervous,” he said.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño, after receiving word Tuesday from federal authorities of possible violence from Rio Bravo to Ciudad Mier, west of Miguel Alemán, activated his agency's three SWAT teams and put his deputies on high alert, should assistance be needed at the border, he said. The move was at least the second time in less than a week that the sheriff has activated his deputies to prepare for violence spilling north across the Rio Grande.

Authorities in Starr County made similar moves Tuesday afternoon, with Roma police officers and Starr County sheriff's SWAT deputies standing guard beside U.S. customs officers at the Roma bridge.

“We have a plan of action,” Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes said. “We don’t foresee any spillover, but in case we do, we’ll be ready.”

In Roma, the nervousness has led to a dramatic decline in the number of people crossing the bridge, said Jose Gonzalez, who manages the U.S side of the border crossing.

“We didn’t have no traffic at all,” he said Tuesday. “It’s been slow, but not like today.

“It's been one of the worst days.”

Hidalgo Police Chief Vernon Rosser said some local law enforcement officials are worried by the lack of information they are receiving from authorities on the Mexican side.

“I’m getting as much information from the (U.S.) media as I am from (Mexican officials),” Rosser said. “People are coming out of Mexico with rumors, but we don’t know what’s true.”

Rosser said his department has been unable to reach Mexican officials — their cell phones appear to be disconnected or simply turned off.

“I don’t know if they’re trying to black out all this scuttlebutt,” Rosser said.

Most of the violence remains between Mexican authorities and the cartels — not cartel-on-cartel violence or cartels targeting innocent civilians, the DEA’s Glaspy said.

“For the most part, across from us we see very little of innocent civilians being caught up in some type of violent activity,” he said. “It does happen, but it happens significantly less (than in other areas).”

But at the same time, the Gulf Cartel and Zetas’ knowledge of activity in Mexican cities that border the Valley is “second to none,” Glaspy said.

“They have our consulate — and I’m sure others — under constant surveillance,” he said. “They know when some of our people come across the border. They know who they are going to meet with. They are uniquely tuned in to what's going on.”

The widespread hysteria and reports of street violence came as the U.S. State Department renewed its travel alert for citizens visiting Mexico.

The bulletin specifically named Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey along with several other border cities where U.S. citizens should travel with heightened awareness of “large firefights.”

“The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid,” the alert states. “The location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.”

Meeting of MAMi A.C. support

2009-12-23T10:29:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to all Friends of Casa MAMi in the name of Jesus Christ who's birth we celebrate this week!

On Monday, Dec. 21 the group pictured here met in McAllen, TX in the home of Celia Thrash, board member of Casa MAMi MX. Pictured are: Front, Celia Thrash, Kathy Scruggs (Memphis, TN), Sister Elma Fonseca and the daughter of the Villafranca's, of Harlingen, TX. From left to right, standing: Isaiah (Brownsville, TX), Thomas Quinn (Ft. Worth, TX), Rick Hagans (Auburn, Al), Juan Carlos (father of Isaiah, Brownsville,TX), Pastor Bill Quinn (father of Thomas, Ft. Worth), Gary Dennis (Hammond, LA), Elisa & Martín Villafranca (Harlingen, TX) and Ismelda Ramirez Puente (Reynosa, Tmps, MX).

The purpose of the meeting was to (1) get to know one another as friends in Christ called to share the unique vision that Sister Elma has labored to fulfill and (2) to make decisions for the benefit and longevity of the ministry.

The consensus of the group was to establish the following goals / priorities:
(1) Continued prayer and more aggressive searching for a bilingual individual or couple to be hired; this person/couple, Lord willing, will have a true heart for the work, skill, knowledge, and ability to mentor lead, manage staff and accept responsibility for the future management of the home. As God leads, Elma will move into a position of advisor. Love Never Fails, International, a ministry of Pastor Bill Quinn, is committed to supporting Casa Hogar MAMi expenses with $60k to $100k over the next six months. After a time of learning from Sister Elma, LNF hopes to maintain their support and to open similar homes for children in other communities along the border.
(2) In preparation for this new staff, Elma is to find an apt or property to lease for 3 years where this person / couple can live in proximity to Casa MAMi on Rio Frio. Friends at the meeting offered to help with remodeling or furniture for this dwelling.

What does this mean for the future of Casa MAMi MX?
Some churches who have supported the home through our particular organization have already informed us that they will direct their funds to ministries who have greater need in the coming months. Our plan is to, as we always have done and as is described in our mission statement, continue to send donations to Sister Elma for salaries, as we are able. It has been a prayer that more staff of high quality could be employed at the home. In particular, there are still needs for better mentoring of the older girls, additional staff at night, and that individual or couple who can truly 'lighten Sister Elma's load'.

It was a deeply heartfelt blessing to sit in Celia's living room that day and to hear the stories of God's hand calling and blessing people through this ministry. Ismelda, pictured on the far right, moved with her family to Reynosa after the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, homeless. Sister Elma welcomed them and found them a place to live. Today their family owns the blood bank of Reynosa; her daughter Iliana took the photo and speaks perfect English. Iliana lives in Gainesville, TX.

What can you do?
Praise God for this new opportunity to strengthen and expand the ministry! We hope that the people who are sought will be called! Please help us find the bilingual missionary / missionaries who are needed at the home. Send donations as you feel called by God. Continue to pray and remember Casa MAMi. The future is very dependent upon God's provisions. This is one of the most precious characteristics of the ministry.

Fernanda still needs prayer. Sister Elma and the girls from Casa MAMi saw her at the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in downtown Reynosa. She hugged them and was tearful. I asked if she could return and was told 'yes', as long as she is willing to abide by the rules. The home where she is is far from school so she has not been attending classes. This concerns me very much! Also, violence is prevalent in Reynosa. The army and police presence is actually a good thing, though. It makes visitors uncomfortable, but the shooting, which is sometimes heard at night, has not injured anyone we know, so far. Thanks be to God~

News from Reynosa & McAllen

2009-11-17T12:51:00.001-06:00

Saludos y Dios le bendiga!
Sister Elma's webpage has been updated and looks great!
www.casahogarmami.org
I see that the Soriana store in Mexico has made a nice donation!
Our friends in McAllen had their annual Tea party and collected $7,000. However, they inform us that travel to Reynosa is not safe at this time. Still no news on the purchase of the property next door.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, love, and support!

Update on Fernanda

2009-11-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

I called Sister Elma this week to find out if there was any news about Fernanda. (I knew that many of you had been praying.) Xochit and Mikey, former employees of Casa MAMi, are working in another casa hogar and Fernanda has gone there. Apparently Xochit and Fernanda were communicating via email about this. There is now email in the office of the home. The home where Xochit and Mikey are does not enforce the same rules that Sister Elma has. Hopefully this will be a good environment for Fernanda. Your prayers are appreciated. Mikey's father has a seminary in Reynosa. I don't have any additional information at this time.

please pray

2009-10-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Friends, these are two photos of Fernanda. The first was taken in February 2007; the second upon her graduation from middle school, June 2009. I am sad to share the news that Fernanda has left Casa MAMi. She arrived for the first time in 2003 or 2004, from the streets, on drugs. She has been a leader, a reader, a musician, and a Christian. She has helped care for the younger children, assisted Margarita with the office and, as an adolescent, has been either the best or the worst influence on others.

Elma has been in Houston for several weeks with her daughter, a mother of two, who has medical problems. We have talked several times. The other day, Elma informed me that when Fernanda entered high school this fall (age 15) she began to ask to have a cell phone and more money. She desperately wanted to have more freedom and to fit in with other students. When they went to pick her up one day at school she was not there. I do not have up to date information on her whearabouts. Since she has been at Casa MAMi she has been taken home to her mother ( not a stable person) three times, and returned to Casa MAMi by the DIF. Elma is currently in touch with the DIF and they are hoping to put her in a Christian home for older girls. Fernanda has always been one of my favorites so I am very burdened for this.

I expressed my hope that the ministry would perhaps develop programs for the older girls that gives them freedom and responsibilities. Elma said that she had been talking with Fernanda about a part time job. I am sad that Fernanda is acting impulsively and perhaps taking dangerous risks. One teacher said that 'she was friends with the kids who sell drugs'. Please pray that she will hear the voice of her Savior and not go down the path of her mother. Other prayers for older girls and the need for good mentors would be answered. Thank you!

God's vision for the future

2009-10-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord"

Isaiah 55:8

Friends of this ministry: When our board had its fifth annual meeting in March 2009 President Bill White presented a letter comparing how Focus on the Family was led to appoint a successor to Dr. James Dobson, and raised the concern and prayer of what would become of this ministry should Sister Elma not be present. "Out of the blue" some answers to this prayer are appearing. For those of you who are familiar with Casa Hogar MAMi, it will come as no surprise to learn that, just as the opportunity of purchasing the adjacent property came at an unexpected moment, the same is true for future leadership of Casa MAMi.

Last week, on Friday October 9, 2009 a meeting was held in Reynosa to announce that an organization in Ft. Worth, Texas, Love Never Fails International, ( http://www.loveneverfailsinternational.org/) will spend the next six months shadowing Sister Elma and the ministry in Reynosa. God willing, after this period of "get to know you" they will hire a missionary couple to work in the home and Sister Elma's role will change to Vice President. Love Never Fails International primarily ministers to children at risk. They intend to replicate this ministry in new locations along the border of Mexico with Texas. This is a very exciting vision.

There is other news to share: 1) Random violence continues, particularly in Matamoros, where some pastors were kidnapped and their car was stolen. Fortunately, Elma, who travels back and forth across the border several times a week, has not had any problems. 2) The first floor of the home, that has been dedicated to the Day Care program and school for parents as well as kindergarten, has now taken a new direction: young boys, mostly brothers, are also residents. Clothes are needed for these children. 3) So far, there is no news regarding the purchase of the adjacent property. It is our hope that God may use the support from Love Never Fails International to accomplish this. 4) New visitors who are expected to make trips to the home before the end of the year are students from Bowdoin College in Maine, members of Park Street Church Boston, MA (http://www.parkstreet.org/ ), First Presbyterian Church San Antonio, TX (http://www.fpconline.org) and Christ United Methodist Church of Sugarland, TX will make a food delivery. 5) The Lions Club of Reynosa is planning a style show to benefit Casa Hogar MAMi.

We appreciate your support, friendship and gifts of love and financial support. May God bless YOUR home. If you did not receive the newsletter from August, I will try to post it here. Thank you for joining us in prayer for all of the staff and children who need protection and kindness and are within the reach of Casa MAMi.

July visitors and news

2009-06-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

"The goal.. is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." I Timothy 1:5

These words were written by the apostle Paul to Timothy. They are the basis for the instruction that is currently emphasized at Casa MAMi. The ministry, GLORY, praise and thanksgiving to God, is in a very good place right now.

1) Based on writings in Spanish by Joyce Meyer and James Dobson, instruction is given to the residential girls, battered women, and the parents of the day care program. The girls are writing their own lists of what God wants them to do, personal goals, and lists of prayers and God's miracles in their lives. Parents are developing their own understanding of what God wants them to do, and BE, and how to better take care of their children. Biblical instruction and prayer support are alive and well at Casa MAMi.

2) Sister Elma recently returned from a trip to Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, with great news that the Mexican government will give $20,000 USD (conversion) toward capital improvements to the home.

3) The property next door that has come for sale to the ministry is evaluated by one appraiser at minimum 150-180K.(USD) The second appraisal is due by July 10. A gate from the patio of Casa MAMi to the property will need to be created and approximately 10K (USD) in improvements should be completed to make this useful.

4) Two interns, Courtney Bass and Annie Love of Auburn University, will be staying at the home July 3-Aug 3. They have spent June in Guatemala at a similar ministry. We are grateful and prayerfully supportive of their commitment to help this summer at Casa MAMi.

5) July 11-12, our friends from Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland, TX will visit Casa MAMi. For 20 years members of this dedicated church have been traveling to Reynosa to serve. The board of Casa MAMi MX is privileged to have two members from this church serving with us, Olinda Osejovics and Renee Teel.

So far, the only other interest for visits from mission groups is Oct. 9-11, 2009 St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Houston and Spring Break (March 11-18?) 2010 Advent Church Arlington, TN. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE THINKING OF COMING. GOD BLESS YOU!

6) Sister Elma is reworking her Mexican board, as some members have become inactive due to time constraints and other commitments. She will see some of them today, June 27. The staff and overall health of the ministry is very good. Greater support for the ministry has developed in Mexico. For 2008, one-third of all donations were from the US and two-thirds were from Mexico. This is great news! Our US non-profit organization is committed to paying staff salaries, as God provides.

6) Special needs and prayer concerns: donations for salaries; safety for all visitors and people touched by the ministry (violence is down, but still a concern, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the situation), donors for the new property... finally MUCH PRAISE TO OUR AWESOME GOD AND REDEEMER JESUS CHRIST

P.S. Here is an email, June 27, from US board member Celia Thrash, who lives in McAllen.

Hi guys, just thought I'd give you an update. Maria and I met Elma and Polo today. Because of an e-mail Maria sent out, McAllen Sports donated thousands of t-shirts, sports pants, etc, to the orphanage to resale. They needed to clean out their warehouse and the timing with Maria's note fit perfectly. We filled (to the brim) CASA HOGAR's large van and Elma's van with boxes of t-shirts. Elma's arranged for a tent to sell the shirts in the parking lot of a large department store in Reynosa.

Elma mentioned to Maria that she did several interviews on TV and radio and newspaper - one was a National Mexico station! Maria's going to put it on the blog. I've discussed with Elma the importance of introducing the desire to purchase property for a playground for the children in her interviews etc...... We all need to do that in hopes of reaching capable and generous hearts.

I've sent schedules to Annie and Courtney. We are arranging to have them picked up at the airport. I just need to get their time of arrival.
Kathy, I still need to get on the phone with you. I've been swamped!

Olinda, wish I could see you on July 11th. I'll be in Dallas. Good Luck. And, don't worry about Mexico, we're feeling quite safe there right now.

Talk to you soon.
Celia

A long awaited answer to prayer!

2009-06-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

Sister Elma phoned last night to say that the owners of the property next door to Casa MAMi, on Rio Frio, want to sell!

If you read previous blogs from years past you will remember that there was a donor who was willing to help purchase additional land for a playground and growth for the ministry. Sister Elma said that God would provide in His timing. The land that is for sale is our first choice; it includes the treed drive way and two houses.

We are excited and look forward to seeing how God will accomplish this. For now, the bank is appraising the property. I don't know if the donor is still interested. Please pray!

Thank you~!

A letter from Maria Paz

2009-06-15T17:31:00.001-05:00

Mary Patterson is a friend of Casa MAMi who's mother lives in Reynosa and is a close friend of Sister Elma. "Mari Paz", as Sister Elma calls her,lives in McAllen, works with the board of Casa MAMi MX, and sent the following message to members of the Mexican Board and friends along the border.

Dear Friends:

As you are aware, some of us help out with an all-girl orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. Because of the recent violence threats and the swine flu, we had not been able to visit in a few months. Fortunately, Celia Thrash and I were there this weekend.

I want to share these pictures with you because in the past, most of you have found it in your hearts to donate either time or money to this great cause. So, here's an update:

There are 42 girls between the ages of 1 to 17 staying there permanently. All girls of school age attend school, sport activities and church. Two of them will attend high school this fall. They graduated from Junior High with an A average!

There are 3 teenage mothers (16, 16 and 17 years old) with their children staying there temporarily until better accommodations are found for them.

There are 32 children (boys and girls) attending the free daycare and kinder garden from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. And 26 more children (boys and girls) attend free daycare only (same hours). The parents of these children have the opportunity to attend the Mexican equivalent to GED classes, as well as parenting classes on weekends and evenings right there at the orphanage.

To look at the pictures, please follow this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88383&id=625843945&l=97b2df2c83

Right now, due to the tragedy that occurred in Sonora, Mexico where 31 children died at a daycare fire, the Mexican government has mandated to have all orphanages and daycare centers inspected. When CASA MAMi was inspected, they found our extinguishers to be too small and not enough of them, plus we were missing evacuation signs, and our staff was not trained to properly evacuate the children or use the extinguishers. Long story short, we had to update our extinguishers and signs or we would be closed down. Each of the 18 extinguishers needed costs $50 dlls (installation included). We will also need to install panic bars in some of the doors. We are trying to help Ms. Fonseca, the orphanage director, to pay for all of this.

I know that the economy is not good today, but if you could find it in your heart to help with a few dollars, we could resolve this issue without going into the funds that we keep for food and supplies. All donations are tax deductible in the USA, if they are made out to Casa MAMi MX.

If you are able to help us, please make the checks out to: CASA HOGAR MAMi. You can send the donations to my address:

Maria Patterson
2005 Fair Oaks Drive
Mission, TX 78574

Thank you so much in advance, and enjoy the pictures!

God bless you

Face masks and Will they close the border?

2009-04-30T18:37:00.000-05:00

I just spoke with Sister Elma. She had crossed the border into Texas in order to check her email and take care of some things. She said that the schools are closed in Reynosa and they are keeping everyone inside Casa MAMi, because of the swine flu. In crossing the border everyone is required to wear face masks and gloves. The girls and day care children are fine, as is the staff. They receive very few guests. The post office and most public businesses are closed, as well.

Currently Reynosa is at Level 5 Alert. This weekend authorities will decide if they will move it to Level 6 and close the border.

Everywhere people use face masks and are vigilant to wash hands, clean and disinfect. Most people are staying home if they can. Inside Casa MAMi the girls are reviewing their school work and keeping everything clean. Only those children whose mothers are still going to work come to the day care. Today they had a piñata. The home is doing well and living on very little. Elma reports that the staff is in good shape too.

Thankfully, we have been able to send the monthly gift of $4,000 to cover salaries since February. Very soon we will be able to accept online donations through PAY PAL on our webpage,

www.reynosaorphanage.org

Elma asks that friends continue to pray for the ministry and their community. The violence has been much calmer for the past two months. Now, they face a serious health challenge. She also reports that the situation is changing with the property next door, that we have often hoped might become available for purchase, as an additional playground and space for the ministry. Her prayer is that we (Elma, the board, and ministry) might be able to bless the owners according to God's plan for their lives.

Thank you!

Fifth Annual Board meeting for Casa MAMi MX

2009-03-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

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!

Board members visit Reyosa, March 10

2009-03-11T07:54:00.000-05:00

March 10, 2009
Today members of the US board of directors gathered in McAllen, TX. Sister Elma and staff member Brother Abrahám drove folks across the boarder to visit the home. Renee and Olinda from CUMC of Sugarland, TX, Bill White, Larry Bein and Glen Folds from Opelika, AL and Chris Scruggs of Advent in Memphis went over with Sister Elma.
Chris delivered some new filters for the water purification system, installed by Advent Presbyterian of Memphis in October 2005.
It is still working well, Praise the Lord! Mikey tests it regularly.
The day care program receives over 60 children five days a week. Here is a picture of the children during nap time! With the 42 residential girls. this means that over 100 are fed, three meals per day, at Casa Hogar MAMi! We asked how much help she receives from the government for the day care program. THe answer is that not enough food for one day is provided, ONCE per month. If Sister Elma were to accept the $40 per month per child subsidy, she would have to allow the rules of the state (no religion) and paint the entire building in plain colors with institutional names on it. Therefore, the extra federal support is declined. On Tuesday night, members of the Mexican Board and American Board met for dinner in McAllen. It was a great time of fellowship and sharing the joys of the ministry together.

Violence in Reynosa- Please pray!

2009-02-17T17:58:00.000-06:00

This article was published in the Houston Chronicle today! The girls at Casa MAMi will not be able to attend school until the violence subsides. Elma says that they do have enough food and supplies for the time being.

Gunfights leave 10 dead in Reynosa
Reports say 20 injured and that five who died were soldiers
By DUDLEY ALTHAUS Houston Chronicle Mexico City Bureau
Feb. 17, 2009, 5:10PM

MEXICO CITY — Running gun battles between army troops and suspected gangsters killed as many as 10 people today in the border city of Reynosa.

Another 20 people were reported injured in the firefights, which involved automatic weapons and grenades, according to local press reports. El Universal newspaper in Mexico City reported that at least five soldiers were killed

There were no immediate official figures on the number of dead and wounded.

An industrial hub that's home to many U.S.-owned factories, Reynosa is considered the territory of the Gulf Cartel drug-smuggling organization and its assassins, the Zetas. The city borders far South Texas, across the Rio Grande from McAllen.

The battles came just a week after a clash between troops and gangsters killed 21 people in Chihuahua state, bordering West Texas. The dead in the Feb. 10 battles included one soldier, 14 presumed gunmen and six hostages that the gangsters had kidnapped in the town of Villa Ahumada, about 40 miles south of the border. Three more alleged gangsters were killed by the army in Villa Ahumada late last week.

Tuesday's battles came as anti-army demonstrators marched in the city of Monterrey and closed international bridges in Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros and Ciudad Juarez. All the cities, except Juarez, are considered the territory of the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel.

Mexican officials have dismissed the protests, which include women and children, as paid for by the gangsters.

"There are reasons to believe this deals with the Gul Cartel and the Zetas," Natividad Gonzalez, governor of Nuevo Leon state, which includes Monterrey, told reporters Tuesday. "We are facing a clear challenge by organized crime groups against society and the government."

Last Novemember, army troops captured an alleged senior Zeta boss last fall in Reynosa on the same day police seized what officials described as the largest arms cache ever captured from the gangsters. Gunmen later attacked the army troops who had taken the Zeta leader, Jaime Gonzalez, alias "the Hummer" to the Reynosa airport for transport to Mexico City.

President Felipe Calderon ordered neary 30,000 troops into battle against the country's powerful drug smuggling gangs upon taking office in December 2006. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed in gangland violence since then, most of them either presumed gangsters or members of Mexico's security forces.

Calderon has vowed to continue the fight, claiming that the increased violence is an indication that the government is winning.

In addition to gangland violence, northern Mexico has suffered a wave of job losses in the maquiladoras, the largely foreign-owned factories that produce auto parts, electronics and home appliances for the U.S. market. The peso has been plunging — reaching nearly 15 to the dollar Tuesday — lowering the buying power for the average border family.

Many Mexican border residents have also been unnerved by the presence of machine-gun toting soldiers patrolling their streets as part of the Calderon administration's attempt to control drug cartel power.

Adiós 2008, Bienvenido 2009! **March 10-11

2009-01-11T15:21:00.000-06:00

Changes for the ministry in 2009 are visible on the horizon. Please join in praying for God's plan to unfold with the support and individuals needed for His Glory!

1) Today all staff is new, with the exception of Elma, Mikey and his wife Xochit, and Margarita. New staff includes some Christian trained psychologists and teachers. Since the death of her husband (Nov. 2008), Elma is living at the home most of the time. She likes this because she can pray for all needs on site and pay more attention to what is going on with residents and staff. Our funds, as the non-profit established to support the home, have been weak in 2008. We pray that we can strengthen our giving to pay salaries in the coming year.

2) The day care program has 78 children under school age attending Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 7:00 pm. The parents of these children are required to attend "Parenting Classes" and held at Casa MAMi. This program is funded by the government and parents receive "Recognition Certificates" when they complete the course. This component of the ministry is important for changing what happens at an early age between parents and their children.

3) There are 38 girls in the residential program at Casa MAMi. The second floor includes dormitory bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, and a study area. They attend school and are expected to follow rules that allow limited TV viewing, and regulate personal habits for study, meals, bathing, laundry, and routines.
Everyone in both residential and day care programs eats all meals at Casa MAMi (over 100 people!)

4) In December all of the homes for children ('casa hogar') in Reynosa (13) were asked by the government to complete a form and to be inspected. Casa MAMi and founder/director Elma Fonseca de Velásquez were awarded first place! Elma received a plaque and a laptop computer! The government has approached Elma to start a day care program for a maquiladora, with parenting classes. They also would like for her to add a third floor. (Who is paying the staff for these ambitions?)

5) Two of the older and most successful residents (academically), Fernanda and Anastasia, have been offered partial scholarships (books and uniforms) for college prep programs. We are dedicated to seeing these girls pursue their education and continue to have lives that reflect God's redemption and delivery from lives of poverty, oppression, neglect and abuse. (They are still 2-3 years before admission to the university, but we are committed to offering them opportunities.)

6) The former location of Casa MAMi, on Carranza Street, has been rented for nearly two years to house staff and homeless families. Funds for this expense are not available so this ministry will probably end soon, unless someone comes forward to cover it.

7) Annual Meeting- March 10-11, 2009. If you, your church, or friends and family have an interest in this ministry, you are invited to join us in Reynosa for our annual meeting. This will be a time to visit with some of the Mexican supporters, learn about the needs, background and vision of the ministry. Please pray about this! Any friend of Casa MAMi is enthusiastically welcome for this trip!

To God be the Glory! Thank you for reading this! Email us for more info: casamamimx@gmail.com
Or, leave us a comment~

José Luís Velásquez was called home

2008-11-23T08:42:00.000-06:00

Elma phoned on Thursday morning at 9:50 asking for prayer. Her husband had been admitted to a Houston suburban hospital the night before. She didn't know the name. They were visiting her daughter, son in law and grandson when he became sick. He said he wanted to go to Reynosa, not to the hospitable. But, he was feeling terrible, sweating and could not breathe well. He had a couple of heart attacks that night. He died at 10:30 Thursday morning. Elma asks for prayer at this difficult time. She kept repeating, "He was very good". José Luís has always been very supportive of the ministry and Elma's calling from God.

As you may know, Elma and her husband own a home in Reynosa, where they lived when she was in the insurance business. They son José and daughter, Berta, live in Texas, are married to Mexican nationals, and are seeking residency. Elma and José Luís have rented a house in Hidalgo, TX, near the international bridge for 8+ years, because their children are not allowed to cross over into Mexico more than once or twice per year while they are in the process of seeking residency. The home in Reynosa has been rented during these years.

Mikey, Carla, and Margarita, the loyal staff, are managing the home in Elma's absence. Your prayers for everyone, including the precious children of Casa MAMi are very appreciated. Thank you.

Tomasita update

2008-10-20T21:03:00.000-05:00

Tomasita called and the police found her. She left school with a classmate. She made it to her family's home, an hour from Reynosa. She wants to work and to help get her father and brother off of drugs. She has mental limitations. She has tried a variety of jobs and has not been able to do the work. Elma is offering her a position to help in the kitchen and laundry at Casa MAMi. Tomasita will try this. Thank God that she is safe and back in touch; please pray that she is protected while she follows this path of wanting to help her family. Thank you!

"the Kingdom of God is within you" Luke 17:21

2008-10-19T14:29:00.000-05:00

Oswald Chambers writes, "The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men.... if you waste your time in over-active energies instead of getting into soak on the great fundamental truths of God's Redemption, you will snap when the strain comes; but if this time of soaking before God is spent in getting rooted and grounded in God ... you will remain true to Him whatever happens."

Included today are two pictures of Tomasita, resident of Casa MAMi (and the oldest of all girls). Last night Elma called to say that Tomasita was seen running away from school on Thursday. They do not know where she is. She was last seen "wandering disoriented in the colonia". Tomasita arrived at Casa MAMi when she was 12, after having been prostituted by her family. She is mentally slow and, since turning 18, has worked at Casa MAMi and helped in a variety of ways. Recently she has been in school studying computers. She has lots of struggles but has felt much love and support at the home; and known Christ's love for her.

Elma was relieved when Tomasita called her to say that she wanted to find her family now that she is almost 20 years old. The family is poor and lives 40 miles from Reynosa. The police are trying to find Tomasita. Elma doesn't know how she is getting around; if anyone is helping her or not. Please pray for Tomasita's safety. Also, pray that she can understand that living at Casa MAMi, or a home for women that nuns operate in the area, might be good places for her to live. We pray for Tomasita; she is a defenseless child.

Prayer meeting!

2008-10-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Last week lots of folks visited the Casa hogar; people with problems, needy families, children, friends, former employees... all kinds of worries. So, Sister Elma said, "come here on Friday night so we can pray for the needs". 42 people showed up!! A pastor came to lead it. They decided to do this every Friday!

Times are hard. But, as in our individual lives, for the corporate life of Casa MAMi, the hard times bring us all to our knees, which is where we see God's faithfulness and love for His children.

Sister Elma told me about a time, a few weeks ago, there was some kind of an opportunity to sell food; the children helped prepare food and sold it; they earned some much needed money. They are finding that when they have little, they can trust God to provide and He does!

Una Gran Familia

2008-09-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

Times have been hard for a few months in Reynosa, as they are here. Funding is low but God is providing in amazing ways! This picture is the cover of a slide show that Elma sent me, showing each child, ages etc. If I can figure how to share more of it with you, I will!

1) There are 62 girls sleeping in the home; many are older and are taking responsibility for the cleaning, laundry and cooking. With the decrease in finances several employees are gone. The help of the older girls is very important! The day care program continues, which brings over 20 children to the home for meals. (Some of this is subsidized by the government). Many of the Mexican board members are not as actively helping as they were last year. Some are back at work, others may be discouraged.

2) The second site (on Carranza) has some staff and three single mothers with young boys living there. Beginning in the second week of October, Christian parenting classes will be taught to these new residents. These people are very poor and attend church with the residents of Casa MAMi.

3) A group from Houston (St. Luke's Methodist) will go down the second weekend in Oct. They will paint the kitchen and dining room, lead worship & VBS, cook and serve food. What a testimony that IKE did not discourage them from serving in Reynosa! A group from "Aguas Vivientes" (Living waters) in the Rio Grande Valley, will take food this weekend.

Thank you for remembering this ministry. There are many lives being rescued because of your support. Please pray for Sister Elma and those living at Casa MAMi~!! Gracias!

"Mas la hora viene, y ahora es, cuando los verdaderos adoradores adorarán al Padre en espíritu y en verdad; porque también el Padre tales adoradores busca que le adoran". John 4:23

VBS July 2008

2008-08-21T13:20:00.000-05:00

Hi! This is Renee Teel, Director of Missions at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Christ Church members Olinda Jehovics, Louise Alcock, Emily Jehovics, Molly Singleton, Hunter Thompson, Benjamin Alcock, Madeline Alcock and I held a 4 day Vacation Bible School for the girls July 14 -17. What a wonderful time it was - filled with Christ's love and plenty of hugs!

For one of the craft projects, the girls painted expandable hot air balloon lanterns. Heavy rocks were placed inside the basket of the balloon that represented anger (enojado) fear (miedo) and sadness (triste). We focused on how we can put those feelings in our "God basket" and lift them up to God to help us with those feelings.

One of the girls' favorite moments was learning a lively song with hand motions - "Llévame en las alas de tu amor" (Lift me up in the wings of your love).

Their smiles were like being in the presence of angels. We can't wait to go back!

Video of June visit

2008-08-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

If you would like to have a free dvd of this video please let us know by posting a comment or sending an email:
casamamimx@hotmail.com

One of the interesting facts about this video is that Fernanda was playing the recorder two years ago when we visited. Bruce Jamison played his flute for her and purchased 8 recorders on Ebay for the home. The day that the children's play was presented when Fernanda played the part of narrator / flautist, was a most special event! The performance was held at the "Casa de Cultura" in downtown Reynosa. Several groups of students and young children from the area attended. The performance was dedicated to Casa Hogar MAMi. I asked why and was told that, first of all, Fernanda is dearly loved, and secondly, they had to get special permission from social services for her to participate. Also, they presented this play for competition in either Monterrey or Ciudad Victoria, I am not sure of the details. It was truly a special event in the life of the girls at Casa MAMi. They are supportive of each other in a very sweet and beautiful way! God's love is most visible in the home!

Also, worth explaining, is that the Mexican board and ministry, MAMi AC, have a number of additional ministries developing. Casa MAMi MX continues to be primarily committed to the home (residential care) and keeping the good staff by providing for that funding. (It has been very challenging for the past 10 months.) The additional ministries include: day care, Kindergarten, women's conferences, supporting a local pastor who ministers weekly to the home and transports the girls to his church, an additional location for abandoned mothers and sons, and the possibility of establishing a ministry to a local factory where 500 workers have children ages 1-6; this would be a day care with a Christian education program for children and parents.

If you would like to learn more about these ministries let us hear from you!! There is a Spanish website that talks about these other ministries: www.casamami.org

If I am not successful in posting this video, it is on You Tube. You can go to You Tube and search " Casa MAMi MX summer 08". Or paste this link into your browser. Here goes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylofe4xxjmM

Huracán Dolly

2008-07-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

Sister Elma reports that the hurricane was not a serious problem for the home. The girls actually enjoyed the strong wind and rain that blew through this week! They are thankful for your prayers, concerns and the excitement! Summer has been fun with the long visit of Rebekah and Courtney, the dance and swm lessons. Thank you for your prayers, gifts and friendship!

A Note from Courtney and Rebekah

2008-07-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

Hello friends of Casa MAMi! This is Courtney Washburn and Rebekah Moore, and we wanted to tell you a little bit about our month long visit with the girls in Reynosa.

The first thing you should know is just how much we loved those girls - from the teenagers who laughed at our pitiful Spanish to the little kids who climbed all over us thinking we were actually human jungle gyms. They are wonderful, and by the last day when we said goodbye, we wanted to take them home with us.

Not only did we come to love the girls themselves, but we came to love the way the girls love each other. A home with thirty girls sounds like it should be a haven for drama, and while these girls knew how to fight in the true sisterly fashion, there was much less squabbling than you would imagine. In place of it, they had an understanding of how to take care of and love one another.

This is Belinda (who they call Beli for short, though they do not get the irony of it). She is a five-year-old with a loud laugh who has been at Casa MAMi for a couple of years, and she is the perfect example of how these girls take care of one another. Beli goes to the daycare during the day, and once after naptime while the other workers were tied up, she stepped in. After helping to wake the other little ones up, she took it upon herself to fold their blankets and stack them in the corner - not something you usually expect from such a little girl.

In fact, these girls were full of surprises. Unwittingly they taught us another lesson - one about how blessed we are.

We joined in their swimming classes, which consist of a lot of laughter but little actual lesson. (Our instructor was a very sweet old man who never got in the water but led entertaining games from the edge with a whistle.) In this pool, we learned something new - most of these girls do not know those typical water things that we thought just came naturally. For one, most of them can't swim. Or float on their back. Or do a front flip. Or a handstand. Or 'surf ' on the boogy boards. Most surprising of all, it was like they had never even thought to try to do those things, and they were in awe as we did them. So of course we spent most of our pool time trying in vain to teach them these tricks, marveling at the differences between our lives.

Listing all the differences would take much too long (and I'm not sure we have thought of them yet), but we will name a few that impacted us the most. We can sleep in late when we are tired or feeling lazy. We have ice to cool down lukewarm tap water on a hot day. We have gone on shopping sprees in the mall rather than in a pile of donated clothing. (Though to be fair, we were not nearly as thankful as they were for that one 'new' shirt they got to pick out.) We can watch television whenever we want. We can go out with our friends. We can throw away our food when it tastes bad. (They have to clean their plates, which was a real struggle at times, we assure you.) In discovering each of those differences, we learned a little bit more how fortunate we are in our own lives.

Pictured to the right you will find Ana (short for Anastacia, but she thinks that sounds old-fashioned) and Diana. Ana is sixteen and has been at Casa MAMi for a little over three years. On our last day, she gave us a note sealed in an envelope that we were not allowed to read until we had left. We opened it to find a very sweet note that said over and over again "no me olvides" - do not forget me. Little does she know that we could not forget her, or any of the girls, even if we wanted to.

RAIN and other challenges

2008-07-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,... Hola Amigos...

It has been raining all week. The girls are taking dancing lessons and preparing a special folk dancing program! so fun!.

With all of this rain their are many mosquitos. It costs to purchase insect repellant. There is an immediate need for bug spray; honestly, the 'no see ums', which is not for mosquitos, but rather for the gnats and bugs that are not visible, is preferred. The AVON company produces a product that repels these kind of bugs is best!!

Also, as you might imagine, calamine lotion and other ointments or lotions for itching are needed. Even antibiotics would be helpful~.

A group from Christ MEthodist in Sugarland Texas will be visiting next week. We have not had many visitors this summer. Also, donations are lower than in previous years. Your generosity is a blessing!!

Another need, is prayer for our teenagers! With summer, we have more free time; the girls older than 14 can become disrespectful and creative; Sister Elma and staff are prayerful to keep all "living in harmony". ..only by the GRACE OF GOD!!! PlEASE JOIN US IN praying for soft hearts, ready to forgive, and submit to elders... not very 'teenage' friendly.

Pictured here are Xochit and Mikey, two staff members, who will celebrate their one year wedding anniversary in August. Xochit works in the day care program. Mikey is the driver, translator (bilingual English Spanish), and handy man.

One friend gave a donation to be used "as needed". Sister Elma said that all CD players were broken. The donation was used to purchase a new, sturdy, CD player which is used to play Christian music, in Spanish!

We truly pray God's blessings upon you as you are faithful to support this ministry. Please know that the staff and Sister Elma seek to lift up Christ to all who live and work in the home. WE thank you for sharing in this work! May God bless you!

TEXT OF MISSIONERS' HANDBOOK

2008-06-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome, Missioners,
to Casa MAMi.

Casa MAMi MX maintains a home in Reynosa, Casa Hogar MAMi, supported in partnership by Mexicans and Americans to extend love and mercy through Jesus Christ to families who suffer neglect or violence and need protection and provision.
-Mission Statement

THIS HANDBOOK IS PUBLISHED IN PDF WITH PHOTOS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE ONE BY E-MAIL, PLEASE LET US KNOW! DIOS LE BENDIGA~!

casamamimx@hotmail.com

INTRODUCTION

In other words, Casa MAMi MX is the name of the US non-profit corporation that is the support arm of the home in Reynosa, Casa Hogar MAMi. “MAMi” is an acronym for Ministerio de Amor y Misericordia, in English: “Ministry of Love and Mercy”. This ministry was founded by Elma Fonseca de Velásquez in 2000 as a street ministry and small shelter for girls. Today it offers day care, a shelter for abandoned mothers with sons, and residential care for up to 50 girls.

We hope your ministry to Casa MAMi will be a blessing to you. We know it will enrich the lives of the girls. Our prayer is that everyone who is touched by this ministry will praise God as they witness the presence of Christ in caring for the poor and oppressed of Reynosa, MX.

About contributions to Casa MAMi MX: Casa MAMi MX is a United States 501 (C)(3) corporation, comprised of American volunteers who care about the ministry of Casa MAMi MX and wish to provide a consistent funding source for its operations. It was established in March 2005 and has a board of directors that meets annually. With God’s help and generous donors, it has been able to provide funds to pay monthly salaries and to match construction expenses with Mexican donors. As the mission statement says, this is a partnership with Mexicans and Americans.

Contributions made to Casa MAMi MX are tax-deductible and applied 100% to the overhead and maintenance of Casa MAMi in Reynosa. You may designate a specific project or budgetary line item; otherwise, your gift will be applied to the monthly salaries of Casa MAMi. Please send your check to:

Casa MAMi MX
P. O. Box 382636
Germantown, TN 38183-2636
Tel: 901-848-6861 E-mail: casamamimx@hotmail.com

Contributions of clothing, etc, may be delivered to Sister Elma Fonseca for delivery to Casa Mami or missioners may deliver them personally to the home. Please send your non-cash contributions to:

MAMi A.C.
c/o Elma Fonseca Tel: 956-821-5025 E-mail: elmafdev@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 5108
105 Sixth Street
Hidalgo, TX 78557

The location and contact information of Casa Hogar MAMi is:

Casa Hogar MAMi
Río Frío 835
Colonia Longoria
Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Tel: 011 52 899 924-5684 Cell: 011 52 899 139-8116

Planning your Trip

Visitors are a blessing to the ministry. We love to make new friends! Repeat visits are especially meaningful. Whether this is your first or fifteenth visit to Casa MAMi, we open our doors to you! These are the steps we suggest, as you plan your trip.

1. Contact casamamimx@hotmail.com. Prior to confirming travel plans, we request that you complete the form “Volunteering with Casa MAMi MX” and return it as soon as possible. A copy of the form is included with this handbook, on page 10. If you are an individual or small group interested in an extended stay, we have some Mexican volunteers who are willing to offer housing. The application process for this kind of commitment is slightly longer and more detailed. It is with the best interest of the children God has placed in our care, and with hope that each volunteer who visits will find their investment of time to be worthwhile, that we consider applications carefully.

2. Plan your travel. Reynosa, Mexico is located across the border from McAllen, Texas. Driving to Reynosa from Houston, Texas, takes about six hours on good highways. Budget one extra hour for the return trip to allow for the border crossing. There are two bridges: Pharr and Hidalgo. The Hidalgo one is closer to Casa MAMi.

There is air service to Harlingen, Texas via Southwest Airlines and others and to McAllen, Texas via Continental Airlines and others. McAllen is closer to Reynosa, but Harlingen is close enough. Depending on group rates, season, and lead time of preparation, these fares may be low (round trip Memphis-Rio Grande Valley) $200 or less or as high as $400.

You may rent a car at the airport. Be sure the rental company knows you intend to take the vehicle into Mexico. There is an extra fee ($29.99 per day) for insurance to drive a car across the border. Sister Elma is often willing to pick you up at the airport or meet and escort you. Contact casamamimx@hotmail.com , who will forward your request to Sister Elma.

Sister Elma shows a new brochure to Chris & Kathy Scruggs of the US
Mexican Board member, Enrique. Board, meet with the Mexican Board.

A blessing of this ministry is the partnership between the Mexican Board of Directors and the US one. Mariza Elizondo, who’s family owns The Best Western El Camino Hotel on Blvd. Hidalgo, serves on the Mexican board of Casa MAMi. Her hotel provides a missionary rate of $45 – 50/night. DO NOT BOOK OVER THE INTERNET if you want this rate, contact casamamimx@hotmail.com , who will forward your request to the hotel. One to four persons may occupy one room. (two full size beds with a shower / bathroom- air conditioned with a nice pool). The hotel is good and hospitable (remember, this is Mexico and not the United States) and safe (remember, this is Mexico and not the United States). A substantial breakfast buffet is available for $7.50 and is recommended.

Breakfast! El Camino Patio

Directions to the El Camino Best Western Hotel and Casa MAMi:
Cross the Hidalgo bridge, in the right lane and keep to the right as you enter Reynosa. Check your mileage and proceed following the main road to the right.
You will see a sign to Monterrey and Laredo.
Pass through a stop sign and veer to the LEFT. You are on a 2 lane road with brush on both sides.
Pass the DIF building on your right and a park with a gazebo on your left. The road curves some.
Pass the sign on your left to the Plaza de Toros. Do not turn. Veer to the left.
Cross the railroad tracks. Cross the canal. There is a ditch on your left.
When you arrive to a street and the Soriana store is on your right, your mileage should indicate that you have gone approx. 2 miles.
Turn left on to the street that runs along the right side of the Soriana parking lot.
Go up the hill, to the 2nd light which is Boulevard Hidalgo; the Gigante grocery store will be on your right. Turn left at this light.
Go two blocks on Blvd Hidalgo, which has an esplanade in the middle, and you will see the hotel, El Camino Best Western on your left. Go three blocks to make a U turn back to the hotel, where you will find a guarded parking lot in the rear.

If you are going to the home, pass the hotel and continue down Blvd. Hidalgo a few blocks to a red light (red/blue building on your right), then take a “soft” right turn (45°) onto Calle Rio San Juan. Then, turn R. on Calle Rio Purificación and a quick left on Calle Río Frío. Casa Hogar MAMi is located in that block at Calle Rio Frio, No. 835.

When driving to the home from the hotel to the home, you do not travel on Blvd Hidalgo, due to the one-way directions and the esplanade. Rather, you leave the parking lot, turn right and take the first right to travel down three blocks before turning right to cross Hidalgo at the light for Calle Rio San Juan. You might find it easier to ask the hotel for directions, or ask a Casa MAMi staff person to meet and guide you.

Doña Mari is the cook. The kitchen Mikey and Xochit married, Aug.
opens to the dining room. A large 2007. They live in the former
pantry with a pure water system is location on Carranza street, where
behind the white door. battered women with sons stay.

Gabi is
The newest
Employee.
She is pictured with
Anastasia, age 16, a
resident of Casa
MAMi since she
was 11.

Staff & Residents

Sister Elma is the Founder / Director. Karla is the week day administrator and Margarita works weekends; Mikey is the English speaking driver / handyman and his wife, Xochit, works the day care program. The staff of 10 total, includes weekend, week day, and week night educated Christian social workers, nannies and cooks. The older residents have many responsibilities for cleaning and helping in the home. Staff needs are determined by occupancy. We are committed to paying our loving staff well. They are a gift from God!

About Sister Elma: Sister Elma Fonseca de Velásquez had a thriving insurance practice before the Lord laid this ministry on her. She takes no salary and works six days a week at the home(Sunday is her day of rest). Sister Elma was named Woman of the Year 2003 in Reynosa, Mexico, because of her unbiased work with the most needy people of the community.

Sister Elma does not anticipate the adoption of her girls. Mexican law does not provide for termination of parental rights. Sister Elma does not want for the girls a resulting complication. She will give guidance for those who wish to contact the Mexican social services and seek to adopt an infant through those channels.

About the girls: Casa MAMi houses 20-50 girls, ages 1 – 17. (We are authorized to take them as young as 45 days. Usually those little ones are temporary placements.) Almost all the girls come from the poorest neighborhoods of Reynosa, Mexico, commonly referred to as “the Dump.” The girls have tragic stories. Many have been placed in the care of Casa MAMi by the Mexican government (“DIF”). Some are brought to our doorstep. These residential girls live on the second floor of the home. Some stay seven days a week; some go home on weekends. In May of 2007, Sister Elma began a day care program that currently receives 30 children (Kindergarten and younger) from 6 to 6, five days a week. This is a ministry to poor single mothers and is much needed in the Reynosa community.

Some of the girls have significant psychological issues. Some receive therapy at Casa MAMi from certified therapists under contract to DIF. Many have neurological, emotional, or mental handicaps. Those of school age attend public school. Some are permitted to go to their parents/family on weekends. The girls may stay at the home until a safe environment is ready for them. There is a lot of structure in the home but the staff is very loving and helpful. When you are there, feel free to teach, play, sing and pray with the girls and staff.

Margarita & Karla Sister Elma Welcome!

Projects

Your mission project: The girls are well-cared for, but have the minimum of everything. The skill sets of your mission team and the will of God should dictate the work you do at Casa MAMi.

We request that, if possible, a Vacation Bible School-type project (music, art, crafts, etc.) with the girls be part of your schedule. Assume no supplies are available. The girls are very interested and willing to participate in these projects.

We also request that your team provide a worship service/experience with the girls. They don’t need anything formal or fancy (or even in Spanish), but just a reminder of God’s love. Prayers in English or Spanish are always appreciated! Don’t be surprised if the girls break into song for you! On Sundays Oscar, a Mexican pastor in the community, brings his vans to take the girls to his church, Shakina Glory, for worship. If you want to join them for this, know that you are welcome!

Food is always needed. Talk to Margarita, Karla or Mikey about any meals you may want to donate or even prepare. We appreciate your involvement and generosity. This is a home and you are a welcomed guest! You are invited to take any meals in the home, as long as the cooks know to plan for your group.

Here are some suggestions for projects. You may think of others. Just let us know in advance of your trip at casamamimx@hotmail.com what you would like to accomplish. The following list is not necessarily current, however, it will give you an idea of ongoing needs in the home.

1) As of June 2008 the second floor is complete and residents have successfully been relocated from the first floor to that area. However, there are projects remaining to complete as not all remodeling is finished.

2) “Rachel Ray:” Our cooks know how to stretch a dollar. Our girls eat a lot of rice, beans and chicken. You might want to make some laminated menu plans (Spanish or illustrations) for low cost but nutritionally superior meals for growing girls. The Gigante and Soriana are two grocery stores nearby where your group may want to shop for food, or supplies you wish to get for the home.

3) “Martha Stewart:” We have very little green space at the home (back patio and courtyard only); however, you might want to beautify and maximize what we have.

4) “Van Gogh:” Recently a group of volunteers painted the downstairs and upstairs. You will admire the murals and art on the walls. Fresh paint is frequently needed.

5) Signage: Signs in Spanish and laminated would be helpful throughout the home.

6) Bathrooms: Mexican water can have a peculiar smell. The bathrooms are clean; however, they could use some enhancements; The second bathroom upstairs is under construction to open it to the early childhoon bedroom. Perhaps you can help with this!

7) The upstairs has a classroom and a large storage room. Volunteers have been busy construction shelving and tables. Contact us to learn of any needs if your group includes carpenters. Books are needed for the library and items for the “tienda”.

8) Carranza Street- the first and temporary location of Casa Hogar MAMi was on Carranza, just a few blocks from the Rio Frio location. Staff, Mikey and his wife, volunteers, and temporarily displaced poor or abandoned mothers with children stay there. It has also served as the “school” location from time to time. If your group feels called to make improvements for this building, let us know!

As you can see, there are many things to do. With God’s help, we will provide for the girls of Casa MAMi and enable Sister Elma to expand her ministry.

If your group is diverse, and you are interested in working in the colonia, building houses, medical clinic work, visiting the juvenile jail, or planning a women’s conference, we can connect you with ministry friends in Reynosa. (Ministerio de Fe, Torre de Oración) You may want to host a sports, music lessons, sewing lessons, or swim clinic. Just let us know!

Thank you for being part of this ministry. This document was last updated 06/08/08.
Visit our blog for more information: http://casamamimx.blogspot.com/

God bless you! Dios les bendiga!

New beds delivered! New friends!

Frequently
US students, or
Missionaries
Contact us with
a desire to volunteer
for several weeks.
These friends are
a blessing! Please
submit an application
if you are interested.
Rebekah is earning
college credit for this!

Application:
Volunteer with Casa MAMi MX
Please return this via email or snail mail to:
casamamimx@hotmail.com
P. O. Box 382636
Germantown, TN 38183-2636

Thank you for your willingness to travel to Reynosa to minister at Casa Hogar MAMi. Please answer the following questions and return your reply prior to confirming your travel plans, or purchasing any flights. Your concise and truthful answers are appreciated and confidential.

Volunteer (s)

Name of person completing this form:

Contact information: (email) (cell phone)

Mailing address:

Please give the dates of your proposed visit:

Have you read the Missioners’ Handbook published by Casa MAMi MX?

Describe your travel plans:
Do you need to be met at the airport? Please explain.

Will you have a vehicle to drive while in Reynosa?

Where do you plan to stay while visiting?

Do you need assistance in locating housing?

If you are bringing a group of missioners with you, please describe:
1. Number of people
2. Gender and Ages of people
3. Your association with the group (name of church and your position)

As leader of this group of volunteers, do you vouch for their character as appropriate safe visitors who will not commit harm toward the residents or staff of Casa Hogar MAMi?

Indicate ________ Yes _________ No

If you cannot answer “yes” please explain.

References:

Please submit the names and contact information of individuals who have known you for no less than two years and can vouch for your character as an appropriate volunteer at Casa Hogar MAMi.

1.

2.

Please state the goal of your (or your group’s) visit and describe the ministries you hope to accomplish.

Godparent Sponsorship Program
Casa MAMi , Reynosa, Mexico

Introduction. Casa MAMi MX supports a Christian home for children in Reynosa Mexico, Casa Hogar MAMi (Casa MAMi). For the last several years, Casa MAMi has been improving its management and organizational abilities to assist in meeting the needs of the families it seeks to help. Casa MAMi provides a home for the children, some of who are full-time residents over the course of many years. Some children are orphans; others are placed because they are at risk, abused, or neglected; others are in the day care program; some may spend weekends with their families. In some cases, the Mexican courts or social services place a child in the home; others arrive through personal referral. For each child, Casa MAMi seeks to provide a loving, Christian environment for the children it houses.

MAMi A.C., the Mexican non-profit organization that operates the home, is incorporated under Mexican law. In the United States, Casa MAMi MX is a Texas non-profit corporation. Contributions to Casa MAMi MX are tax deductible under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. A constant need for Casa MAMi is sufficient cash flow for salaries to maintain the excellent staff that is central to the mission of the ministry. In order to provide a means by which individuals, congregations, Sunday School Classes and others can support the home, Casa MAMi has adopted a Godparent Sponsorship Program (Program).

Sponsoring a Child. In order to sponsor a child a sponsoring individual or organization commits to make contributions to Casa MAMi MX in the amount of $25.00 per month, (or any amount above this). Such contributions can be by a one-time gift, quarterly, semiannually or monthly, at the request of the Godparent. For convenience, automatic wired deposits may be arranged through Bank of America.

Sponsored Child. Upon receipt of a request to sponsor a Child, Casa MAMi will designate a particular child to be sponsored by the Godparent. Upon designating a child as sponsored by a particular Godparent, Casa MAMi will send to the donor information about the Child, including the name, sex, age, a picture and other relevant information. This information will be kept confidential by the Godparent and in no event should be posted on any internet site or publicly disseminated in any way. Information regarding a child is private information given to a Godparent for the purpose that he/she might be able to effectively support and pray for the sponsored child. The Sponsor will have the opportunity to write, and purchase Christmas, birthday, and other gifts for the child, if the Godparent so chooses. In addition, staff at Casa MAMi will use its best efforts to see that sponsored children write and communicate with the Godparents, to the extent they are capable of doing so.

Substitute Children. Godparents must understand that, because Children are placed in the home on a temporary and a permanent basis, there is a substantial possibility that a sponsored child will leave the home. Sometimes extended family or restoration of a situation permits a child to return to her home.; on occasion, a family leaves the Reynosa area. When this occurs, the sponsorship will be transferred to a substitute child as soon as practicable and the Godparent will be given information concerning the new child as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, so that it can begin to pray for and support the new child Sponsors must understand that, inevitably there will be delays, and that some of the sponsors monies may be used to support other children pending assignment of a new supported child.

Please e-mail us with your interest in this: casamamimx@hotmail.com

Meeting the Mexican Board; Dreams coming true!

2008-06-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful trip to Reynosa!
Since August 2007, the Mexican board of directors that helps Sister Elma with the ministry have been meeting twice monthly. Lina is the secretary. She let me look at the large (17" by 9" ledger) book which included her handwritten minutes. We read about the donations (in kind and cash) visitors, programs, staff, building issues, and children who were added or left the program. It was clear that the group of Mexican nationals had been helping in many ways. The stories of how each person came to join were clearly examples of God's creative genius; one child psychologist, one charismatic Catholic - math teacher, one old friend who's family has operated a similar home in the area for a number of years; one banker (HSBC), and Mariza, the daughter of the owner of the hotel where we always stay. Mariza's English is very good. She explained that she is working on the Godparent sponsors program. We agreed that the single greatest need is cash flow to ensure that loving excellent staff is secure in their salaries.The brochure that Sister Elma has in the picture is in Spanish. It describes the vision and mission of the ministry. Currently the home (25 female residents) and day care program (30 children- a Kindergarten program; and child care from 6 am to 6 pm weekdays- which includes some of the children who also sleep there), occur at the Rio Frio location. The new brochure that Elma is holding explains the vision and mission of the ministry, M.A.Mi A.C. The hope and prayer is that all people who are touched by this work will praise God for all He is accomplishing and grow spiritually, with understanding and Christlikeness. Many of the girls have stories of how this Love has changed them from the inside out.

Pictured above, are the girls from Casa MAMi who attended the performance of Fernanda. Fernanda came to Casa MAMi from the streets when she was nine. She tried to run away 8 times during her first months. She appears in earlier blogs learning to play the recorder / flute. Fernanda has a strong faith and has become a leader of the girls, earning very high marks at school and helping with office work at Casa MAMi. She has dreamed of performing on stage or in film. She had her first opportunity to perform in Reynosa last week. "El coloqui y el caracol" is a children's play adapted from a fable by Calderón about a hummingbird and a snail. Fernanda played the part of the narrator; she played her flute beautifully in this part. Everyone went to the Casa de Cultura to see the performance. Children from other homes and schools were attending.

Our mission team built houses in the colonia with Ministerio de Fe and visited Casa MAMi each day. It is always a blessing to make friends with the residents.

Pictured here are Paige, Berenice and a newly arrived resident, fixing each other's hair. Each day, one group visited Casa MAMi and made friends with the staff and residents. The girls sang in Spanish while their English speaking friends watched; then they switched and listened while the youth from Advent sang in English. First, everyone sang "Father Abraham" in Spanish and English; then they sand "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" (in both languages). Then, the Casa MAMi girls wanted to learn a new English song, so they learned "Every Move I Make I Make in You, Jesus". This they sang in Spanish "Todo lo que hago hago en ti, Jesucristo, Todo lo que hago hago en ti". They sang the "waves of mercy" in English! It was fun~ Two girls from Advent are remaining at Casa MAMi through July: Courtney Washburn and Rebekah Moore will add to the blog as soon as they have the opportunity to get online.
We pray that their work in the home will allow them to share friendships and God's grace with the volunteers, staff and families touched by this ministry. Please remember to support them in prayer~ Thank you!

Feliz día de las Madres

2008-05-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

The Fourth Grade Sunday School Class of Advent Presbyterian Church in Memphis helped make Mother's Day special with a mission opportunity. This was not the first time for children at Advent to raise money by giving cake and Mother's Day cards for those who's family made a donation to Casa MAMi in their honor. The children collected over $800! They were very excited. This Sunday was also Pentecost, the annual date for 'double your pledge', which made us feel a little bit hesitant, asking for donations from the people who also hoped to take MOM out to lunch! One man said that he was humbled. He explained that a fourth grader asked him to donate and he apologized that he had nothing on him to give. The young boy pulled a quarter out of his own pocket, gave it to the man, and promptly held out his hand for the donation. Then, he served the cake to the man and gave him a Casa MAMi Mother's Day card for his wife! My comment was, 'they're getting it'. PRAISE GOD FOR TEACHING US THAT IT IS TRUE, "IT'S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!"
If your church would like to do the same for Mother's Day next year, please let us know and we will prepare the cards for you to distribute. It is always a blessing to help Casa MAMi. The girls pray for their friends and donors.Tomorrow, board member Sue Massey arrives Reynosa to teach a sewing clinic all week. During the mornings she will teach lessons to women and in the afternoons when the girls return from school, she will teach the residents. Her team will leave some donated sewing machines and teach hand sewing skills as well.

Happy Mother's Day! Kyle and Madison did not wait for people to find our table. They walked around the church advertising!
June 14-22 Advent Youth will visit Casa MAMi in Reynosa. There will be an opportunity for American supporters to meet with the Mexican directiva which supports The Ministry of Love and Mercy, (M.A.Mi.) the organization that Sister Elma founded in 2000, when she began Casa Hogar MAMi. If you are interested in coming to Reynosa the weekend of June 20-22, please let us know! All friends of the ministry are welcome~! Tax deductible donations may be mailed (payable to): Casa MAMi MX, P.O.Box 382636 Germantown, TN 38183-2636
¡Gracias! ¡Dios les bendiga!

Report from the Border

2008-03-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

We have two reports from friends of Casa MAMi who went to Reynosa this weekend. Here is a report from Pam Howard of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. She and a group of ladies (3 in all) delivered some books for the growing library:

Just wanted to send a quick note to say we had a great visit at Casa Mami and there were no problems what so ever crossing the border or while in Reynosa.

Mikey wasn't there on Saturday, but Carla let us in. She wasn't aware that we were coming but gave us a warm welcome. We got the books out to read to the girls after they finished breakfast and we read and played with them for several hours. The girls went nuts over the books. Different girls asked Gail and Laura if the books were in English. When they said no that they were in Spanish, their faces just lit up. While we tried to keep chaos to a minimum by only bringing out a dozen or so books at first, the girls found the rest of them when no one was looking. Oh well...... We read to girls, some of the girls read to us and each other, the older girls huddled together and even a couple of the staff was seen reading to even more girls. A fun time and happy chaos was had by all. I got really tickled when one of the older girls, Fernanda, pulled out the copy of the Narnia Chronicles. While she was excited about that title, her eyes got big and said "but it's so big...." It was a single volume (over an inch thick) containing the entire Narnia series. She and another gal were seen with it later in the morning.

About 11 or so, a couple of ladies from a church in Rio Bravo came to give the girls a Bible lesson on Paul so we collected and put away the books. There were some that tried to hide the books but I think we got most of them back in the office. Carla said they would take care of getting them upstairs where the library is now. We stayed for the Bible study and participated in the circle prayer at the end. I was asked to lead part of the prayer for the girls. That's a bit out of my comfort zone, but I just gulped and said ok.

After that, another mission team just showed up with food. They seemed to all speak Spanish. I'm not sure that Carla knew they were coming either. We had asked the Bible teachers for directions back to the bridge and they kindly ;offered to lead us to the bridge by letting us follow them. Since the other team was there, we didn't want to interfere and didn't want the ladies to have to wait for us so we said goodbye at that point. The ladies we were following made one stop and spoke with a man who then came to our car to help with final directions. We think he is a dentist. He gave his dental office brochure. Getting back across the border took about 30 minutes maximum.

We only counted about 30 girls at the house when we were there. There were at least 4 new ones that we didn't recognize from October. The girl with the young baby in October was not there. There is another girl with a 3-month old baby living there now.

We did take pictures which we will pass on to you Kathy. I left my camera in Gail's car so probably won't be able to get my camera until next Sunday. Gail also took pictures so we should have some good ones for you. We also took some group pictures with the Bible teachers.

Thanks to each of you for your assistance. Bruce, the map you gave us worked perfectly. We had no problems finding Casa Mami. There was a military presence at the border but it wasn't scary. We are glad that we decided to go.

Other news for this date: Sister Elma and her family traveled to Tampico for her son's wedding. José lives in Dallas. Her daughter lives with her husband and son in Houston. Both of the Fonseca Velásquez children are married to Mexican nationals and living in Texas. They are all serving the Lord in their churches and communities; a blessed family.

Here is a report from Olinda, of Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland, Tx. Their church canceled a trip in February because of border violence:

Sorry- we ran out of time and Sister Elma had told me she would not be there- her son was getting married. We drove to the different locations where we do Food and Medical Clinics. Everything looked the same. There is a Federal checkpoint 50 feet past the border. Very intimidating- 10-12 troops with rifles and a mounted gun on a jeep. They did not stop us- waved us on. We saw 2 other checkpoints on the road between Reynosa and Rio Bravo. Same thing- we were waved on, they were checking random cars- mostly male drivers.

Spoke to 3 different Pastors at different times and all said the same thing. Its safer now than before. The federal agents are keeping an eye on the local police who were very corrupt. The federal troops are only focused on drugs and guns. The all also said that after 10 pm is when the gang activity starts so we should not be out by then.

We felt very safe and definitely are going to resume our mission trips. Our next trip is April 5th and we do have plans to visit the girls at Casa Mami.

FYI: Casa MAMi MX is the US non-profit that supports Casa MAMi. This week we are having our annual board of directors meeting in Memphis. Several will participate via conference call. The Lord has been gracious to the ministry. We hope to have a broader church support in the coming year so that all financial needs will be met. We also are beginning to think of life after 18 years of age for some of the girls. A sewing clinic trip is planned for May and a music clinic trip with construction and VBS is planned for June. Both offer opportunities to donate sewing machines and musical instruments. The girls are doing beautifully, glory to God! We covet your prayers and always appreciate your financial support. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry. Please let us hear from you! Dios les bendiga~

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5: 14

Hepatitis scare and Border violence

2008-02-03T21:22:00.000-06:00

After four tests, it is confirmed that none of the girls at the home have hepatitis. The tests were wrong that said they may have had hepatitis E or A. The six girls, ages 3 and younger, are not sick with the disease. Thank the Lord! The girls are well and the day care group are fine, as well.
Since January, federal troops (1,000) have patrolled Reynosa, Rio Bravo, and the border area. They are expected to be there through March. If you visit the Houston Chronicle online and search "reynosa" you can read about the latest trouble. Elma says that she avoids crossing the bridge after dark, but that the trouble has not bothered her in any other ways.
Please remember the ministry in your prayers. We thank you!

How do girls earn points?

2007-12-07T19:15:00.000-06:00

I hope to share with you much of the information that Ashley Williams brought back from her recent visit to Casa MAMi. This is the points system: It tells how many points a girl must earn in order to earn a privilege; and what she can do to earn points.
NATACION: 45 PUNTOS POR CLASE -swim class

BLUSAS :60 PUNTOS.- a new blouse

SHORT: 55 PUNTOS - a new pair of shorts

PANTALON: 70 PUNTOS. - a new pair of pants

ZAPATOS: 200 PUNTOS- a new pair of shoes

VER TV.: 35 PUNTOS POR HORA. - to watch TV for one hour

SALIR AL DEPORTIVO CJ. : 1080 PUNTOS ENTRE TODAS. - for a group of girls to go out for a sporting event

ACTIVIDADES

ENCARGADAS DE LAVANDERIA:70 PUNTOS POR DIA, CUIDANDO JABON. - be in charge of the laundry for one day (don't waste soap)

ENCARGADAS DE COMEDOR: 40 PUNTOS POR DIA. be in charge of the dining room for one day

LIMPIEZA DE BAÑOS: 50 PUNTOS TODOS LOS BAÑOS. clean all bathrooms (there are two large (3 showers 3 toilets upstairs; and two smaller ones downstairs)

LIMPIEZA DE CUARTOS: 30 PUNTOS, POR PERSONA. clean bedrooms; per person

LIMPIEZA DE PÀTIOS: 25 PUNTOS. clean the patio

RECOGER LIGAS Y ENTREGAR A NIÑERA: 5 PUNTOS POR LIGA. collect 'leagues ' and turn them in to the nannie (staff person)

AVISAR DE UNA PELEA:15 PUNTOS. tell about an argument / fight

LA NIÑA QUE NO LOGRE ACUMULAR LOS PUNTOS PARA EL DIA DE LA CLASE DE NATACION NO IRA -
Girls who do not earn enough points to attend swim class will not be able to go.

This is just a small example of the structure that Sister Elma and her staff have established at the home. This is one reason that the girls are developing under God's grace and favor; and able to get along well with each other.

Attached are some of the pictures that the girls drew for the art contest this year. Verinece went to Mexico City (her prize) this week. They had a big prayer meeting send off.

Friends from Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland Texas visited again last week. Thank you!!

Please email any reports or pictures of your visits to us at: casamamimx@hotmail.com

Thank you for being faithful friends of this ministry. Please continue to pray as only God can heal the hurts that many of these children have suffered. His grace is abounding. Thank YOU for giving. Our funds are low right now. We send the funds for salaries each month and appreciate every gift. Tax receipts for 2007 will be sent in January. Blessings upon you as the glory of Christ's birth reminds us again of God's amazing love!

Mission Updates,a Winner is announced and SCHOOL NEWS!

2007-11-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZs2TZs1ZtmLyo

If you copy and paste this link in your browser you may see pictures from a long weekend trip by St. Luke's Methodist Church in Houston. Martha and Bruce Jamison, Casa MAMi MX board members, brought 15 friends down from their church for a first time visit. Sister Elma described them as being 'very Christian'!! This group cooked and repaired the dining room furniture. There are always a few projects to accomplish, along with loving ministry, fun, and fellowship through our Lord and Savior. Everyone was blessed!

Andy Jordan, Casa MAMi MX board member from Advent Presbyterian Church in Memphis returned for his annual 'check on the water purification system' visit. He and Mikey replaced some hardware and faucets. The system has been saving Casa MAMi approximately $120 per month for two years by providing pure water to the kitchen and therefore eliminating the need to purchase bottled water from Blanquita. Advent is sending mission intern Ashley Williams to Casa MAMi November 15-20. Ashley spent a year at an orphanage in Guatemala and speaks Spanish very well. She will get to know the girls and do an assessment of current needs. Advent Youth will be in Reynosa in June '08 doing something similar to what Holy Apostles did: staying in the colonia with Faith Ministries and working at Casa MAMi. If you have any questions or requests of Ashley, please email her : ashleymarie716@yahoo.com She will be able to survey the needs and find out any specific information while she is there! (Don't wait, though! She leaves this week!)

On December 1 members of Christ Methodist in Sugarland, TX will return for a visit. God bless these wonderful people who visit regularly!

A future project that board member Sue Massey is planning will teach the girls at Casa MAMi to sew! Sue will gather used sewing machines to take down. If you would like to donate a sewing machine or even accompany her, please send an email to Sue: dmassey@valornet.com May God bless these efforts to give the girls a skill and opportunities for service entrepreneurship. Sue is thinking of going in February 2008.

This is Berenice. Once again this year, the bank HSBC sponsored an art contest for children. The girls at Casa MAMi submitted their drawings. The theme was piñatas. (I don't have digital copies but I will try to get some to post.) Berenice won! Here is her story. She lived in the colonia where Faith Ministries is located. Her father was/is a drug addict and violated her. When she arrived to Casa MAMi last year she kept to herself, usually crouched in a corner, not speaking. She attends special education classes and is 14 years old. With the prayers, healing work of God and the Holy Spirit, and the kindness she receives at Casa MAMi she is changing into a tender hearted lovely young lady. She told Sister Elma " You are not especially pretty on the outside but on the inside you are beautiful and I love you very much". God has been doing a work inside of Berenice that is deep and real and strong. These are the kinds of miracles that happen at Casa MAMi! Teachers say she is almost ready to move out of the special ed. classes. Elma encouraged the girls to finish their pieces and to 'put them in God's hands'. Berenice said that she had given her's to God. When the winner was announced Elma explained that many were good artists with talent but that God had allowed one who gave her work to Him to be chosen as the winner! (below is the Spanish version)

Bendiciones hermana!> este anos nuevamente tenemos ganadora de un dibujo de pinta tu navidad.> por el estado de tamaulipas es nuestra nina de casa hogar MAMi> Nidia Verenice Parras,> ella es la que hizo el mejor dibujo de pinata de navidad.> ella cuando llega a la casa hogr, no hablaba con nadie y estaba> muy ahislada, su papa la violo y las golpeaba mucho, ahora ellas> es muy diferente,platicaa, alaba a Dios y estudia, tiene 16 anos pero> antes no iba a la escuela es por esto que todavia esta en grados bajos> de educacion.> el premio del dibujo de Verenice es ir a la ciudad de Mexico con una> persona mayor que la acompane del 2 a 4 de diciembre, con todos los> gastos pagados y visitaran lugares de interes historico y educacional de> la ciudad de Mexico.> a esta hora estoy viendo mi correo y conociendo la noticia, manana es el> dia que le diremos a Verenice la buena noticia, se que va a ser de bendicion> en su vida y va a estar contenta, es una nina que ha sufrido mucho.> ella es la nina que en algunas ocasiones me dice, "hermana Elma, tu no eres> tan bonita por fuera, pero...eres hermosa por dentro, y yo te quiero mucho".> tambien ella ha estado en educacion especial.> pues como ve Dios nos esta bendiciendo!> tambien quiero decirle que hoy recibi la caja con ropa que me envio y ya> la lleve a la casa hogar, ya manana la ropa tendra nuevas duenas, por favor> agradezca a quien las envia y a a Melany, por enviar su ropa.=parece que> a Miky le van a quedar las camisas!> Bendiciones hoy y siempre!> hermana Elms> Gracias> Sra. Elma Fonseca> Casa Hogar MAMi>

Lastly, here is some news: Lice! You will not be surprised to know, or remember if you have visited Casa MAMi, that Sister Elma and staff frequently fight infestations of lice. If your own children have ever had them you know how hard it is to get rid of them!

A teacher humiliated some of the girls from Casa MAMi by putting them in front of the class, pointing out the lice, and saying that they should leave Casa MAMi and go home to their families. Elma wanted everyone to pray about this whens she sent me the email earlier in the week. She had several conferences with the principal and others. The crisis has been resolved in the following manner: The old location of the orphanage is on Carranza (3 blocks away from the new location on Rio Frio). Since summer, Mikey and his wife plus three single moms with children have been living there. The moms with children are moving into the apartment across the street from Casa MAMi and the home on Carranza is school! I asked Elma how many go and who teaches. 16 girls are in Kinder (PK-K) and 22 are in Primaria (Elementary). The teachers are the child psychologists who have been working with the girls. The girls walk to school. (saves on gasoline). They eat snacks and lunch there. They do their homework there. This leaves 2 girls in high school and 2 in Special Ed, who are driven to school in the van. There are nearly 16 children in the home during the day (day care and those who are too young to go to school.) The three moms living in the apt. are paying for that themselves. ($150 per month) They are also employed at Casa MAMi. The strong and long term staff includes Margarita (week day supervisor) and Carla (weekend supervisor). I don't know if this is a permanent change (school on Carranza) or not.
I am sure we will learn more when Ashley returns!~
Please continue to pray for all of the staff and families who are touched by this ministry. We still have Christmas cards from last year. I'll post the Spanish email, for those who want to practice! Come for visit as God permits!!

In Christ,
KTS

Hermana Kathy Dios le bendiga en compania de su familia.> por favor le pedimos oraciones, las ultimas semanas hemos tenido> problemas en la escuela porque estan humillando y menospreciando> nuestras ninas, hable de esto con la directora y me dijo que todo era> un mal entendido que no habia problema, esto porque una maestra> les dijo a las ninas de sexto ano que si tienen padres se escapen de la> casa hogar, para que sus padres las cuiden y que no tenian porque estar> encerradas en la casa hogar, asi que de esto me dijo que no volveria a> suceder y que todo era un mal entendido de las n inas.> pero a la siguiente semana, las maestras que tienen ninas de casa hogar> en su salon, llamaba a las ninas al frente y delante de todos loa alumnos> les dedcia, van a salir las ninas de casa hogar para que les revisen la> cabeza, porque si traen piojos no van a entrar al salon,y como no les encontraron> estaban entrando a clases despues de hacer esto frente a todos los ninos y ninas> de los salones. porque segun ellas nuestras ninas les pegan los piojos a los ninos> de la escuela.> un dia la maestra de kinder encontro huevesillos(liendres) de piojos a una nina> que son de las que salen de fin de semana y ahi...la directora aprovecho la> oportunidad para enviarnos un oficio para decirnos que las ninas de casa hogar,> estan sucias,sin peinar y con pijos.> de inmediato me fuim con la directora de la escuela y le dije que las ninas,> no estan sucia, no estan despeinadas y no traen piojos, que me mostrara en ese> momento antes de recoger las ninas quienes etaban sucias, sin peinar o con piojos, y asi no pudo demostrar nada y se molesto, dijo bueno esto es lo que los maestros> me reportan, porque ademas no traen tareas ni utiles escolares y otra vez volvimos> a llamar las ninas y todas traian utiles escolares y las tareas en sus cuadernos.> la semana pasada ya presentaron examenes y estoy en proceso de hablar con el> inspector de zona de las escuelas, para cambiar las ninas de escuela o que me> permitan que les demos clases en la casa hogar y vayan a una escuela solo para> presentar examenes escolares.> la directora de la escuela me mando decir con una de las nineras que le conteste> el oficio que me mando, cuando fui ha hablar con ella, y yo les dije que claro que> no contesto ningun oficio porque yo no voy a contender con tanta mentira que dice> ese oficio y que de la casa hogar no le vamos a seguir con esto que parece un> juego.de la directora.> asi que manana es dia de continuar con esto, tocar puertas y ver como vamos a> continuar. con esto de la escuela.> Hermana Kathy, no se si ya envio cheque para los salarios, me puede decir, porque> no los he recibido.> El purificador de agua esta funcionando bien, ya se le hizo examen de laboratorio> al agua y todo esta bien.> hermana Kathy, gracias por su gran trabajo, para ayudar a casa hogar, Dios> bendiga y multiplique su esfuerzo.> Bendiciones hoy y siempre, que la Paz de Dios y su dulce compania sea siempre> con ustedes.> hermana Elma> Gracias> Sra. Elma Fonseca> Casa Hogar MAMi>

Summer brings more residents!

2007-06-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

The second floor has a room with plenty of new beds for the younger girls!

These girls have lined up to be taken on a field trip to the Children's Museum of Reynosa~!

Every summer the enrollment at Casa MAMi increases. Currently there are 12 children attending the Day Care program and 48 residential girls. The day care children are brought by their working moms and are under school age. They include boys and girls (infants and toddlers). The 48 residents are girls, ranging from age 2 to 17. Tomasita, age 18 and our first "graduate", is working as an apprentice in the home.

This is Tomasita. She is in charge of the laundry room!

Friends from Christ United Methodist Church, Sugarland TX will visit on July 8 for a VBS. Rick Hagans, of Harvest Evangelism, takes groups down often, to help with construction or to donate food. Church of the Holy Apostles, Collierville, TN visited in early June (see previous blod entry). Some of these new friends are pictured here.

As the enrollment of girls rises the need for additional staff increases as well. We are most grateful for the financial support that God sends as He touches hearts in response to our prayers. Over the winter and spring months the staff of 12 (last summer) dropped to 8. Now, it is time to rebuild the staff so that, in particular, night time staff will be sufficient. And, as you may expect, the cost for feeding 60 is a new burden. We thank you for your kind generosity. When you send donations, please note if they are for salaries, food, or 'where most needed'. The US non-profit provides approximately half of all support for Casa Hogar MAMi. A gift of $450 will pay one staff member for one month. A gift of $100 will pay one staff member for a week. A gift of $120 will buy tortillas for a month! Some individuals and churches have joined the "Sponsor a Child" program which is a commitment of $6,000, annual gift. This establishes an ongoing relationship with one girl. We would be happy to discuss this option with you. (casamamimx@hotmail.com)

The second floor: In mid June the girls were moved to the second floor. There is plenty of sleeping room, plus a large laundry room and classroom on the second floor. The first floor houses the day care, plus offices, the kitchen and dining areas. The Mexican government recently made an additional gift to Casa Hogar MAMi for construction. This will allow for the expansion of the kitchen to include the old laundry room space for the refrigerators and redesign of the pantry. What a blessing!

If your group feels called to visit or send missionaries to Casa MAMi, please request the Volunteer Form that will make it easy for us to communicate with you and help you to plan a meaningful mission trip. May God's blessings be upon your life and may we have the privilege of sharing His work at Casa MAMi with you!

From Reyosa, #2

2007-05-28T20:33:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of one of the youngest girls at Casa MAMi, walking on the second floor.

Here are pictures of the Laundry room; construction; and back patio (the sunny spot)
Below, are pictures of the construction in the main patio; the blocks, stairs, and construction mess .. soon to be completed and cleared~!

From Reyosa, #1

2007-05-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

Saludos en el nombre de Jesucristo!
Some of us are here visiting Casa MAMi. From Advent, are Melissa Carlton with daughter Amanda; and our daughter Melanie and I; A group of 11 from Church of the Holy Apostles is here for their first mission trip. (pictured above!) We arrived on Saturday and spent Sunday getting to know the girls and beginning a Vacation Bible School program. I will list observations and information gained and plan to update this blog a couple of times this week. Thank you for prayers for saftey for all and getting the work accomplished that we came here to do. The Holy Apostles folks are enlarging the dining room with cement blocks, working on the roof and completing painting jobs through out. They did several fund raisers in order to prepare for the trip and brought four days of VBS to share with the girls. More later from them!
1) Elma is in agreement that the ministry of the second location (dedicated to single moms with sons - whose daughters may or may not be at Casa MAMi) is a separate ministry. This is a relief since the board is in agreement that we are not ready to expand at this time.
2) Currently a few children (10-12) are coming to the home for day care. A small amount of income from state funds is provided for each of these children, allowing the extra staff to be paid for by the Mexican government. Since the beds are still on the first floor the day care is happening in one of the large dormitory rooms on the second floor. It seems to be working smoothly.
3) The laundry room is upstairs and functioning well. Elma has three washers and one dryer. Many clothes are outside and drying in the sun. I will take some photos and post them. The arrangement of storage plus dressing stalls seems efficient.She has applied and is hopeful that the request will be granted for the Mexican government to provide a commercial washer and dryer for the home; this may come by the end of July. (Elma does not want to use funds for this purpose; she wants to wait for the gift!)
4) The patio stairs and iron work with mosquito screens over the second floor hall windows is very nice; (They knocked out the windows and bars that were installed in Feb.. and replaced those openings with larger ones.) it all appears safe and well ventilated.Workers are here completing the cement covering of the blocks. Paint will come next and I think the work on the second floor may be complete. We have been painting the few remaining places in need of paint. Melanie did a pretty Precious Moments angel on one wall.
5)There is a steady stream of visitors. The pastor who leads PCUSA Puentes de Cristo (Bridges of Christ) was here with 5 faculty from King college near Pittsburg. They want to plan a program that brings students down to work and serve. The Mother Superior from a convent was here to get a letter of reference from Elma to help her get help from the Mexican government for a project she has. She knows that Elma has been successfull in getting govt help in the past. A friend of Elma's who has worked with the cancer society was here saying she wanted to come work at Casa MAMi. Of the old staff, only Karla, Mikey, Margarita and Patty remain. Nora quit and so did her mother. The staff is down to 8, I believe. Mikey will marry in June and his wife, a seminary graduate, is interested in working here. Mikey and his wife will live in the other location with Pastor Oscar and his family.
6) The girls are doing well. Some of my favorites have gone to live with their families, namely Estefania. Elma is happy that so many girls are becoming healed. Once 16 were on medication and followed by psych. evaluations. Only 4 are still taking medicine. One 15 yr old is pregnant. A 12 year old (about 7 months pregnant) came today, as a possible new admit, but the DIF took her, met with her parents and they took her home. We pray this was the best decision.
7) Construction: it's a mess. Remember how hard it is to remodel? And, remember what the last two months is like? I will take some pictures to post for you; I feel like it is amazing that Elma, staff and residents are enduring the mess and confusion as well as they are! It is a testimony of their vision and place in the Lord! They are full of gratitude and peace. I am thank ful to be here and praise God for all that has been accomplished. Some one built more of the junior beds. They are in the upstairs front bedroom, waiting to be occupied.
8) Elma and I have had some conversations related to her hours, paper work, IRS and the US non-profit board role; as well as her staff. We are getting along and understanding each other.
I will post more pictures this week! God bless~!

Pastor Oscar and Pastor Debora

2007-05-13T17:19:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends of Casa MAMi. Pastor Oscar is the local minister who has been faithfully, since last summer, visiting Casa MAMi more frequently to teach Bible studies on Saturdays and to take the girls to worship at his church in Reynosa, "Shikina Glory" two Sundays a month. Pastor Debora Bosquez is a friend of Sister Elma's who lives in Georgia and pastors a church, but, apparently is bilingual, and has in the past come to Reynosa, twice, to hold conferences for abused women. She and Elma are in touch and talking about planning a women's conference in August. (See Sister Elma's email below) Pastor Debora preaches and pays the expenses for the conferences. The focus of the conferences is wellness (physical health) and spiritual deliverance (liberation). One of the things that Debora, her husband, and Elma have discussed in the past, is establishing a home for abused women.

Elma sends the following email saying 1) pray about God's will in these matters, 2) Pastor Debora is offering to pay 250$ monthly rent at the old Casa MAMi location for this purpose, for the first two months. (You may remember the story of how the landlord decided to sell the property. Casa MAMi ended up moving when he raised his price too high. He never has found a buyer so it remains vacant.) Pastor Oscar and his wife are considering living in that home as house parents. His wife is a counselor with a psychology degree and offers spiritual direction as well. She says she will offer this help for no cost. They are thinking of trying this for a few months as they pray about God's leading. Their economic situation is very difficutly at present. 3) Elma also mentions that the women could clean the house and help with food preparation; She thinks that some of the food that is donated to Casa MAMi could be shared with this home.

From Kathy:

Please understand, that these ideas are not confirmed. Send us an email (casamamimx@hotmail.com) with your thoughts. Please join in praying over all of these opportunities. I plan to ask Elma many questions regarding this new ministry. She wants counsel. I will share your ideas with her as well! gracias,

The finances for salary payment for the wonderful staff at Casa MAMi are weak. The construction is nearly complete for the second floor. My daughter, Melanie, and I are going to Reynosa May 26 with a group from Church of the HOly Apostles in Memphis. We may finally be able to move the girls to the second floor.

Email from Sister Elma, in Spanish!

no se si antes le he hablado de la hermana Pastora Debora Bosquez
ella pastorea una iglesia en Gorgia, vino al valle este fin de semana-
ella me ha ayudado dos ocasiones en las conferencias para mujeres.
ella tiene el don de sanidad fisica y liberacion espiritual, cuando ella
viene a las conferencias, ella predica y tambien paga todos los gastos
de la conferencia, volantes, comida, sus boletos para venir con su esposo
esta vez que platicamos quiere que tengamos una nueva conferencia para
mujeres, tal vez en agosto, pero tambien comentamos, algo que desde
hace anos hemos comentado que seria tener una casa para apoyar a mujeres
maltratadas.
vimos el precio de la renta de laa casa donde estabamos antes, cobran
250 dollar de renta por mes, ella me dejo pago para dos meses de renta y orar
si es de Dios seguir adelante con este plam.Le pido ore por esto,por favor.
estamos orando y comparti esto con el Pastor Oscar, que el pastor a donde van
las ninas a la iglesia los domingos y ellos vienen los sabados -para estudio
biblico en la casa hogar, ellos estan pasando por dificultades economicas,
ellos no tienen para pagar la renta, yo les dije que pueden venir a esta casa
que ya la Pastora de dejo dos meses de pago, para que ellos vivan ahi, porque
ahora esa casa esta sola, sin habitar, el Pastor y su esposa deciden que si
se vienen a vivir en esta casa este tiempo y buscaremos la direccion de Dios.
los planes serian asi.
la pastora page la renta.
el Pastor y su esposa vivan ahi para cuidar y
si recibimos mujeres en abuso o violencia, sean ellas mismas las que se encarge
de la limpieza de las areas y para la comida que pasan por u n plato de comida
a la casa hogar en las horas indicadas,
que la esposa del poastor les de consejeria espiritual y las psicologas de la
universidad den terapaia psicologica a las mujeres.(sin costo)
por favor escribame que piensa de esto y estaremos orando.
las personas de la comida pueden estar mandando coimida con frecuencia.segun
la necesitemos' esto tambien es de bendicion paara la casa hogar, no viene toda
la comida, pero de lo que llege sera algo que no compremos y que usemos mucho.
Gracias, bendiciones hoy y siempre/
hermana Elma

Mission Trip Report

2007-04-24T21:12:00.001-05:00

From Board member Larry Bein:
God's Grace to you,
The 7 of us have returned, and we are all thankful for the privilege of having been used by the Lord in some way for what He is accomplishing at Casa Mami. It was such a joy. The highlights:
1. being around Elma and hearing of how God displays His prayer-answering grace
2. being able to accomplish all of the tasks that she had in mind
3. working together in total harmony and unity
4. watching Jason Yates (one of the crew) grow before our eyes in his relationship with the Lord
5. being able to give support and encouragement to Glen as he found out about a possible life-threatening parasite in his son - and finding out that the Lord answered prayers and Brandon does not have the deadly, untreatable kind of parasite after all
6. watching the children warm up to us, and us to them
7. eating the best food I've ever eaten at the best resturant I've ever eaten at --- and all affordable!!

We were all ready to get back home, but I suspect we will all be anxious to return after a while. I am now concentrating on the website as my next project, along with prayer for the Lord to work in my brother-in-laws heart when I speak to him about becoming a donor for the orphanage. Please join me in prayer for both of these matters. I'm still tired, but recovering quickly. I'm just so thankful that the Lord allowed me to serve.
God Bless,
Larry

Missioners' Handbook

2007-03-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

Friends of Casa MAMi:
I have not figured out how to post a pdf or word.doc file on this blogger. Please request a "Missioner's Handbook" via email if you would like detailed information on travelling to Reynosa, projects to plan to complete, or additional information on staff and residents. We update this document as is necessary. I can post in jpg some of the pages, which I will do:

Email us at : casamamimx@hotmail.com if you would like to have a copy of this document. The most recent list of needs that has been added include this report from board president, Bill White:
The physical needs that were made known to us during our visit:
3 heavy-duty dryers and 1 washer
Shelving in the laundry room
(Make sure the laundry room wiring is the correct voltage)
2 changing closets (A carpenter will need 10 8-ft. 2X4’s)
2 full length chests of drawers with shelving above (Best to buy in Mexico @ $100 each at Home Depot)
3-4 chests of drawers (no shelving) to go under the windows (Buy in Mexico at $70 each at Home Depot)
20 chests of drawers (no shelving) to put baby cribs on
12 additional bunk beds
Carpenter to partition off Mikee’s room and also to build more storage bins across from Mikee’s room

This is the hotel where we stay. It is a mile from the home.

TELEMUNDO and Casa MAMi

2007-03-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

This is from an email that I just received from Sister Elma!! It is too amazing NOT to post!!
Translating it says: God bless you Sister Kathy, thank you for your work and efforts to support the home. There is a lot of work at the home lately. I will explain:

1)I received the check that you sent and tomorrow I will cash it to pay for some material that we needed and to pay the construction workers.

2) Tomorrow a group is coming to do some more of the painting; Sister Bleik is part of Brother Rick Hagans group.

3) The patio staircase is almost 60% complete; next week, when it is more complete, I'll send pictures

4) Last week we were visited by the TV station of Telemundo. They invited the girls to go on an excursion to McAllen,Tx to see a childrens' show. I said that we did not have the papers for the girls to cross the border. They said that they would take care of that so TODAY AT 11:00 (SUNDAY, MARCH 25) they will come and take all of us to McAllen, TX!!! They will drive us around the city, show them the historical museum, take them to eat pizza, and finally to the convention center to meet a Mexican artist (performer) called Tatiana! They will be on her show tonight, which is from 7-9:30! So, we will get home late! A BLESSING FROM GOD!~ The person who was organizing this didn't know where to get some children from an orphanage that was not of the government, and had all girls. A teacher was talking to this person and told them, "you should go to Casa MAMi because everyone knows about it and knows that they do a good job and have lots of girls, but I don't know the address. I went there a long time ago when they were renting property and since then they have moved." The cleaning lady over heard this and said, "I know where it is. Once when I was having trouble with my girls and my husband, I took the girls there and the people helped me and didn 't charge me anything and my girls were very happy." So, that is how the Telemundo people came to visit us! I think that tomorrow at 5:00 there will be a report on the TV about this visit. This is something that only God could have done!

Click on this to see the Tatiana Concert info!

5) Pastor Deborah Bosque, a friend of many years from Matamoros, sent me some money for uniforms. I wanted to get something special for today's outing so I went looking. I found matching outfits at JC Penny but they were $20 a piece and I only had $500 but I talked to the sales clerk about possibly getting a discount. I explained what it was for, etc. She was gone a long time (10-15 min) and finally came back saying that the manager would let me have two for the price of one! They only had enough in yellow. When she was figuring the total, it was still more than $500 so they ended up giving me another 10% discount so that the total cost was $485!! God is so good! Then, the sales girl gave me everything in bags; I had bags full of outfits and more bags with the hangers. I asked her to watch the bags while I went to find a cart. She said, "don't worry, this other helper and I will help you carry them to your car". Some people may think that this is normal, but I believe that this is God taking care of me. He watches over me every moment and always sustains me with his right hand. That day I was feeling so tired because I had gotten up very early and it was 7:00pm when this was happening, so it is that God takes care of me and helps me each moment. So, today has been a long and busy day for us.

Then, Sister Elma ends her email, as she always does, saying: "Blessings now and always, may the peace of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be always with you all"

I called Grace & Andy to tell them about this! Then, Elma just phoned to say that Andy & Grace called her and they will try to meet up with the group today!! Another blessing, Andy and I talked about the dinner on Friday. One issue that has been mentioned to me by Sister Elma, a couple of times this year, is the interest that the Mexicans have in forming a joint board with them to over see the home. This will be something to look in to, and could be something that will strengthen the infrastructure of the home, a prayer need that was recently identified!!

Lent

2007-03-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

Over President's Day Weekend, visitors from far and near arrived to Casa MAMi to deliver beds and serve in many ways. Pictured here, are residents with some of the beds sent from Memphis, Advent Presbyerterian Church. Three men, Gerry, Mike and Sean, drove 18 hours to deliver the new beds. They assembled a couple of junior beds, then turned around to drive home! Gracias!
The girls, ages 2-4, have been sleeping in a bottom bunk with another girl. When the junior bed appeared, one little one immediately went to sleep in it! She was so happy to have a bed that was just her size!
Over 40 friends from Harlingen, Valley International Christian Center came that same weekend to paint the upstairs and down. They also cooked an asado (grilling!) that was wonderful! They painted angels upstairs, plus other drawings of Jesus and the children.
Ingrid is working hard to work with beads. Visitors from Houston were at Casa MAMi over President's Day weekend, to teach and make friends with the girls in the home.
Estefanía has lived at Casa MAMi for three years. She is, by God's grace, growing into a happy secure little girl!
Fernanda is one of two of the residents who is in high school. She is bright and has lived at Casa MAMi for four years.
This is a picture of our mission partners from First Presbyterian in Houston.
Grace Johnston, pictured with sleeping Lupita, is a new director of Casa MAMi Mx. She and her husband live in McAllen, TX. We are so thankful that God called them to friendship with Casa MAMi.
Jan Benjamin, pictured here with girls in pink, visited from Houston, Second Baptist Church, with her husband Roberto, a native of Monterrey, MX and daughter Liz. Liz' sorority at the University of Texas, sent gifts at Christmas for all of the girls. Roberto shared these pictures with us! Gracias, Roberto!

On April 15, new board member Larry Bein from Tallassee, AL, Glen Folds, and other friends will go to Reynosa to move the girls into the second floor. All of these shoes, and other belongings, will find a new home upstairs. Larry and Grace were elected as new board members when we met for our third annual meeting in Houston on March 10, 2007. Praise God for His many blessings to Casa MAMi! Please continue to support this ministry with your prayers. Sister Elma plans to begin the day care program when the second floor is ready. As a board, we seek to develop a stronger infrastructure for the ministry and to supply the needed funds for excellent staff and assistance for the operating costs. We hope that as you and your family spend these Lenten weeks, before the week of Passover and Easter morning, you will experience all of God's mercy and presence through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What is God doing?

2007-02-08T19:21:00.000-06:00

Kym, pictured here, lives in Indiana and visited Casa MAMi in November with a friend of the ministry, Cheryl Boodt. Kym is returning to spend a week or two in February and will again go down in April with a drama team. From time to time Sister Elma has 'visiting missionaries' who stay in her home in Texas and drive back and forth across the border with her. Kym will be ministering with the older girls. She has a heart for their struggles and seeks to lead them with Spiritual truths to healing and openess to God's ways and perspective on life. Please keep her and this visit in your prayers.

The ministry is so reliant upon God, that when new circumstances are presented we may ask, "What is God doing?", but we are always confident that God is working for good. Currently we are facing a challenge: when the construction money was depleted this fall the architect stopped overseeing the construction and some mistakes were made. Now, a new architect is on the job and his people are more expensive. By God's grace, some large gifts have come forward for construction needs. It is a blessing to have good people to finish the project. We pray that the problems may be corrected and the second floor completed in a professional and competent way.

In the mean time, funds for operational needs are low. I have been wondering just how God would meet this need. Today I learned that our numbers of residents are down: there are only 28 currently living in the home. At first I was disappointed and Sister Elma expained that the same thing happened during the winter months last year. Then, I remembered that we were low on funds for operational needs, so once again, it was an ocassion to PRAISE GOD, for always being in control.

Another blessing Iearned from Sister Elma today, is that Jorge, the husband of Nelli (restaurant owners and friends of the minsitry) just became a believer!! He is, apparently, totally on fire and filled with the Holy Spirit. We will be visiting them next weekend. A small group of us from Houston and Memphis will be in Reynosa Feb. 15-18, 2007. I am excited because for most this is the first time to visit the home. We are looking forward to getting to know the girls and sharing the love of Christ with them.
Also, the annual meeting of the board of directors of the US non-profit will be held on March 10 in Houston. We love to invite friends for lunch, so if anyone wants to join us, just send and email: casamamimx@hotmail.com!
God bless and thanks for the prayers and love! In Jesus' Name!

Powerpoint from Sister Elma

2007-01-28T21:06:00.002-06:00

Hi Friends,

A quick update. The girl who ran away from the Casa Hogar returned the very next day. She had taken a school uniform and seemed to look bad; Sister Elma was going to have her drug tested. She wasn't sure why she left or why she came back. The counselors were going to work with her. She went to a friend's house and had hitchhiked. Please pray for this.

I am going to try to attach a powerpoint that Sister Elma sent to explain the current needs of the ministry.
Thank you for your prayers. More later!/Users/kathyscruggs/Desktop/pres_nueva_1-2007ENGLISH.ppt

II Thessalonians 3:13 "do not be weary in well-doing"

2007-01-20T10:55:00.000-06:00

This morning I called Sister Elma to find out just how much longer it might be for the second floor to be ready. Her husband, José Luís answered her cell phone and I could hear Sister Elma talking to people. I knew that this was not a normal Saturday morning. Soon, Sister Elma explained that a 14 year old girl, who was admitted a week ago, escaped in the middle of the night. Sister Elma was working to have the police search for her, and getting ready to talk with the girl's mother. She said that the gir had many problems with her mother, and that she had been brought to the Casa Hogar under those circumstances, with much counseling and psychological trouble. I asked how she escaped; "from the second floor out to the street, where the wall has not been closed." Please pray for everyone! The work of this ministry is spiritually, emotionally, and physically draining, but full of JOY! An escapee is hard on the girls who live at Casa MAMi, the staff, and family, as you can imagine. I think, in the last 7 years, I have heard of this happening maybe twice before.

In November and December we had no money for construction materials and labor expenses. Some of the Mexican suppliers and architect friends gave advances and tried to keep things moving along. Praise God, as of this week, we have our money problems solved and are hopeful that the upstairs will be habitable by the end of February!! In talking with Sister Elma, Iearned that Diego, the construction supervisor we hired in June, has been having "spiritual problems". (In Oct. I thought his eyes looked very yellow and dark.) So, these architect friends have some different crews helping complete the job. This is good, but let's pray for Diego and all the staff, laborers, etc. As you can see from these pictures, the cooking arrangement is still less than optimum: no oven that works, all meals prepared on the griddles! The second floor is coming along; there will be a stair case in the patio, with ironwork over the large openings that give a breeze to the hallway on the second floor. Since the runaway of last night, there is greater urgency to complete the second floor. What a blessing that we wil be able to accomplish this in the next few weeks!!

This picture of the residents with bubble wands is a reminder that when you visit, any toys or play activities are greatly appreciated. The spiritual maturity and happiness of the children is one of the blessings you will receive!

Please visit this link to read about a little girl in Memphis who celebrated her birthday by asking guests to bring donations to Casa MAMi in lieu of gifts for her! (The link is in the box you will find toward the bottom of this entry. Just click on it and you should be able to view an article from the Memphis Commercial Appeal.)

Finally, the title of the blog today is a reminder that the work of Casa MAMi is every day and full of surprises! Please support this ministry in prayer, every time you think of them. Our prayer support is very important. And, as always, THANK YOU for your generous gifts and visits!! Dios les bendiga!

Happy New Year

2006-12-31T21:18:00.000-06:00

Friends of Casa MAMi: God bless you as you celebrate the beginning of another calendar year!

Sister Elma's daughter and son in law, Berta and Carlos Ortiz of Houston (Second Baptist Church ) have a son, Carlos Antonio. All of the family is doing well and very grateful for the blessing of this first grandchild.

The end of 2006 is a celebration of God's provision. The US non profit, Casa MAMi MX, by God's grace and the faithfulness of our friends, has been able to provide funds on a monthly basis, beginning in May 2006, by sending a check of $5,000 to pay salaries! What a privilege and blessing to be able to pay Christian, educated staff to help Sister Elma to care for the girls. Also, a total of $30,000 has been sent to match Mexican corporate and government donations to cover capital expenses for the construction of the second floor. There are many needs for furnishings and building projects such as the two staircases and a roof to shade the patio. We hope to accomplish these tasks during the Spring of 2007.

Lord willing, we are anticipating completion of the second floor by February. Men of Advent are constructing junior size beds for the first floor and will deliver them when the second floor is complete.

The scheduled mission team visits for 2007 include:
First Presbyterian Church Houston, TX: February
First Presbyterian Church Tallassee, AL: April
Friends from Indiana/Michigan: April
Church of the Holy Apostles Collierville, TN: May
St. Luke's Methodist Church Houston, TX: October

Christ Methodist United Church of Sugarland, TX sent a check! Thank you! Many gifts have been received from First Presbyterian Opelika, AL and Advent Presbyterian, Cordova, TN this year. The Presbyterian Women at Advent sponsored a missions fair in December, to invite people to donate to selected missions as Christmas gifts. We are grateful that they chose Casa MAMi as one of the missions to receive donations. Praise God! Partnering churches in the US are so important. We thank God for each one and pray that He sends us more in 2007! Mexican friends, such as Neli and her husband (pictured with Sister Elma) often invite us to their restaurant to say 'gracias' for coming to help at Casa MAMi!
They will welcome anyone, including you! We will help connect your group with Neli!

Here is a sweet story: a Brownie troop of second graders at Christ Methodist Day School in Memphis collected donations of new socks and panties for the girls of Casa MAMi. One little girl, who learned of the minsitry, decided to celebrate her birthday by asking that friends give a donation to Casa MAMi in lieu of gifts for her.

Also, Chi Omega Sorority of The University of Texas send four boxes of donations to Sister Elma. What a gift that during final exams these girls were generous and sent many items to help the residents of Casa MAMi.

The 990 form was completed and sent to IRS for our first annual report as a 501 (c ) 3 organization. Our tax year ends on June 30. We received our non profit designation just one year ago, so the IRS documentation is a new experience. I am grateful to Tammy Bolens for her expertise and help to me in these matters! She was a tax accountant before becoming a full time mom. Tammy visited Casa MAMi with her daughter, Sydney, last March. She is an industrious friend and helper! Tammy is pictured here, organizing donated medical supplies, which we found in the pantry and kitchen.

The US board decided to send Christmas bonuses to the staff of Casa MAMi. We are thankful that we were able to give $25.00 to each employee and a gift of $250 to Sister Elma. Sister Elma does not accept pay, so who knows what she did with this Christmas bonus.

May God reveal His love and mercy to you and your loved ones during the new year and as you seek His will and glory for your life!

Christmas Season

2006-12-05T19:02:00.000-06:00

Friends of Casa MAMi,

Some of you have requested a current list of residents. Here it is! The age (edad) and grade in school (grado escolar), clothing size (talla ropa) and shoe size (calzado) are also listed.

Usually there are a few surprise visits from friends, who travel to Reynosa in December. The group from CUMC in Sugarland, who visited in October with a dental clinic, sent the following email this week:

Our group from Christ United Methodist in Sugarland just got back from a food/gift/bible distibution weekend in Reynosa/Rio Bravo. We already had the weekend planned but some of us we wanted to see the girls so we contacted Elma and were able to stop by this morning ( Sunday) before we made the drive back to Sugarland. What a treat is was for us! The girls sang christmas songs for us and were so sweet and polite. We had gifts for the girls and to see their faces and receive hugs from them was a joy. We got a tour of the construcion and I am going to distibute 'Missionary Info' doc. as much as possible.

I know a lot of hearts were touched by Casa Mimi, Sister Elma and all the girls. Since we go to Reynosa so frequently ( 6-7 trips a year), I know we will be taking on some of the projects that need work. Thank you so much for contacting us last summer and giving us the opportunity to get to serve on this great mission.

Peace,
Olinda Jehovics
Christ United Methodist Church

It seems that all of the ministries ask for end of the year gifts. If your family is wanting to make end of the year gifts we are grateful and happy to share our needs with you: money to complete the construction of the second floor, to pay laborers and materials for the stairs and roof; to purchase or receive donated, a working van for 15. And, we, the US non profit corporation, attempts to send $5,000 per month to cover the cost of staff. We have been blessed to do this, but our funds are very low, and we pray that we can continue to provide thsi support for the home! thank you! Merry Christmas!

Mission Groups and Visitors

2006-10-29T11:31:00.000-06:00

We are happy that more groups are learning about the ministry of Casa MAMi and want to visit. In a recent trip, Bruce & Martha Jamison measured the rooms of the second floor and prepared floor plans. Bruce is not an ARCHITECT, but evidently he is not only musically talented, but not too bad at the fine arts either!!
We are excited to be able to offer measurements and drawings of all of the upstair rooms. Now, we can turn a room over to a mission group with lists of needs and your team can plan to provide as God leads and enables you! With regard to travelling across the border, Sister Elma has in the past taken care of paper work in advance, to make the delivery of special items rather smooth and easy.

When you visit this link, look at the bottom right hand corner and select DAY 2. This shows the visit by Christ United Methodist Church Sugarland, TX to bring a dental clinic to Casa MAMi. Also, this link gives additional pictures of their trip. They took some wonderful pictures that are very helpful for anyone who is not familiar with Reynosa. Another recent visitor to Casa MAMi was Cherry from Michigan. She was there last Spring and was also happy to find the home much cleaner, better mangaged, and the girls at peace and happy. She asked Sister Elma if she could take them to Burger King! The girls were so excited to get 'dressed up' for an outing!

Cherry brought two ceiling fans to donate for the dining room! GRACIAS!! They are not as available for purchase on the MX side of the border. Sister Elma doesn't want any in the bedrooms where there are bunk beds, but she very much appreciated these... as did everyone! A friend of Casa MAMi for many years, Linda Parker of New Way Missions in Florida, is making a trip this month to visit. Once a friend, always a friend in the Lord of Sister Elma and the residents of Casa MAMi!
When Bruce (Brother Bruce from Houston) learned in July that Fernanda was playing the recorder so beautifully, he carried along his flute to show it to her in Oct. She was excited! Then, he found ten more recorders for sale on EBAY, bought them for the girls, and Sister Elma is very excited, hoping that they can learn to play something for Christmas!! As you may have wondered, they were sharing two recorders among several girls, and now will have their own to play!THE LORD LEADS IN WONDERFUL AND CREATIVE WAYS THAT OFTEN MAKE US LAUGH BUT ALWAYS BRING US JOY! I actually have a quicktime file of Fernanda playing "Ode to Joy" that I will post when I figure out how to do that!

Speaking of our talented girls (doesn't it just bless you to hear about their successes and opportunities!?) The art contest that HSBC Mexico sponsored among casa hogares (homes for children throughout the country) honored a WINNER from Casa MAMi!! Erika won a trip for two to Mexico City. (I am not sure how this will work?!) Her piece is one of the five designs featured in the Christmas card packs (10 cards for $10).

It is our hope that as you plan a visit, you may contact us and we can answer as many questions as possible!! We appreciate your support and love for the families who are helped by Casa MAMi MX.
Also, there are rooms on the first floor in need of help! For example, all of the equipment in the kitchen has been donated and we are 'making do'. As the number of residents grows, this approach is less than optimum. For example, this red stove is used for counter space and storage. It does not operate! All cooking is accomplished on two griddles. The freezers are used for counter space and do work. Redesiging and re-equiping the kitchen would be a wonderful project!

Regarding the financing of the second floor. Donors are coming forward, Praise the Lord! Given that there was a fire in the laundry room, board members recommended to Sister Elma that there be two stair cases for the second floor. This will, of course, increase the cost considerably, since cement and block is the preferred material. The first floor laundry room will have one washer and one dryer. The second floor laundry room, we hope, will have three washers and three dryers. We are preparing a list of capital needs and hope to publish that soon. Thank you for your prayers!! Let us know if we can send you some Christmas cards! God bless you! WISH LIST TODAY: WE NEED A VAN FOR 15 PEOPLE!

Alegria

2006-10-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

Alegría means "joy". So much is happening at the home these days!! Some of us made a quick visit last week. We met the family with the three little girls who were at the home a few weeks ago. The mother is well and released from the hospital. The entire family was visiting their new friends last Saturday. They are very grateful to Casa MAMi for helping them through a difficult time.
Also, Sister Elma has concluded that having young mothers with babies is detrimental to the well being of other residents. There is a program in Reynosa called "Women helping Women" which helps teenage mothers and their babies. Casa MAMi is helping mothers who work by keeping very young children during the daytime. This 'child care' component was an aspect of the ministry that was anticipated earlier, and seems to be God's leading. As the second floor is inhabited by older residents, some of the downstair rooms will be dedicated to day care. In our recent visit we enjoyed the songs performed by the residents of Casa MAMi!!

A team from Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland, TX visited the home to offer a dental clinic. The girls were proud to show the results of teeth extraction and new dental hygiene skills that these wonderful people taught them. They were enjoying new coloring books, tooth brushes and other goodies!
We were also happy to learn that Cherry from Michigan was about to visit and that the Massey's from Fairfield, Texas with Brother Archie had recently come with donations of diapers and sanitary napkins. (23 residents are menstruating.. Can you imagine the quantity and expense?) The HSBC bank of Reynosa sponsored an art contest for residents of the homes for children through out the country.
Our girls submitted work. Some of the paintings,( acrylic, marker, oil), were of Christmas scenes. We are so excited to offer these as Christmas cards!! If you would like some, or be interested in offering them through your church, please let us know~!
The prices (donations!) are: package of ten cards, five designs, for a $10.00 donation to Casa MAMi MX. The cost for shipping is: 3 packs or less = $5.00; 4-7 packs: $7.00; 10 or more packs= free shipping! Please send checks and orders to: P.O. Box 382636 Germantown, TN 38183-2636. Also, you may email: casamamimx@hotmail.com

This same bank, offerred to match a gift from the US of $10,000. They have given that 'on faith' so that the construction may continue. Please pray that gifts will emerge for these needs. Thank you to all who have given recently. Send your Christmas card orders!!

Just across the border: "it's better to sleep on the floor than on the street"

2006-09-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

For those who have visited Casa Hogar MAMi, you share the awareness that life is very different on the two facing banks of the Rio Grande. In the last month, the orphanage has experienced events that remind us that it is indeed a ministry in Jesus' name. I don't mean that as a cliché. We trust that he sends those in need to the home and that as these are received, so the Lord will provide for all of their needs.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27

A few weeks ago there was a fire in the laundry room. It damaged the clothing, shelves, water purification system, the dryer and one (of two) washing machines. Some friends helped with 'make do' repairs to get the electricity back on and the plumbing working. A hardware store said they would provide materials and an IOU so that bills could be paid when funds appear.

Sister Elma writes that three little sisters, ages 1,2,3 years, have just been received in the home. They are not potty trained. This is a big job for the staff. Their mother is very sick with thyroid problems and is hospitalized. The government sent the daughters. Their father is poor and sells ears of corn on the street. He has one of those wooden carts that you see on the street. He used to keep the little girls on the cart with him, and let them wear diapers and drink from bottles while riding on his cart. This is the first time for the staff at Casa Hogar MAMi to have such poorly educated cared for young girls. As I said, it is a very big job and Sister Elma asks for prayer as to how to train and help these little girls, and deal with the diapers, bottles, etc. Also, she says they are about to receive a teenage mother with her three month old. The father of the baby is a drug addict and an abuser. The woman who she lived with for many years got married, and the husband wanted to sexually abuse the girl; she left the house and married the first man she met (father of the baby). Sister Elma says that they are using all of the beds and some are sleeping on the floor, but, she writes, "it's better to sleep on the floor than live on the street."

Friends, PRAYERS are needed, and MONEY is needed. More mission teams are needed. Even, just small groups of visitors who want to give a better life in Jesus' name to the little one's who need help! The ministry is growing. We praise God for the lives that are brought to the home to find safety and goodness. Please pray that we, as a board, can effectively help plan for mission teams, create the handbook and network that will enable more people to befriend and support this ministry! We are grateful for the following trips and pray for them: October, several board members will visit; November, Advent Presbyterian near Memphis will install more beds; Februrary, First Presbyterian Church Houston; March, St. George's Independent School. There is much work to do. The second floor is not finished, but is close! More funds are needed for the completion of that. Thank you for reading this and for praying!! Dios le bendiga!

Christmas Cards are Coming!

2006-09-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Diego is looking at the spot where the stairs will be built when the second floor is ready for residents.

Today I was talking to Sister Elma. The girls have been taking art classes and some of their drawings have been put on display in schools and hospitals. Sister Elma remembered that last year we had the idea of printing Christmas cards to promote the ministry. She asked the art teacher to let them do Christmas pictures and to give her copies of all of them. Please plan to order some! We will have them say that a donation is made in honor of recipients of the cards! Email your ideas for messages or bible verses to include!!

Please pray for the funds to complete the second floor and to install the stairs. The stairs will be the last thing! We are thankful that, so far, the construction has gone well and been safely completed. The workers can only get upstairs via a ladder. As soon as the stairs are in, it will be impossible to keep little feet from climbing up!

Sister Elma is very well and strong of health now. There are 42 residents. Some of the new girls are very poor and from very sad lives. This has happened before. God has done a marvelous work of healing in many lives and we pray for the new ones who have arrived.

Our email: casamamimx@hotmail.com

Report from Sister Elma

2006-08-12T06:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you for reading this recent report from Sister Elma. Included are some photos of the residents. God bless you!

Sister Elma pictured with Pastor Chris Scruggs and Bruce Jamison.

Rubi and friends, are pictured here.

Fernanda and Blanca are growing up beautifully!

The residents are ages 3 to 17.

Sister Elma begins with blessings as usual: "God bless you now and always and those in your family" I will include the complete version in Spanish for those of you who wish to practice your language study! muy bien!

She thanks me for sending a check from the US non profit corporation for $10,650. This covered July and August and the cost for registering a new/ used van to bring from Texas to Mexico. She explains that she had dipped into construction money to pay employees for July and August and that this donation allowed her to refund the construction account. Then, she goes on to describe the current needs and donations:
(1) We have to keep having the Mexican accountant prepare the tax returns in Mexico in order to maintain the Mexican tax exempt status. As you are aware, Casa MAMi MX has the unique and priveleged status of working in partnership with the Mexican government to support the home for girls in Reynosa. The "civil association" status requires that an authorized person file the returns in Mexico. For this year, the $1200 is covered thanks to a gift of $760 from Rick Hagans and a gift of $450 from Mexican supporters.
(2) We need the funds to pay the social security for the employees. This is and additional $350 per month! Please pray that this is provided. Elma has the girls and staff praying with her for this need.
(3) A pastor who visited with Rick Hagans group gave a $3000 donation and requested that it only be used for food. This is a huge blessing because meat, fruit, vegetables, milk, etc. for at least a month is covered.
(4) There are 42 residents now. This is over the capacity of 35. (I presume some of the office space is used, or perhaps the patio ?) Please pray for them and the staff.
(5) A group who visted with Pastor Rick purchased shoes and one school uniform for each girl. She says that have 60% of school needs covered for each girl.
(6) a pastor Deborah Bosques from Atlanta purchased backpacks for the girls.
(7) the girls have had swimming lessons this summer and it is possible that some will compete in the Lions Club Swim Meet! They are praying that this happens!
(8) There is a lot of work lately and Sister Elma requests prayer for her and the staff. She has not been going home to her house across the border.

Hermana Kathy, Dios le bendiga hoy y siempre en compania de su familia.
1.-hermana, el sabado recibi el cheque que me envia de los meses de julio y agosto,
ademas del dinero para los impuestos de la camioneta., es una gran bendicion
porque el mes de julio estaba tomando dinero de la construccion y asi con esto
ya puedo regresar (el dinero que tome de la construccion en julio.)
2.- el reporte del dicatamen de la contadora, es necesario que lo hagamos con
un contador publico auditor, en Mexico y que este autorizado para hacer los
dictamen de las asociaciones civiles, y con esta autorizacion hay muy pocos
en Reynosa, creo que son solo 3 y todos cobran mucho, algunos se dedican a
hacer dictamenes solo a maquiladoras y como son negocios les cobran mas
de 100 mil pesos, pero bueno...nosotros ya cumplimos con este requisito que
es importante para continuar autorizados para tener recibos deducibles de
impuestos.
3.- los honorarios de 12mil pesos por el dictamen de la casa hogar, ya estan
pagados, Dios ha proveeido, este dinero.-
a)entre varias personas mexicanas donaron 4500 pesos y
b)en hermano Rick Hagans, me dio una ofrenda de 760 dollar y con esto
pagamos los 12mil pesos.
4.-el seguro social es necesario pagarlo, las ninas, el personal y yo, estamos
orando que Dios provea de todas estas necesidades.
5.-Un pastor que vino con el grupo del hermano Rick Hagans y que tiene un
ministerio que se llama Fhater God, envio una ofrenda que desea sea
usada solo para comida, envio 3000 dollar, Gloria a Dios! ya tenemos
para comprar carne, fruta,vegetales, leche, todo lo que necesitemos.
por lo menos para un mes.
6.- tenemos 42 ninas, necesitamos de mucha oracion.
7.- un grupo que vino con el hermano Rick Hagans, compro zapatos y
un uniforme para cada nina. ademas de algunos articulos escolares
como un 60% de lo que necesitamos.
8.- la Pastora Debora Bosques, de Atlante envio 400 dollar para la compra de
mochilas , para las ninas.
9.- las ninas continuan en clases de natacion y es muy posible que ellas
participen en un torneo de natacion en el Club de Leones.-(oremos por esto)
10.-son dias de mucho trabajo, por favor oren por todo esto. la semana anterior
teniamos tanto trabajo que por 4 dias no vine a dormir a mi casa, me estaba
quedando en la casa hogar.Hermana Gracias por todo lo que hace y trabaja
para ayudarnos en la casa hogar, si no fuera por su ayuda, solo Dios sabe
como la pasariamos.
Deseo que la Paz de Dios, su dulce compania y la comunion con el Espiritu
Santo sea siempre con ustedes.
hermana Elma Fonseca.

Second Floor is Underway!

2006-08-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

Several new employees are working at the home now. They are educated and wearing pink shirts that have their names embroidered on them. The girls seem very healthy and happy and the home is looking clean and organized!
Here are some of us who visited in mid July. Members of the Jamison and Scruggs families and a group from Christ Methodist in Sugarland, TX stopped by.
The construction of the second floor began in mid June. The Mexican government is paying the foreman, Diego, and his crew. The convenience store chain in Mexico, OXXO, gave the transformer shown in this picture!
Meredith Clark, joined her family for a short mission trip. She and the girls are busy 'beading'!! All had a good time, trying to stay in the shade, away from the heat! Thanks to a generous donation, air conditioninng will be installed in the sleeping areas.
PIctured are Rev. Chris and Kathy Scruggs, on the second floor. The stairs for access will be installed in the rear, near the laundry room. Older residents and abandoned mothers with infants will occupy the second floor. By September, windows will be installed, and painting can begin.
Bruce Jamison and son Sam organized the laundry room by building additional shelving. Their family also worked on the outside latrine area and found plenty of odd jobs to complete to improve the home.
The Mexican government is also paying an architect (pictured with Diego and Chris Scruggs) to over see the job. She visits every morning and completes reports. We are so very thankful for these provisions. Surely God has blessed the construction of the second floor! May He be glorified in all we do!

Summer is here!

2006-06-15T19:47:00.000-05:00

Groups will begin to arrive for summer mission work. Adventures in Missions is due in June as is a group from Harvest Evangelism. Pictured are girls from Memphis, TN who went for Spring Break.
The construction of the second floor is due to begin this month. MIssion teams will first pour concrete and post blocks for the columns. The second floor will include a classroom, dormitory rooms for abandoned mothers and infants, and bathrooms. Much of the interior will be constructed in wood. Construction teams are needed, as are the usual ministries for residents. Last year, one group included a swim coach, so when a swim clinic was proposed, Sister Elma found a friend to open her swim club for Casa Hogar MAMi residents to have the pool to themselves. It was a memorable opportunity for all! Groups are always welcomed to come and share their unique gifts! Dios le bendiga! God Bless you! Email us at: casamamimx@hotmail.com

Serious Prayer need

2006-06-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

Please pray for 3 girls who were abused by their pastor. The girls are ages 12, 13, and 15. Someone asked Sister Elma to take the girls in at the casa hogar and to not tell the police who the abuser was. She told them that it did not matter that the abuser was a pastor, that it is always necessary to tell the truth. They are in another home right now where the philosophy is "the girls will forget about it so don't tell the police". sister elma writes: "please support us in prayer for this because if they come to Casa Hogar Mami she does not believe it is good to withold the truth". And she wishes all the peace of God and sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Sister Elma writes:
Otro asunto.- ayer vino un hermano, para pedir que le reciba a tres ninas de
12, 13 y 15 anos, poque tienen problemas psicologicos importantes, porque
el pastor de la iglesia donde asistian, violo a las tres ninas. pero no quiere
que avise a la policia, porque es un pastor.
yo le dije, que no importa que sea pastor, que es necesario decir la verdad.
que si el trae las ninas a la casa hogar las vamos a ayudar, pero que si las
ninas expresan su problema de que el pastor la violo, es necesario avisar
a la policia y que el proceso legal siga, como con cualquier otra nina,
a ellos les aconsejo otra persona de la casa hogar donde estan ahora, que dejen
todo en manos de Dios y que no den aviso a la policia. que con el tiempo a las
ninas se les va a olvidar, yo no creo esto.
Por favor apoyenos en oracion, porque si ellas vienen, yo no pienso que es
bueno que callemos la verdad.
oro que las paz de Dios su dulce compania y la comunion con el Espiritu Santo
sea siempre con todos nosotros

Current Residents

2006-06-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

School in Reynosa dismisses before lunch during the summer because of the heat. The girls are pictured in their uniforms. Notice the logo on the shirts. Sister Elma was pleased with these patches that a friend made. Someone donated white polos that had another logo stiched into them. The good steward that she is, Sister Elma asked volunteers to sew the logos over the other embroidery. The girls are pleased and grateful to belong to the family at Casa Hogar MAMi. Baby Wendy was born the first week in March. When the second floor is built, more single mothers will be welcomed at the home, where they will have a safe place to live, responsibilities, support of an emotional, spiritual, and physical nature. Bring your mission group to teach life skills and assist with construction and other capital programs.

Please pray for these girls. Their ages are "años - years" and "meses - months".
Ruby 5 años
Abigail 12 años
Dulce Coral 11 años
Ana Sugey 13 años
Sonia Lizbeth 7 años
Yessenia 11 años
Wendy 2 meses
Araceli 12 años
Anastasia 13 años
Ana Karen 7 años
Tania 13 años
Crystal 9 años
Nancy Guadalupe 9 años
Iveth 17 años
Jacive 16 años
San Juanita 16 años
Yeesenia 14 años
Erika 14 años
Tomasita 16 años
Karla 10 años
Fernanda 13 años
Lizeth 6 años
Stephanie 4 años
Yesinia 10 años
Blanca 10 años
Michelle 4 años
Natalia 10 años
Bonifasia 17 años
Dora 14 años
Lizbeth 7 años
Estefania 4 años
Ingrid Maricela 3 años
Paola 5 años

Praises:
1) For each girl in the home
2) For the arrival of the new employee, Elsa, on June 18.
3) For the funds that God has brought and will bring.
4) For the support of the Mexican community of the casa hogar.
5) For the teams coming in June from AIM and Opelika.

Requests:
1) Wisdom for the Casa MAMi MX board and Sister Elma in the hiring of a contractor and supervisor for the construction of the second floor and all of the decisions and purchases to be made in the coming weeks.
2) For Sister Elma's meeting on June 28 with goverment officials regarding the matching donations toward capital improvements.
3) For additional churches and mission groups to visit and support this ministry.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Letters and News

2006-06-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

The grand total collected by cashiers at the Sorianas is $119,095.25 mexican pesos ($10K USD). After visiting all of the orphanages in Reynosa in April, our's was chosen for this special fund raising effort! In order to receive the funds Sister Elma must travel to Monterrey and turn in paper work to the headquarters of this large grocery chain! Please keep her in your prayers! Brother Glen, board member from Opelika, arrived Reynosa yesterday, to help purchase materials and to prepare for mission groups arriving to begin construction of the second floor! Praise God for all of these blessings!

Below, is a post of the letter written in March 2006 by board president Bill White. This letter was the first announcement and request for funds to collect toward the second floor construction. Thank you to all who have given to accomplish the goal!

Dear Friend of Casa MAMi MX:

Some of us have just returned from visiting Sister Elma’s Casa Hogar Mami orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. Everything that we have seen confirms that the Lord’s hand and His heart are with this ministry. In the past year the property and the first floor of the new orphanage building have been completed and paid for. This has allowed Sister Elma to house and care for as many as thirty girls between the age of three and seventeen. There are presently twenty-two girls at the orphanage. The old orphanage would only house six to twelve girls. These girls are all either abused, orphaned, or street children with special needs that are not wanted by the state-run orphanages. The love of Jesus is not only being shared with these children, it is being shown to them through the lives of people like Sister Elma. I am continually amazed at the number of miracles of God’s protection of and provision for these girls and Sister Elma. The most recent example occurred when we arrived on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. Sister Elma always insists on picking us up at the airport. This day she was not feeling well and Kathy Scruggs offered to pick us up for her. Surprisingly, she agreed to this. While Kathy was gone, the mother of two girls at the orphanage made a surprise visit to see the two sisters (ages four and nine). She never visits and she had a man with her that she introduced as her husband. Sister Elma and the girls came to the gate to let them in. the oldest girl whispered to Sister Elma that this was the man that had abused them. Sister Elma (thank goodness she was there!) told the mother she was welcome to come in, but then told the man he was not an approved visitor and he would not be admitted. He became angry and told her who he was and who he worked for as he placed his foot in the doorway. Sister Elma stepped in front of him and looked him in the eye and told him that she would call the police if he stepped inside the orphanage grounds. He backed away and did not come in. State-paid psychologists make scheduled visits to counsel with the girls there. It just so happened that two of these counselors came that afternoon. They just happened to specialize in dealing with abused children; Sister Elma had the sisters talk to them and the girls revealed all to these psychologists in a videotaped discussion. The authorities assured Sister Elma that the man will be in jail within two days. Sister Elma’s response to us was that she did not rejoice that this man was going to jail. She does rejoice that justice has been done. This is only one example of the miraculous ways that God is at work to help and protect these children and Sister Elma.
In the name of Jesus I am coming to you on behalf of this ministry to advise you of two very pressing financial needs. The second story needs to be built for a ministry to unwed mothers during their pregnancy. There is a desperate need for this on the streets of Reynosa, and there is a tremendous window of opportunity to accomplish this. If we can raise $20,000 in pledges and cash in hand by April 30, 2006, the Mexican government will match this amount with $20,000 cash. Any pledge needs to be accompanied by a letter that states it will be paid by the end of August. Sister Elma says that this will probably allow us to complete the entire second floor project. This money will provide the funds to hire Mexican labor for things the volunteer groups do not need to be doing (such as electrical). There are many businesses and churches in Mexico and America that provide materials and volunteer labor. Cash is hard to come by. To get the entire second floor finished for $20,000 out of pocket to the ministry is an unbelievable opportunity. The other need is operating income to pay employees. The staff needs have gone from two to three people at the old location to eight people at this location. The salary for a worker at the orphanage is eighty dollars per week. The total operating budget for the last year was approximately $70,000. With so few churches and people who are involved in helping financially and with so little in regular monthly donations, this budget is a challenge and is expected to increase after the second floor is finished.
We need your help. Will you please consider a one time donation or a pledge before the end of April? Will you also consider helping us fund the monthly income to pay for a staff person? I could see this being done by an individual, a business, a church, a Sunday school class or a combination of gifts from the above. Any way that you can help in the provision for this excellent and worthy ministry work will be appreciated by us and by the Lord. If you need anything from us to help you to help us, please call me.
Please note that any checks should be written to Casa MaMi MX, PO Box 382636, Germantown,TN 38183-2636.This is the official name and address of the 501 (C)(3) corporation that is registered with the IRS to receive money for this ministry.Thank you again for any help you can give us and may God bless our efforts as we work together to do His will.

Yours in Christ,

Bill White, Board Chairman
334-663-3418

Fourth Grade Missionaries

2006-06-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Early lessons in missionary work are a blessing. This Sunday School class at Advent Presbyterian Church has prayed for Casa Hogar MAMi, for church members who travel there, and the needs of the children and Sister Elma. They knew that a prayer request was to raise money for the construction of the second floor and that the Mexican government had offered to match the amount of $20,000 promised from the USA. The only money making idea that occurred to them was a lemonade stand! They did this as a special project on Mother's Day and gave cards that they colored saying, "Happy Mother's Day, a donation was made in your honor to Casa MAMi MX". The response was truly overwhelming. God used these children to raise the awareness in the church of the casa hogar and the congregation responded generously! Advent Vacation Bible School will, for the second year in a row, collect an offering for Casa MAMi MX. One of the greatest blessings from this is that young children are experiencing the joy of giving in Jesus' name!

Praises & Prayers! God is so good!

2006-06-04T07:37:00.000-05:00

Sister Elma returned from her travels tired but grateful:

1) The Mexican government requests an email from us confirming that we have raised the $20,000 USD to match their 200,000 pesos for the construction of the second floor. Brother Glen, of Opelika, will go to Reynosa in June to purchase construction materials. Sister Elma is happy about this and always grateful to Brother Rick for his help.

2) There are new employees and the total cost per month for salaries is $5,000. Sister Elma has a meeting to seek waiver of payment of social security. Homes like our's were not required to pay this in the past for employees, but now the charge is being reinstituted. If we have to pay this it will be $850 per month. We hope that this does not happen.

3) The Sorianas (large grocery chain) in Reynosa collected money for the casa hogar during May. When the government visited all orphanages in Reynosa in April (6-8 homes) our's was chosen as the best! Therefore, for May, all cashiers at the Sorianas invited anyone checking out to donate to Casa Hogar MAMi. (In Memphis they do this for the food bank.) Sister Elma and the girls prepared flyers to take to all of the stores. What a project!! This week we find out how much was donated. And, the cashier who collected the most will win a cell phone!

4) Our contact with The Outreach Foundation of the PCUSA, Don Wehmeyer, a pastor in Mérida, Yucatán, operates a Bible School / Seminary / convent for women. I sent him an email in search of staff for the casa hogar. He has put Sister Elma in touch with one of his graduates, a lady called Elsa. Sister Elma has interviewed her by phone and is pleased to hire her! Lord willing, Elsa will arrive in Reynosa soon after June 15 and stay for a year! This may turn out to be a relationship and resource for the long term, of Mexicans who can work in the home and disciple the girls, giving Sister Elma moral and spiritual support as well.

5) Visiting Groups: In June a group from Adventures in Missions and one from Opelika are expected. They will begin the columns for the second floor. Sister Elma's friends in the architecture department at the university will help with donations of workers and materials. In July, Bruce and Sam Jamison, from St. Luke's Methodist in Houston will be down. As the construction gets under way, more groups will be needed, especially in the fall.

6) Another wonderful donation is coming from a chain of convenience stores in Mexico. This is a transformer and will help with the utilities expenses.

7) Residents: Yvette, the young mother who delivered a baby at the end of February, is helping with laundry and taking some classes. This week some cash from the office disappeared. Sister Elma has spent hours with social workers and the girls to solve this issue. They believe that one of the older girls took it. Three girls have been detained from leaving the building until this mysterty is solved and handled.

8) Mexican volunteers: Marta, the wonderful Bible teacher and sister of María Esther (owner of the insurance co. where Sister Elma once worked) has been three times this month to help out. We are so blessed to have the support of the Reynosa community! Lily and her husband, owners of the restaurant in Reynosa, always welcome us when we visit. And, the staff at El Camino Best Western Hotel, are great as well!

Sister Elma continues to do so much. She is especially gifted at networking and managing the community donors. She is also the "MAMI" of the girls at the home. Let us pray for her and this ministry daily. And, finally, a BIG praise to the Almighty Most HIgh God who continues to provide in miraculous ways!! Yes, the funds are coming in and we are so gratful!

Matching gift of Mexican government

2006-06-02T08:14:00.000-05:00

2 June 2006

Sister Elma is in Ciudad Victoria today to meet with officials regarding the matching gift for construction. June 22 is the date set to post the check. I think we are moving forward on this, Praise God!

I have never participated in a blog.. I hope this turns out to work well! Please fell free to share this with friends and offer thoughts, information, or questions!

Kathy