A Week in Juarez

By: Robert Munoz

If you have heard of Juarez, Mexico, you most likely haven’t heard anything good. It’s a busy border town plagued by violence, poverty, over-crowded conditions, and is victim to a harsh national border. It looks like a dark place to many, but to a few it is merely a bright place waiting to happen. This summer, SLAM led 30 such people to be part of such a work.

Two teams, from Marshall, MN (Marshall Evangelical Free Church) and Chattanooga, TN (Christ United Methodist Church), jumped into 3 church vans and made the 30+ hour road trip to serve our family in Juarez and the believers at Monte Calvario (Mount Calvary). The teams combined forces to form one unit of 30 people to lay the foundation for an orphanage, teach in a local community school, and reach out to the community through soccer. Throughout each day there were opportunities to love and serve the people of Juarez. Each morning was spent in classes with the children. All the team members were able to teach, lead P.E., and share stories of encouragement to children of all ages.

Each afternoon, the team spent their time moving dirt, mixing concrete, and laying the foundation for a future orphanage next to the church. The temperatures reached 107! They really worked hard and pushed through with their sight set on identifying with suffering of the people Juarez.

In the early evening, the team made the short jaunt through the community to the only local soccer field called “The Oratorio”. This area was known to be plagued with gang violence and drug dealing. It wasn’t always that way though, the people of Monte Calvario church used to play and minister in this community field just a couple years ago. With the rise in violence, many have stayed away in fear. However, determined to be a spark and light for the church and the community, the team went to the Oratorio field. Trusting God to watch over us, we headed out with a soccer ball and a prayer. To the surprise of many local youth and adults, we were gladly accepted by the local players and we played soccer with them every night of our time in Juarez. The leader of the Juarez soccer team told us that they were honored that foreigners would come to play with them. It was very rare and they were thankful. In these moments we can be reminded that it only takes a little light in such a dark place to begin to make a difference.

The team broke up into small groups and stayed in host homes each night. By eating, living, talking together (as much as their high school Spanish would allow), the host families and the team members joyfully shared their lives with each other. This time together each night truly reflected the light of God’s love in Juarez.

The trip was a great success and we were so blessed by the people in Juarez and the community of believers at Monte Calvario. We will be returning to continue bringing the light to Juarez, Mexico, this December. If you are interested in joining us, please contact our home office in Antioch, TN.