Hands Of Mercy » News

Brian — Sat, 29 May 2010 04:48:18 +0000

YUGO Ministries • PO Box 58, National City, CA 91951-0058 • (619) 336-9003 • outreach@yugo.org
“Reaching Mexico…Impacting the World!”
SAFETY IN MEXICO – YUGO Ministries 2010
In response to recent travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department and the
media attention regarding the recent violence in Mexico, YUGO Ministries issues the
following statement:
We understand the concerns church leaders and parents may have because of all that is being reported
regarding the potential “dangers” of traveling in Mexico. Some have even stated “YUGO is being
irresponsible” in continuing to host groups in conducting evangelistic, orphanage and home building
projects ministry efforts in Mexico. The fact is that people making such statements actually have little to
no idea of what life is actually like in Mexico.
Our missionaries who live in the Tijuana/Rosarito area have never seen an actual act of violence. We
have seven couples with children who have lived in the area for the last two years – during the time of an
increased in media attention, negative reports, and warnings were given. Our missionary families believe
they are where God is calling them to be. They know there is crime, but also understand it’s not really all
that different from what is found in major cities in their home countries of the U.S. and Canada. The
crime rate in Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago, for instance, is actually higher than in Tijuana, Mexico.
As they would in those cities mentioned or any other city, our missionaries avoid the areas in Mexico
which are more prone to criminal activity.
It is important to note, there are literally thousands of retired Americans living along the coast in or near
Rosarito, Mexico just a few miles from our Tijuana Outreach Center. They do not feel they are in any
greater danger than they would be in any major city in the U.S. They appreciate the work being done by
the local police to make their cities safe. Dishonest officials have been caught and put in prison.
Over the last twelve months, we have hosted many groups in the Tijuana/Rosarito area. Hundreds of
American and Canadian young people and adults have worked with local churches and orphanages and
have had no experiences with crime or violence. We do not send or take them to areas we know would
be dangerous or where we know the crime rate is higher. We work with local pastors who would not
consider hosting a group in a dangerous neighborhood.
We will continue inviting groups and individuals to come and work with us in Mexico as long as we see
that the region is reasonably safe. If crime and violence were to escalate to the point where our people
were in any danger, we would cancel all activities and call our missionaries home. That is not to say that
we can guarantee the absolute safety of every person who comes to minister in Mexico with us any more
than you can guarantee your safety driving through Los Angeles or San Diego to get to the border.
There is an ongoing battle in Mexico between the various illegal drug organizations and the authorities,
especially in Ciudad Juarez, south of El Paso, TX. From time to time, evidence of this battle is seen in
other cities such as Tijuana or Reynosa, Mexico, as well as Phoenix, AZ or Chicago, IL. We pray for
peace to prevail. There is also a battle going on for the souls of Mexican children, youth and adults.
Our eastern Mexico operations based in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, just across the border from Del Rio, TX
have basically not seen any increase whatsoever in crime. The biggest major change in Acuña has been
a huge drop in tourists crossing the border daily for shopping, dining, etc. The attention given to the
violence, which in fact is isolated to a short list of specific areas in Mexico, has led to a drastic drop in
tourism for the entire country. This major blow to Mexico’s economy has only led to a greater need for
ministry and more opportunities to deliver hope to the hopeless and the Good News of Jesus to the lost.
Our goal in YUGO Ministries is to mobilize Canadians, Americans and Mexicans to join us in reaching the
millions who need Christ across the border. Please pray for us, yes, for our safety, but much more for our
effectiveness in making the Gospel clear and strengthening the churches in Mexico. Ask the Lord to lead
and guide you if you are considering how to help us.

SouthWest trip April, 2010

Brian — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:44:14 +0000

Mexico brothers,
Just thought I would tell you that I believe all of our group had a really great time last weekend.
What a blessing to witness all that you guys are doing to serve our Lord in Mexico. I have heard story after story of how God was working in our lives as a result of this trip and the opportunity to serve in a small way.
The food was great and of your families were so gracious with their time and smiles. I am always inspired to see the fruits that result from Jesus working in you.

Well until next time, Vaya Con Dios!
Chuck Cawthorne

Capilla Calvario Horizonte

Brian — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:32:55 +0000

Hands of Mercy is building a lofthouse for a needy family using the extra building materials donated from US work teams (left after completed lofthomes). The three HoM missionary families living full-time in Mexico attend the English speaking service of “Horizon Calvary Chapel – Ensenada”. They are partnering with members of the Spanish speaking service of Horizonte to help construct the lofthouse. This will be the second lofthouse built that was constructed using all workers that live in Mexico. The Mexican church has the same need and desire to give as the US church, but lack the resources to build an entire lofthouse. Using these “leftover” materials gives them a chance to help. The prebuild will take place in Horizonte’s parking lot in Ensenada on January 16, 2009.

Calvary Bible Church Bakersfield

Brian — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:45:08 +0000

I hope this message finds all well. We as a group have been praying that God will intervene in the changing of the gaurd at the border. How did the meeting go? Hope everything was resolved in a gracious manor. I know the hearts of all of you and that you would not allow any other conclusion. What ever is the out come, we will support you and your ministry to the end.

You guys are such an inspiration to all of us, you cannot imagine the life changing impact you are having, not only in our community, but any where that has been involved. I can’t begin to tell you how many have ranted and raved about H.O.M. In our Tuesday bible study we were asked.? What for sure have you seen with your own eye’s that you can positively say is being blessed by GOD 100%.
Guess what You and your families are. Let me know what the outcome of your meeting was. May GOD continue to bless you all. Hope all is well. We LOVE you guys and can’t wait for the next adventure.

Randy Bradford

11/12/08

Sierra Vista Community Church

Brian — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:03:49 +0000

Those of us with Sierra Vista Community Church who came last weekend (Aug. 29-31, 2008) would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you!!! This was our very first missions trip as a church, and we were all very blessed to be a part of this amazing ministry God is directing in Mexico. Your warmth and encouragement and patience every step of this process has been so wonderful! We thoroughly enjoyed our adventure there…from the journey down, “the road,” the GREAT food, the rope swing for the kids, the fun loft homes, the building of the home for the family, the AWE inspiring stars….and on and on. We have all grown in our relationship with the Lord through this experience, and we can’t wait to come back. God bless you guys as you do this day in and day out! We will be lifting you up in prayer, as well as the Cruz family. Blessings on you all!
Lisa Rettberg

P.S. On a personal note, on Monday morning, my 10 year old son and I were talking, and I said, “I miss Mexico.” He replied, “I do, too. It would be fun to do that again.” Amen to that!