05/08/2017
Juarez Project News May, 2017
The Juarez Project was begun in 2009 when Janeth Kloc returned home from Juarez, Mexico where she had gone to handle some legal issues concerning obtaining US residency. Through God’s ever amazing interventions Janeth stayed at the home of Pastor Mario and his family for the three-month duration of her stay. Pastor Mario is pastor of the Missionary Alliance Church in a poor section of Juarez, a city of well over 1 million people.
Juarez was infamous at that time as the most dangerous city in the world, the drug cartel ruled the city, local government was corrupt and the violence was horrific. Because of the violence many children were left orphaned or abandoned.
Janeth was very burdened by the needs of these hurting children and felt that God was telling her to help feed the children. When she asked Pastor Mario how she could help when returning to the US he told her that before she had come to Juarez he had shared with his congregation that, as a church, God wanted them to feed the hungry children.
Upon returning home Janeth and her husband, Steve, shared with the congregation at NACOG about the desperate needs of the children of Juarez and many people responded to God’s call with amazing generosity. Initially 1,000 lb. of food was shipped via UPS every month to feed the children. The shipping cost has tripled since that time and today food is readily available for sale in Juarez. We now, through the giving of many individuals, are able to send money monthly to buy food to daily feed many impoverished children and families at an area near the church, “El Comedor”. Although the living conditions and economy of Juarez have improved since 2009 the poverty remains very prevalent.
Pastor Mario’s vision was to build a shelter to house homeless children and provide daycare for young children who are left alone all day while the parents go to work- usually in a factory for very low pay. In 2010, a vacant lot was bought beside the church, ground was broken and construction began on the children’s shelter. It has been slow but steady progress but thanks to God’s faithful provision, many fund raisers and generous donations the building is almost complete! The shelter building is two stories with a kitchen, dining area, pantry, restrooms and 2 classrooms on the 1st floor. The 2nd floor has 6 dormitory rooms and bathroom facilities. The shelter will be able to house 48 children.
April, 2017 marked the 5th mission team since August, 2014 to go and help with the construction, hold VBS and do other activities at the shelter in Juarez. The 1st floor is almost complete; the electricity and plumbing are installed to the entire building. The tile floors and plaster walls are also almost complete on the first floor. A skilled laborer who attends church there with his family will continue the finishing work as funds are available to cover materials and labor.
Pastor Mario plans to apply for the day care license in February and is prayerfully hoping to have the shelter open by August of 2018. In addition to the daycare plans the government has asked Pastor Mario if the shelter could also be used as an official orphanage, which is greatly needed in that region.
It has been incredibly amazing to see our God weave so many threads and miraculous happenings into this journey over the past 8 years. So many lives have been impacted and transformed, not only in the lives of families and children in Juarez but also in the lives of those who have gone on mission trips to serve there. The stories would not begin to fit into a one page newsletter!
Janeth and I are so humbled and thankful for our Lord’s unfailing provision and the generosity and help given by members of this church body. And also, greatly appreciative of the support of The Point Community Church, Kittanning COG and Harvest Community Church in Kittanning.
Only God knows what he has planned for the future of the Juarez Project both here and in Juarez. But without a doubt He will lead us! Please keep the ministry in prayer and thank you for the ongoing support.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
