The People of Northern Mexico in the area of Juarez and Chihuahua/Copper Canyon continue to be in need of food.  There has been much violence and unrest in the region, resulting in an even greater need for basic food requirements.  During a recent conversation with Pastor Julian Ibarra, Pastor of Disciples of Christ churches in Juarez Mexico and in El Paso, he advised that the most important assistance needed is to supplement food for the hungry and needy with Rice & Beans.

Remembering that God calls on us to serve others, an Outreach Program to help feed the hungry in the Juarez-Northern Mexico area has been initiated by the Tres Rios Area (TRA), Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The goal is to gather Rice & Beans for a Fall 2010 delivery date in November 2010.  A dedication date of Sunday, Nov. 07, 2010 for our congregations has been selected with subsequent shipment of the Beans & Rice to El Paso.  The marshalling point for collection of the Beans & Rice will be at First Christian Church of El Paso, Texas.

As the Beans & Rice are collected and/or purchased, Pastor Ibarra will cross the border with the product, probably one bag at a time, and then distribute to those in need in Juarez.  Also, a trip south to Chihuahua will be made for distribution to the Tarahumara Indians served by the Disciples’ Sierra Tarahumara Mision in Copper Canyon, Mexico.

How much is needed?  A lot!  A challenge of 1000 lbs of Beans & 1000 lbs Rice has been accepted by one church in the TRA.  Recently, a 50 lb bag of Beans with a 50 lb bag of Rice was purchased for $ 42 total at Sam’s Club in El Paso.  $ 840 will provide 1 Ton of food.

Beans & Rice can be sent to First Christian Church of El Paso, 901 Arizona, El Paso, TX, 79902, phone:  915-533-6819, Attn:   Sr. Min. Leslie Dalstra.  Money donations can also be sent to the First Christian Church of El Paso at the same address.  Please mark your check with “Beans & Rice” and these monies will be converted into Beans & Rice and gasoline for the distribution in Mexico.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Area Minister, Charlotte Hoppe at 915-525-1209 or Sr. Min. Leslie Dalstra at 915-533-6819.