Just sending another quick update on our status here. Amidst growing number of death reports and further closings to public areas (now all restaurants have been ordered to close), we have decided to dig in our heels and stay to serve and show that we are part of this community.

A couple of things factored into our decision. For instance, the theme of our last “iluminARTE” (our quarterly artistic outreach event) was “healing” nonetheless. We have been praying for healing in this city, as well as an opportunity to go deeper with the people here. We also want to show solidarity in our commitment to the people of this city. Speaking to DG this morning, he reminded me of Rodney Stark’s book “The Rise of Christianity” where it tells of how the Church historical remained in the cities during plagues to serve the sick, poor, and needy. And lastly, as we looked into God’s word we received this word from Jeremiah 8, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace…. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” We believe that people need to experience the love of Jesus through our love and sacrifice.

We are currently partnering with Amextra right now to help acquire and deliver surgical masks, cleaning products, multi-vitamins, and possibly medication to marginalized communities in the city. We may be taking off to another city to pick up these items as most of them have been sold out in Mexico City. We are also exploring routes for us serve more communities through the World Vision office here.

Please pray for the following:

1. For our continual safety, health, and protection from the swine flu
2. Ability to get our hands on the items that we need to distribute them to needy communities
3. Opportunities to show the light of Christ in these dark times
4. Clarity and sanity – the constant bad news is definitely taking a toll on our spirits

What we may need:

1. Your help to raise funds to support Amextra first phase initiative by making donations at their website (www.amextra.org please indicate swine flu on your donation) or through Facebook AMEXTRA (Asociación Mexicana de Transformación Rural y Urbana)
2. If one of our team members get sick, we may need US medical attention or some anti-viral drugs (as they are becoming scarce here). If you have access to anyone who may be able to supply the medication to us, we would greatly appreciate it.
3. If we are able to get enough supplies, and the outbreak spreads throughout the city, we may need assistance to help distribute them… which could mean asking for a team to come down for that very reason.

Blessings,