December is one of our favorite months of the year because we get to celebrate Christmas with some of our favorite people in Chiapas! Even though we were not able to be there in person this year, we are so thankful that we were still able to provide Christmas for the children at Casa Hogar Alegre and the communities surrounding Chenalhó. In addition, we were able to provide Christmas for the guests that are currently at Casa de Esperanza. Keep reading to see a recap of our virtual Christmas party, hear an update on COVID-19 in Chiapas, and learn how you can be a part of bringing hope to the people of Chiapas.
Prayer Needs: COVID-19 in Chiapas
COVID-19 is continuing to make an impact on people all around the world. In Mexico, the education system is being greatly effected. Pastor Carlos let us know that schools will be closed until at least June 2021 and all learning has been moved online. Although virtual learning is not ideal for most people, it is still a huge blessing to be able to continue learning at home, even in the midst of the pandemic. Unfortunately, in a lot of places around the world, including Chiapas, many people do not have access to the internet or a device to learn on at home. In Chiapas, over 60% of people do not have access to the resources needed to continue their education virtually. As a result, these students will be behind a year in their education. Please pray for the families and students that are being impacted educationally during this time, as well as those that are still struggling to meet their day to day needs.
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19 NIV
Casa Hogar Alegre Christmas Party Recap
We had an AMAZING turn out for our first ever virtual Christmas party with the children at Casa Hogar Alegre! Although we wish we could have celebrated with them in person, we are so thankful for technology and the ability to connect with our friends. Everyone enjoyed pizza and ice cream sundaes, a Christmas party tradition!
We want to send a huge 'thank you' to our friends at Torre Fuerte for helping make this years Christmas party possible! They spent time shopping for the kids, wrapping the gifts and helping out the day of the party. We are looking forward to them joining us again next year to help make the party even more special.
Each year, the children prepare a special program for us. This year, Mama Liz, the founder of the orphanage, asked her granddaughter to share with us. She did a wonderful job sharing some verses from the Bible, speaking on behalf of the orphanage and beginning the program. Then we listened to the children sing a few Christmas songs and we wrapped up the program by singing a few Christmas classics for them!
Of course, a highlight of the party for the kids is opening up the gifts picked out for them! It was so fun watching them open their gifts and see the smiles on their faces. Thank you to everyone that made this event possible and helped us provide a great Christmas for some very deserving kids.
Although we have not been able to be in Mexico physically over the last few months, our efforts to support the people and the mission of our organization have not stopped. Thanks to your generous donations, we have been able to continue supporting the local orphanage, Casa Hogar Alegre, the clinic in Tuxtla, the widows at Casa de Esperanza, the local pastor, and we've been able to fund the building of four churches. We are looking forward to returning soon and continuing to be a part of the ministry taking place in Mexico. Our calendar is beginning to fill up with trips for 2021 and we are so excited for teams to be able to return! If your organization or church would like to book at trip for the upcoming year, please contact Matt Payne at mpayne@poguemissions.org.
Thank you for your continued support of Pogue Family Missions and for being a part of sharing the love of Christ in Mexico. We believe that God will continue to change lives and are so excited to play a part in bringing glory to His Kingdom.
