It was always Father Thomas’s hope that we would be involved in all of the ministries Jesus mentions in Matthew 25:35-36, “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
And for many years we have been able to help our brothers and sisters in all of those ways, thanks be to God and to all of you.
However, when the violence due to the drug wars erupted in the border towns of Mexico some years ago, and Juarez become known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, the administrators of the jails that we visited each week asked us to stop coming, both for our safety and for theirs. Sadly, we had to discontinue what we had done for over 30 years — bringing the Gospel message to the prisoners of 3 jails in Juarez and also bringing them something to eat and drink since many times they go hungry. It was a sad day when we could no longer do that.
But thanks be to God, as of 2012 we were invited back inside again. So every Wednesday, as we had done for many years, our volunteers make dozens of sandwiches, prepare a drink, and our evangelists and prayer warriors load into the vans to go visit the Lord in prison.
We are very glad to be able to bring some love and cheer to our brothers and sisters behind bars.
Mental Hospital ministry
After we finish visiting the jail, we go to a mental hospital nearby to visit our brothers and sisters who are confined within those walls. We bring food and our musicians so we can praise the Lord and sing together with them. It is a joy and delight to see them clap their hands and smile at this bright spot in their week.
