As we reflect on this year, two recurring themes stand out in our ministry. The first is that the border situation and US immigration policy are always changing. The second is that amid the change, God always remains the same. As we react to these changes, we can see how God has planned ahead on our behalf and continues to guide us in how we respond.
The number of migrants at the border has dropped, but wait times for CBP One appointments have grown longer—sometimes 9 months or longer. With the upcoming US presidential transition, we can speculate that there will be an increase in deported migrants arriving in Mexico, and a decrease in legal pathways for those seeking asylum. Regardless of what happens, our mission of showing Christ’s love to displaced people will not change.
Our work at the border has continued in several ways. Several of our board members frequently visit the camps in Reynosa where migrants are waiting for their CBP One appointment. Through these visits, they identify needs in the camps and use 13:2 funds to purchase and deliver supplies, especially groceries. Through this ministry, we have helped to ensure that key staples such as eggs, sugar, and mayo are available for meals in the camps.
At Senda de Vida 2, they informed us that the camp entrance was particularly dark at night which created a safety hazard. 13:2 was able to purchase solar powered flood lights to install and light the entrance.
We recently received a delivery of several pallets of donated goods from Texas Baptist Men which included hygiene kits, children’s toys, clothing, and more. These deliveries are always exciting and a key enabler for us to deliver high volumes of aid at a low cost. Other organizations and individuals have also provided supplies which have been a blessing to those who receive them.
Our warehouse distribution ministry continues and we have recently provided hundreds of boxes of food, blankets, clothing, and other supplies to meet the needs of migrants in Reynosa. I visited Camp Rio last week and had the opportunity to supply the camp with rice, hygiene supplies, and tarps. Despite the looming potential changes to the appointment process, the people I spoke with remain optimistic and hopeful as they continue to wait. Several months ago, we provided supplies for a newborn baby living at this camp and I was thrilled to learn that she and her family have their appointment to enter the United States soon!
Annual Statistics
This year, we distributed from our warehouse over 1,000 boxes of goods which contained over 37,000 individual items.
Our total spending for the year was $19,142. Of this, 96.6% of funds were spent on program expenses. 2.3% was spent on administrative costs such as website costs and other management software. The remaining 1.1% was spent on fundraising costs, mainly in the form of credit card processing fees.
67% of our program expenses were spent on direct aid such as food, shelter, and hygiene supplies in Reynosa. The remaining 33% took the form of financial grants. These grants primarily provided for urgent medical and related needs for migrants at Casa Lulu in Reynosa, while a smaller proportion was used to support welcoming efforts for migrants in the Denver and Seattle areas.
Closing Remarks
As we head into the new year, we want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. Your prayers, words of encouragement, wishlist purchases, and financial donations make it possible for us to continue showing the love of Christ.