2022 has been yet another year of having a front row seat to miracle after miracle in the communities we serve. From the hungry being fed, the sick being healed, and the hopeless finding hope. It has also been a busy year- one of pursuing new projects, building new relationships, establishing new programs and moving into a new space.
Of course, opening the doors to Casa MARKED was a major highlight of our year. When we first got the property, it did not look at all like it does now. The property had gone unused for years so nature had taken over and the house needed a great deal of attention to be the clean, functional, and beautiful space it is now. Our staff spent hours clearing out the land and working on the building but it was when a team of volunteers came that massive transformation took place. Thanks to the generosity of that team and their church, Casa MARKED received a new kitchen and other pending projects were officially completed, leaving our staff and community in awe.
In addition to volunteers that come in from the city or local towns, we also have been able to host some teams from abroad as well, something our staff missed dearly during the pandemic. In Mexico, Christians are a minority and out in the area where Casa MARKED and the communities we serve, places of worship are scarce and rarely Christian. This leaves our staff and all who form part of the MARKED family without a formal church to go to each Sunday or a Christian community nearby to pour into them. This only makes visits from teams all the more impactful. To be surrounded and encouraged by Christians is a huge blessing to our staff and so often serves as time to recharge and be refreshed spiritually. Also, to know that people traveled long and far just to be with our communities is a powerful message in itself.
Whether it be a handful of friends, a family, or a whole team, MARKED loves hosting friends from near or far and we deeply value the time they choose to spend with us. The presence of volunteers goes beyond practical help or extra hands to assist with projects; it is truly a blessing to our communities and staff. If you are considering coming down to Guadalajara to visit, please let us know. We would love to talk with you about current projects and needs MARKED has as the ministry continues to grow each day and are currently booking out our 2023 calendar! We hope to see you soon!