I'm in Houston, but every year in the summer (and sometimes in the fall and winter too) we've sent mission teams to Juarez to help build homes for those that don't have one. Nothing fancy, just cinder blocks. But a huge step up from the wooden pallets they are currently in.

I went in 2007. I also went last July, and if you had asked me in January, I would have told you I would be back in 2009. But the more I'm looking into it, it seems like it would almost be grossly irresponsible to continue. Facts and figures are hard to find, but it seems like the situation is still deteriorating. Some of the thoughts behind going last year (it's only the gangs, they aren't targeting missionaries) have had incidents that refute them.

But like I said, I'm in Houston. What are your thoughts? The need is definately there. We also stick out like a sore thumb. Great things don't happen without some risk, but you need to know the risk and do what you can to manage it. Anyway, you can see my conflict. Thanks.

I wouldn't do it. Juarez is the most dangerous city in the world right now per square mile.

There are plenty of people in your own town right now that could use some Christian help, especially after Ike. It reminds me of Bible verse about a man with a plank in his own eye trying to take a splinter out of someone else's eye.

Agree w/ deadzip - I live just outside of EP and right now Jaurez already has over 200 murders for '09. The US consulate finally posted a warning about crossing the creek. In layman terms for gov't talk - DO NOT GO! Errant bullets do not dodge folks w/ a noble cause.

To find some facts and stories go to elpasotimes.com Please think twice on any decision you may have about coming out here. Some of the craziness is spreading to the rural farming areas and not just staying in town. Iraq/ Afghanistan is honestly safer than across the creek.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/juarez

I have been to Juarez several times to roof churches, etc, But I wouldn't go under the current conditions...

just on a side note, i used to do the EXACT same thing, we'd stay in an orphanage in downtown jaurez and head out to the slums and rebuild certain areas. It was amazing and some of the most fulfilling work I've ever done.

Each year you would come back to see more and more people that were living in pallets nailed together were now cinder block homes. truly amazing.


that being said... i wouldn't go right now

Well, not good. Got some time before the summer, but I would be surprised if the violence subsides at all. The fact that I haven't seen a single impartial source say that the risk is in any way manageable is pretty telling. If anyone else has an opinion, I am certainly interested.

Incidentally, my church and I have and are participating in Ike related recovery. We still have blue tarps over parts of our roof. But there is the belief (and I think a good one) that a certain amount should go to those far from where you live. We break missions into two groups, local and foreign. In true Texas fashion, however, we classify anything outside the state as "foreign".

Farmer, here's another 2 cents worth of advice-

Stay here on the upper Tx Gulf Coast and continue your Ike work. You can stay safe while also helping people in need. I, too, lost my roof and will be waiting months for my contractor. But many can't afford a contractor and could use your help.

There's much to do here, so you will be making a valuable and meaningful contribution if you decide to stay home to provide assistance. Besides, NOLA is still getting nationwide publicity, but here in Texas we have to help ourselves. You can make a difference right here at home.

IMHO....

Bless you Farmer for the work you do. I mean it.

However, it's pretty dangerous over there right now. Stay safe, and again, all the respect in the world to you for what you do.

Farmer
Thank you for being a messenger of God and helping build and / or rebuild homes (not houses) for those that need the assistance and help. You bring not only boards and nails but the love of God to your work.

I have worked in many of the storm damaged areas of the US and the needy of Houston / Galveston / Beaumont have been basically left out.
The Mexican border cities are drastically changing from what I knew years ago. I agree with the rest of the posters, you are needed at home.

As a El Paso native, I wouldn't recommend it. My dad still lives there and has a new horror story about the Juarez violence every time I talk to him.

I'm an El Paso native as well. Juarez is a cesspool. If you value life, stay away from there.

Thousands of women have died there over the last couple of years. A previous poster wasn't kidding when they said Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

Add to that the corruption within law enforcement and the HUGE drug problem, you have the makings of one hell of a nightmare.

[This message has been edited by AggieBarstool (edited 2/15/2009 11:01p).]

dont do it. know some people that nearly lost their lives across the border not too long ago. seems blown out of proportion till you truly realize how messed up that country is right now.

My home church in Lubbock quit going to Juarez, despite the ability to do God's work, after having to get someone out of prison on a bogus pull-over, and having the church van stolen from the hardware store. Add in the recent spike in murders, and I would stay away.

I was stationed in El Paso (got out about a year ago) and they had stopped letting soldiers go over there.

Juarez law enforcement is a joke. They'll pull you over (esp. if you're white) expecting a payoff and if they don't get it, you get thrown in lockup so you can become someone's butt buddy for a few hours.

No way in Hell you'll catch me over there.

I couldn't send folks into Juarez right now. Just too risky.

You might consider trying to do something in Acuna. I understand that it has been largely spared the drug violence that plagues most of the other border towns.

I just hear more and more stories of how the situation is degrading by the day.

I'm no fan of the idea, but it seems that Martial Law needs to go into affect in Juarez soon.

It's really sad because like i said, things were getting better for people there w/ all the missionary work going on. lots of people were having new roofs over their head and having other needs met. Truly amazing to see the work in the suburbs. Then the drugs/gangs situation arises to where we can't even go help any more.

It's official, our church is not going back this summer. While it's the right decision, it is disappointing.

Farmer, I'm sure there are deserving Americans in Houston you could help out.....

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

quote:

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The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

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[This message has been edited by AggieBarstool (edited 3/12/2009 4:06p).]

I'm no aircraft specialist but I heard/felt 3 big-ass choppers running the line yesterday.
I haven't seen firepower like that since my Moffat/Crawford days.

I'm scared and I used to walk to Juarez in 'middle' school to have a few beers with my Dad at the Florida.

Had a friend get car-jacked in broad daylight. Gun to his head, he just walked and left his laptop and car to the streets. It's real and all the sheet you hear is just the tip.

Rumack MD

Thomason is a top 100 Hospital and soon to be known as University Medical Center of EP. The medical school opens in June with a class of forty. Should not be a problem to get some good cadavers locally.