by Alyssa Fisher, Director of Communications
photos provided by Rev. Allison Mark and Rev. Cathie Capp
In November, a team, including members from University UMC of Irvine and Faith UMC of Torrance traveled to Tijuana to complete a home build with local organization Corazón. The team of 27 continued a partnership begun by Faith UMC in 2008. Rev. Allison Mark of Faith UMC of Torrance shared that “the conversations were rich, and the children on this Mission trip were invited to participate in every way. Despite a language barrier, the kiddos made new friends, and the view we had all day was spectacular.”
This year’s house build was completed in just one very long 19-hour day as the Corazón team lays the foundation before the work team arrives. The team was led by Roger and Maxine Butcher of Faith UMC. The Butchers have led house builds with Corazón for 30 years, completing their first build in 1994. In 1998, the Butchers also began teaching English and first aid for Corazón, and both have also served on their Board of Directors. This year’s trip was initially planned for 2020, in honor of the Butcher’s 80th birthdays, but was delayed due to the pandemic and other health concerns. The Butcher’s three daughters and two grandsons also joined the trip.
Rev. Cathie Capp of University UMC of Irvine reflected that the day left the team “exhausted, but grateful for the opportunity to serve God and neighbors with the eight of us representing UUMC along with Faith UMC Torrance (and others) as we built a home for Lupita and her family in Tijuana. All in, it was a 19-hour day, but worth every drop of sweat and every splinter received.”
This impactful mission highlights the ongoing commitment of Cal-Pac churches to practical ministry, with several congregations participating in similar projects each year. These projects are a way for volunteers of all ages to participate in practical ministry work.
In January, a team of nearly 75 volunteers from First UMC of Chula Vista will travel to Mexico to build three homes. The church has partnered with YUGO in Ensenada, Mexico for fifteen years. During this time, they have built over 30 homes.
You can see a video of the work and find information on how to support this trip at this link.
These efforts not only provide families with safe and stable homes but also embody the love, unity, and hope that define our shared faith in action and our vision to end physical and spiritual hunger beyond the boundaries of our conference.
