Island Baptist Church Mission to El Mesquital, Mexico

On the morning of March 5th, 17 Winter Texans from the South Padre Island Baptist Church drove 60 miles south of the Mexican border to El Mesquital, a barrier island, and the site of the church supported mission. Two 12 passenger vans were loaded with food for distribution. Most of the distance traveled was over very rough road. The last 10 minutes of travel was by boat to the island of El Mesquital. See map below.

Our first stop was the Mexican Bakery, just past

customs. There we met Luz, our missionary

friend who accompanied us on the trip. The

bakery generously donated many bags of

Mexican baked goods for the mission.

The last 20 miles of road was a bit of an obstacle

course. We met the repair crew here making much

needed road improvements.

We arrived at the boat dock site shown below.

Loading and getting ready to go.

How about those classy boats!!

We are off to the island.

No life jackets or orientation!!!!

Shrimping is a big industry here.

The shrimp nets are shown below.

Below is the church, "Casa Esperanza" House of hope.

Area surrounding the church.

No electricity, no running water.

Little girl was very happy to see us.

Playground next to the church.

Donna pushing two children on the swings.

The family with the children.

Corner of the church on the right.

Homes directly behind the church.

Stand-up toilet near the church.

Unloading the boat.

Unloading the boats

Frying "Red" fish over an open fire wood stove.

Family who prepared dinner.

The sleeping quarters.

Here hammocks are used.

MMM good!!! Great fish Taco!

Group eating lunch.

Missionary LUZ preaching in Spanish.

Church service.

Passing out snacks to the children.

Passing out food.

Handing out rice, beans and lentils.

More treats for the children.

This says "House Of Hope" on the front of the church.

Getting ready to leave.

This is the area by the boat dock.

All loaded and ready to go.

All in one boat this time!!

Even the birds like to pilot boats!!

It was humbling experience to "Go, ye into all the world and bring the Gospel" to these people of meager means. They were very appreciative of our visit and expressed overflowing joy and happiness.