Outreach Blog
Nogales, AZ
I went to visit the Crossroads Nogales Mission recently – researching possible locations for our medical outreach program. Located on the border of Nogales, AZ and Nogales, Sonora in Northern Mexico, this mission is incredible in its ability to meet the needs of so many with so little.
According to their website: http://www.crossroadnewlifecenter.org they fed over 35,000 individuals last year alone. This is all done within the walls of building that is over 90 yrs old, and with a staff of less than 5 people on most days. Started by Ben and Bert Wenke in 1995 they meet a host of community needs including the management of 4 shelters, 5 programs for men and women, a Domestic Violence Shelter for women and children, Holiday meals, Bible Clubs for children 5 times a year and a Community Lunch Program for the poor.
They also have a daily church service which is taught by different ministers every day from the community. They provide food, clothing, shelter, spiritual guidance, and protection for anyone who is in need and comes to their door. Ben Wenke was previously ordained as a Southern Baptist minister, but he states that was “many years ago in my previous life.” In 1995 God called him to Nogales where he lived in the mission with his wife Bert for the first 8 years they were in Nogales. Ben says “when you’re working with the poor and homeless you quickly lose any allegiance to one denomination or the other. It’s all about doing the work of God, not whether you’re Baptist or Methodist.” I can tell you after spending a day with this couple that God’s spirit moves in this mission and the work they are doing will last for eternity. If you feel led you can give donations directly on their website listed above. We are in discussions with the mission about how we can set up a medical and dental clinic within their mission in the future – so if you’d like to be involved with that just email us or call the clinic.
A Birthday Party for the Homeless: “Everybody deserves a Birthday Cake”
Once a year the Nogales Crossroads Mission throws a birthday party for the poor and homeless of Nogales, where those who normally don’t get a birthday party are celebrated. They are given cake and presents and sang happy birthday. It is a great experience to be a part of.
