Overview of Location
Hands and Feet Ministries has been serving in Piedras Negras, Mexico since 2000. God has provided us with many long-term relationships in Piedras Negras, and has allowed us to be part of many projects in the city. Since 2009, the majority of our work is has been done in the small town of Nava, Mexico located 20 miles south of Piedras Negras where we operate a tuition-free Christian elementary school.
Because Nava is a rural town, Mexicoʼs school attendance laws are not strictly enforced and many children never even make it to secondary school (middle school). Also, because Nava Mexico is a small town close to the Mexican/American border many children who drop out of school in poor areas of the city are often lured into Mexican cartels by the glamorous lifestyle portrayed by local thugs.
We believe that the children that attend Nava School are some of who Christ refers to as “the least of these” (Matt 25:40) and that Nava School is a “cup of cold water” (Matt 10:42) in a desert of hopelessness.
Construction
We have plans to continue and grow Nava School and construction projects are continually being done to improve the school. Mission groups from all over the United States work together to complete these projects. You will be assigned a construction project according to your group size and skill level.
Ministries you will visit
Nava School
Nava School is Hands and Feet’s primary outreach and more than likely the majority of the work you will be a part of will be done there. Nava School is a Christian Elementary School that serves some of the poorest families in Northern Mexico. The mission of Nava School is to provide a warm and loving environment for children to learn fundamental education and truths about Jesus Christ.
Aleluya Church
Aleluya Church built by Hands and Feet missionaries, is home to a variety of ministries that reach out to the poor. Members of Aleluya Church worship together on Sundays and Wednesday afternoons. Apart from their weekly worship services Aleluya Church offers hot cooked meals five days a week where 50-100 women and children come to enjoy lunch and participate in daily Bible studies. Also at the church are opportunities for members to take computer classes and earn extra money by woodworking, welding, sewing, and jewelry making.
Casa Bethesda
Casa Bethesda is a special needs orphanage for children and adults. It is one of the only orphanages of its kind in all of Northern Mexico. Pastor Paulino Esquivel and his wife Gilberta have created a sanctuary for these beautiful individuals, giving them a home and teaching them that they are valued in the eye’s of Christ.
House of Mercy
House of Mercy Orphanage was one of the first projects Hands and Feet Ministries built in Mexico.The mission of the House of Mercy is to provide a safe, nurturing, God-centered home for the abused, neglected and homeless children of Coahuila, Mexico. Over 140 children have come to the Casa since it’s opening in January 2005.
Food, Lodging, and Fun
Food is prepared by a local family that has been serving Hands and Feet missionaries for many years. The food is completely safe and vegetarian options are available. Safe drinking water will also be provided. We stay at a hotel in downtown Piedras Negras and drive to Nava each day for our outreach programs. The hotel is located directly across the street from a large park. You will have the opportunity to meet many locals try a variety of mexican cuisine, and visit a mexican market.
Cost
$450 per person + Construction Materials*
*Depending on the group project.
To sign up for a mission trip to Piedras Negras and Nava Mexico click here
