The Sierra Mixe community in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a place where there is much poverty and many shortfalls in the public services. It is also the home of the Cerro Costoche Church of the Nazarene. This congregation, along with Pastor José Alfredo Martínez, has reached their community with the Word of God and also the implementation of a community cafetería, which serves children during the weekend.
Until recently, the community lacked access to purified water, and as a result, there were high rates of gastrointestinal illnesses. In response, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and Healing Water International opened a water project in 2018 aimed towards holistic transformation of the community. The community has seen great benefits, not only in avoiding illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water, but also economically. The price for a jug of water is more affordable for the local people. The water project also includes programs to improve health and hygiene geared towards children and mothers.
In December, Pastor José Alfredo Martínez asked the leaders of the Light In the Mountains Elementary School to allow the church to share with the children about themes such as: oral hygiene, hand washing, personal hygiene, and healthy nutrition. The local authorities approved the request, so leaders of the water project were able to share educational material promoting healthy living with a biblical basis.
“We thank God for the Churches of the Nazarene, which are impacting their communities and being part of the response to the challenges facing the places where they minister,” said Edi Montejo of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Mexico. “This is what it is to share the love of God in an integrated way, meeting physical social, intellectual and spiritual needs.”
Source: Edi Montejo, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Mexico
