A Letter from the Executive Director and Priest, Fr. Nicholas Andruchow
Why do we have ears? To listen to the angelic hymns praising God. Why do we have eyes? To see the beauty in God’s creation. Why do we have hands and arms? To provide a hug of encouragement in times of crisis. This perspective fuels us here at Project Mexico. Through the pandemic and in the midst of caravans of migrants, surrounded by poverty and suffering, hundreds of Jesus’ followers have come physically face to face with the people who need help. The power of God flourishes when we show up, are present and make a difference. This year the Orthodox Church once again reveals it’s true colors by building 24 homes and laying the foundation so the children of the Lord can find refuge.
THE HURRICANE…
On August 20th we prepared for 60-mile-an-hour winds, five inches of rain and power outages. Thank God the storm was not as severe as we feared, even though it was still a difficult day. That Sunday morning, I preached to the boys and to the missionaries to have hope. As we waited for the worst of the storm to arrive, I encouraged everyone to pray as Jesus guided us to pray (Matt. 6:11). Ask for help and He will answer. Our Father, give us “our daily bread”. I emphasized that in the Greek and Latin (ἐπιούσιον supersubstantialem) it stresses that it is not just “daily bread” rather it is nourishment that gives us the ability to rise above the challenges, no matter if there are muddy roads, pressures from school or the reality of being abandoned. The meal that gives us the power is communion, the flesh and blood of the Son of Man (John 6:51-53) or as I referred to it in Spanish “superpan” (superbread in English). By partaking of this “Supersubstance” (as translated in the Latin from the Greek) we can do great things in Jesus.
FROM BIRTH TO DEATH
Since 1996 the St. Innocent Orphanage has been a home for children forgotten by the world. Now we have been challenged to start taking infants into our facilities. Babies recently born into tragic homes will be cared for on our 16-acre ranch. The Mexican government is asking us to love and nurture a small handful of newborns so that the essential human touch of love can be transmitted in those vital initial months. Most of the babies will be adopted to Mexican families. Still, some will continue to live at the St. Innocent Ranch receiving the individual care and opportunities to grow in the love of God. This Christian upbringing happens through the excellent staff and dedicated Orthodox missionaries who sacrifice in order to care of our boys. We are blessed to announce that we are building an Orthodox church off the ranch for the people of Tijuana. This will allow our ministry to fully integrate into all the stages of our boys’ life. As little children they are entrusted to our care surrounded by the Sacramental Life. As adolescents, we teach them to be Christians and now as adults, they will have a Church to attend so their children can learn what it means to be faithful Orthodox believers. And as they approach their last days in this world they will have the Church to carry them to eternal life.