A Summer of ChangeDuring the past few months we have seen some significant changes here at Helping Hands in Baja California Norte. It has been a season of transition and as in all times of transition, it has also been a season of opportunity.

We said goodbye to the Goldsmith family this June. For the last two and a half years, this precious family has managed the El Comedor La Roca (the children’s kitchen). They taught classes, did the weekly purchasing for the kitchen, and oversaw the construction of the sports court. They always welcomed the children with open hearts and gave that special attention to the ones who needed it. Their parent events became quite popular, always ending with a game or a raffle. We thank our Lord for sending them to us at a strategic time in the development and establishment of the kitchen in the community.

Summer 2014

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Chris and Laura Goldsmith with Blake and Rena Cromwell

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As we contemplated the Goldsmith’s departure, we questioned whether or not we should look for replacements. As we prayed, our constant desire that the community would ultimately take on the kitchen as their own responsibility, once again came forward in our petitions to the Lord. Then, as one door was closing, another was opened! Just before the Goldsmiths left, we received word from SEDESOL, the agency that is the arm of the Mexican government in charge of carrying out the Mexican president's initiative against hunger. They had heard about El Comedor and its good reputation, including the good reputation of Lucha, our cook, who for a number of years, has been a trusted community leader in Cañon Buena Vista. They told us that they would like to commit to us for one year, coming along side of what we already were doing, expand our volunteer base, add another day and more hours to the kitchen. The also

promised to provide equipment, training and food!

The increased attention from the government has led to increased attention from the community. Our volunteer base is now larger then ever before and the community is taking more ownership. It is clear that El Comedor is increasingly seen as a community asset. And even as the government has begun its food deliveries, the number of meals that are now being provided have increased 500% from 250 to 1200 a week!  People are even coming from over the hill from another poor community.

It is as if El Comedor has suddenly shifted gears. What has been planted over the last few years, is suddenly yielding an unexpected and beautiful harvest. Scripture tells us that the challenge with the harvest is always bringing it in. And we are seeing this to be the case at El Comedor. More mouths to feed means more gas used to cook, more water to drink and wash with, more water for the bathrooms, more electricity, more fresh produce and fruit, more cleaning supplies and toilet paper.  In other words, even with the government providing all the dry commodities of oil, sugar, corn flour, canned meat, dried meat, dried beans, etc. our expenses have increased considerably.

What a blessing it has been to feed so many more. We wish you could see the toddler who stands up in his chair and laughs in anticipation of the food being served or the kids that walk for over 30 minutes to receive a meal. At the encouragement of the government, we have begun asking for 5 pesos ($0.40 US) from the children and 10 pesos from the adults and if they don't have any money, to bring something to help with the meal such as a bag of tomatoes or onions and if they have nothing to bring, to pick up a broom and help clean at the end of the day. The message is that this is a community kitchen and with everyone's help, everyone can be blessed. Yet, we turn no one away.  

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The increased attention from the government has led to increased attention from the community.

the number of meals being provided have increased 500%

The Mexican navy sent Cooks to teach our team the correct way to handle, cook and serve food

Needless to say, we need your help more than ever before. Our prayer and plea is that everyone that reads this does something to help, no matter how small.  Every donation matters and is invested into feeding this community. Thank you for your support and love for Mexico and for Cañon Buena Vista!

In His Love,Blake and Rena Cromwell

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Above: Cooks are now preparing 26 pounds of tortillas each day. Right: Two of our awesome volunteers standing in front

of government supplied food.

Make checks out to:

Helping Hands of Mexico

602 Avocet WayArroyo Grande,

CA 93420

Give online athhofmexico.org