Juarez Reunion Party - September 2007

Juarez Reunion, September 9, 2007

All at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC) Juarez reunion had a great time on September 9. After church, at the home of the family of Noreen and Jim Carruthers in Atherton, approximately 150 people gathered for lunch and fellowship. Three members of the Missions Ministries Juarez team were in attendance as the guests of honor.

People who had been to Juarez were invited to attend, as well as those interested in going or learning more about Juarez. There were tables set up to get more information on future trips, other mission opportunities, Juarez Children’s Education Program (JCEP), and a Juarez-specific medical mission table. The kids also set up a replica of a Juarez house on the lawn using rope to outline the footprint of a typical 12x36 house.

One unexpected surprise was Dennis, who organized the first trip to Juarez for MPPC. He had been to Juarez with Cherry Hills Church in Colorado. When he moved to Menlo Park, he suggested the trip.

After a great lunch of burgers, dogs, salads and desserts, the guests of honor were introduced: Jeff & Jennifer Pinar and Jesus “the bus driver”, from Juarez. Maybe the highlight of the afternoon was Jesus signing a song, in English, a capello, for the entire crowd. Massive applause ensued. Then Jeff told some of his stories of Juarez. Jeff has a gift for illustrating the poverty and need in Juarez, but always shows us how God can use each of us to overcome it. As usual, Jeff was truly inspiring.

It only lasted two hours, but the Juarez Reunion planted seeds that should bear fruit for years. In fact, many folks signed up for future trips.

Special thanks to the Juarez committee for putting on the event: Joni Cropper, Andrew Doolittle, Kim Blomdal, Bennie Ingraham, Bruce & Sharon Maule, John Blaha, Erik Davenport, John Arledge, Bill Brown. Thanks to the Carruthers for the use of their home. Thanks to Dana Anderson and David Cropper for grilling. Pat Kline and Bill Elmore for helping set up and running lunch. Hardwin Meade for manning the medical table with Erik. Thanks to Susan Petterson for maning the JCEP table. Thanks to Sara Kline, Hanna Elmore, Sarah and Emily Blaha, Haley and Brian Cropper, Tyler Maule and the Carruthers kids for pitching in on the kids table and building the house.

Scott Kline