Read our latest letter from EOC Director, Scott Wester, regarding about safety in Mexico
In regard to the recent concerns about safety in Mexico, I wanted to share a few comments from some recent team's experiences. Although each team has a unique experience serving in Mexico, one common experience shared by all teams over the 45+ years with YUGO is a wonderful experience with the people, culture & safe travels while in Mexico.
We are your host on the ground in Mexico, and if there is anything we can do to assist you in your preparations, or responding to concerns or questions you may be receiving, please don't hesitate to let us know.
We understand & believe that God is ultimately in control and has a purpose in our lives, but we also appreciate your position as a leader with many parents & families who want to know we are being responsible and proactive. I can assure you that we are continuing to closely monitor the border area (which contrary to media reports has seen a dramatic drop off in crime for the 2009 year, 80% below 2008 level in Tijuana), as well as practice safe and responsible ministry outreach in the communities of Ensenada. We continue to hold a weekly leadership briefing and review the situation and our operations. We have done a risk assessment & communicate with other Baja area ministries in an effort to be responsible stewards in our service to the Lord's Kingdom. We will continue to be proactive, and should the situation change, we will immediately communicate with you.
While this has been a tough year so far in cancelations, the teams that have come have experienced tremendous fruit. (see the following testimonials from some March & April leaders)
"Our latest mission trip to the EOC proved to be as safe and enjoyable as all our previous missions. Our group did not see or experience anything which made us feel uneasy. We are currently planning our next youth mission to the EOC and just can't wait!"
Rich Gadreau
Adult & Youth Foreign Missions, St.Andrews United
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
“Making decisions regarding the safety and security of others, especially someone’s teenagers, needs to be a ministry priority and a matter of prayer and trust in the Lord. With the recent media reports in Canada, we ensured our team members and their parents were well informed, including a personal letter from YUGO director Scot Wester. In the end the decision lies with the participant and their family, but as team leaders we encouraged each of our other 22 team members to join us for an incredible spiritual adventure, trusting the Lord for his protection and provisions, which we had done so many times already during the months of preparation as a team. We would often remind the team “This is missions, it’s not a holiday, its missions” in an effort to prepare their minds and hearts to serve. Our experience was no different than our trip in 2005 in regards to border crossing and security. We had security in the back of our mind at all times, as we did in 2005, and never had any reason to be fearful for our safety. It was a wonderful opportunity to grow in our faith and trust in the Lord. We are grateful to the YUGO staff for their ongoing ministry in Ensenada and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Les and Cheryl Priebe
Youth Pastors, Greenfield Baptist Church
Edmonton, AB, Canada
“Making a choice to carry on with our mission trip to Ensenada was undeniably the most difficult decision our team made throughout the process of this trip. We did what we could to responsibly gather information, alleviate our concerns and fears and make an informed choice from this distance. We researched the web for facts relating to the travel advisory, talked to Scott, our "eyes on the ground" at camp and prayed. Ultimately, we chose to trust the God that was calling us. We realized that there is a danger in all that we do, we recognized that Satan was trying to maximize on our fear and we determined that the risk was not greater than the calling. We carried on and saw nothing at any time that caused us concern. We never felt in any danger and were so blessed throughout the trip. The enemy did not gain ground but God won the victory as people gathered to pray for our team and we stepped out of the boat in faith and obedience. If you feel God is calling you then trust Him and GO.”
Donna Redekop,
team leader, Unity Baptist Church
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
For further resources and responses to the concerns of violence in Mexico, click here
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