Food and basic needs for the poor.

From Gabriel

This is Gabriel. I am excited to have the privilege to write this month’s report. Working for Wayne and Carol has taught me so much over the last year, and I would like to share with you some of my experiences that I’ve had. 

First I must say that Wayne is an amazing man of God, and I am so fortunate to be able to work alongside him. His dedication and heart for the people of Tijuana, has inspired and encouraged me to strive for more, and grow in my walk with God. Watching him serve has taught me to be selfless, committed, and joyous in the midst of struggles. I’m sure you know that we have been facing a lot of resistance with Mexican customs, and through it all, Wayne and Carol have trusted and known that God would provide a way for us to continue the mission, and He has. My faith has grown so much from seeing the miracles that He works every time we go to Tijuana. It is incredible. As a matter of fact, just last Friday, the 17th, we were told that we could no longer cross through the East Otay Border with donations. We would have to travel west to the San Ysidro crossing and then back east where we meet our partners. It seemed like another swing at us because of all the extra driving and traffic, but we managed to get the import fee back to 100 pesos again. Praise God! That’s a quarter of what we’ve been paying the last six months. And hopefully it will stay that way. Many people would have given up or gotten discouraged, maybe even felt like God wasn’t there. But not Wayne! He simply trusted that God had it under control. 

In January of 2015, I went to Mexico for the first time in my life to do ministry work with some guys (Wayne & Greg) I met through my buddies at church. They told me they go to Mexico to serve the poor, and asked if I wanted to go. I thought of all the hassles and dangers there could be, and what might happen to me and I didn’t really want to go. But when I got there I was greeted by some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Vicente and his family, the one’s you’ve heard so much about, were so kind. I immediately forgot about all my worries. We met some families in a neighborhood called Buenavista (good view), and we gave them a basketful of bread, fruits, and veggies. They were so thankful and happy. I felt like I was actually serving the Lord and doing His will. Then I got to Postal, the neighborhood where we pass out bread and fruit to about 200 people. I was blown away that all these people were lined up at 10 o’clock at night, waiting for a bag of bread. I had never seen such a thing. They were just waiting patiently, not fussing or getting angry. We gave everyone a bag and filled it, one after the other. It was amazing to see all these people with smiling faces. I was able to pray for some people that were waiting in line. One guy I remember very well. His name was Ricardo. I prayed for him that night and every Tuesday for a couple months afterwards.  

Some of the people there I have known now for a year and a half. A woman named Carolina, is there every Tuesday so she can take food home to her son, daughter and granddaughter. Her husband took his own life, due to hardships, so it is up to her to provide for her family. There are always lots of little kids waiting for some food. They love to play soccer, or get on my shoulders and have me spin them around until they get dizzy. I tell them to listen to their parents, and do well in school. Giving them a piece of chocolate, is like giving them an Xbox! They get so ecstatic. There are also many men who work hard for twelve hours, and get paid what we make in one hour, then they come to our outreach because they need the food to make it through the week. I shake their hand and humbly welcome them, because I can see in their eyes the hardships they live through. This ministry has changed so many peoples lives, including mine. I truly believe that we are getting a little closer to God every day, because of the miracles He works through Wayne and Carol. It comforts me that these people, all children of God, go to bed with a little more in their bellies because of what we get to do as the hands of Jesus.  

I pray in my heart that we are making a difference in these peoples’ lives. I pray that they know how much Yahweh loves them, and that He sent His son to die for us on that cross. I pray that their lives are transformed to proclaim the glory of God, and all His goodness.

Gabriel has been on staff with VOB for almost a year and was volunteering for several months before that. He assists Wayne daily with food pick ups and delivery to Mexico. He also runs the whole operation when Wayne is able to get away. We could not be more grateful or delighted with his amazing contribution to the VOB team. 

We have recently had some challenges with transporting the food across the U.S. Mexico border.  This report may be a bit longer than usual to give you an understanding of what is going on. 

To give you some background, we have to declare our loads with Mexican Customs (Aduanas), when crossing into Mexico. We have paperwork given to us by one of the orphanges we serve, that gives us the special permission to bring donated food.  On that paperwork, is a description of what we are carrying in our truck load. Up until recently, that was just a general idea of what the load consisted of (i.e. bags of bread, boxes of pastries or cooked food, etc.) 

Every so often the Aduana Administrator changes, where the old one moves on to another port, and a new one comes. We have always had challenging transitions with these changes, as our favor and rapport must be rebuilt each time. Often, some of the agents are still around between transitions, which helps. Right now, the latest change brought a very difficult new administrator. He is all about the money, and not really interested in those bringing in donations, without expecting to pay for it. For years now, we’ve paid anywhere from $10-$15  for a truck load of food, each time we cross. Normally, for things other than donations, fees are calculated at 16% of the value of what one is transporting across the border. 

Just over 3 weeks ago, we packed and loaded my partners truck like every other day, as we prepared to cross the border with a large load of food. On this particular night we had food supplements which had been donated at the last minute, and did not make it on our paperwork. Ordinarily, this would not be a real problem, and especially not with the favor we have had from crossing for so many years.  But upon arrival to customs, this new boss was walking around, and he ordered the agent checking our truck, to scrutinize what we had declared, compared to what was on the truck. And because the supplements were not listed, he seized our load, and impounded my partners truck. Our paperwork clearance was temporarily suspended.  And it has been a downhill battle ever since. 

The next time we attempted to cross, after learning that our paperwork was cleared again, we were informed that the Aduana’s office had stopped ALL donations from coming in until further notice. They decided to reorganize how they allow donations to be brought in. We had 2 loaded trucks that night. We knew as soon as we were returned to the US, that we needed to get that food into Mexico, as it was going to be a long time, before we would have an opportunity to get another load in. We drove both trucks one hour east, to another border crossing in Tecate California/Mexico.  This port is usually a bit more laid back, although very difficult to get to, with winding roads and mountain climbs. But it is easier to cross things through.  We were allowed to cross, but for a very hefty price. We were charged 16% of the perceived value of the food. (as I mentioned earlier) This handed us a $284.00 fee for 2 trucks.  We were grateful to get that load in. It has been the last one of that size. We would not be able to pay that much, as often as we normally cross. 

Meanwhile we still have food to collect 7 days a week, and we don’t want to lose those connections. So we have actively discovered places throughout San Diego, where we can deliver the food. This hasn’t been that easy, as these other places are not equipped for the masses of food we collect. Remember we recently told you that we move 20,000 pounds of food a week. Our hearts grieve for those no longer receiving the food.

On a positive note, we have had an amazing response from agencies on the south side of the border, who have stepped up to helps us get the food to those who need it. Though a number of organizations have rallied to help us get food across the border, we were still hitting a wall with getting help from the municipal social services of Tijuana (Dif). They are the only ones able to bring donations in from the U.S. as of now. However a great blessing occurred, when we recently acquired the Tijuana Chief of Police to champion for our team! She got the Dif to bring in MannaPack Rice (healthy meals, formulated with nutrition for malnourishment) that we normally bring in by the truck loads. She, the chief, believes that fighting hunger can lead to less crime. She has even come to our outreaches, along with her entourage of body guards, 2nd in command, and officers, to meet the people and help distribute the food. We anticipate greater favor to come. 

The latest is this: We still wait for the ban to be lifted. But have been permitted to bring limited loads of bread and pastries only for 5 times the normal fee. We have a press conference scheduled and the possibility of a march with hundreds of people making their opinions known about this injustice. The people of Tijuana are tired of being oppressed by their government. It is as difficult for them as it is for us to understand why people would be prevented from helping those in need! Thank you for your help and concern as well! 

“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Psalm 82:3