Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC, Cooperative Baptist Church

Why Mexico?

    One of the adverse results of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is the growth of the maquiladora industry on the Texas/Mexico border. This industry utilizes cheap Mexican labor for duty-free assembly, manufacturing and services. Over the last decade there has been an enormous migration of the poorest of Latin America’s population to this border area. The jobs, infrastructure and social organizations on both sides of the border were and remain unprepared for this influx. The regrettable result is a number of social issues that impact the region.

    Having exhausted all their means to make the move to these areas, called colonias, most people are forced to stay. Many of these unfortunate souls have been allowed to “squat” around garbage dumps, scratching out a meager subsistence from the refuse their poor neighbors throw out. They have built…houses is too extravagant a word…”dwellings” out of cardboard, scrap wood, car hoods…anything they can find. Clean, safe drinking water is virtually nonexistent. Most homes have no heat or electricity. School is accessible for those who can afford it. The average daily wage is about $10.

    Having witnessed the devastation to human decency this environment imposes on these residents, several organizations have begun to bring light into the dark. Winter Park Baptist Church has joined the effort to provide not only decent living conditions for our amigos, but also to share God’s love and grace with them in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Why do we go all the way to Mexico?
The reason we go is to build a house for an economically disadvantaged family. Our true mission is to build Christian relationships with the local folks and spread the word of Jesus to the unsaved.
What is a typical day like?
Early to rise, off to the construction site to work on building a simple 12 x 24 cement block structure that a family will call home. During the day we may attend church services, eat lunch and/or dinner with the locals, travel to local sites, praise and worship with one another, mingle with the staff of the local church, etc.
What type of work do we do?
There are many different tasks which any of us may do during a typical day on site. We may lay cement block, mix concrete, bend re-bar, entertain children, supply drinks for workers, cook, clean, minister, laugh, smile, grow, and have a wonderful time. No skill level is too limited or too advanced to be useful on site for the variety of tasks that are needed to be done.
How much money will I need to pay for my trip?
First time team members pay at least half of the costs. Winter Park Baptist Church covers the balance of the expense for church members. All costs are covered with the exception of personal purchases you may make during your stay or while traveling between NC and Mexico. All meals purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the participant. Repeat team members are expected to pay full price, approximately $1,000.
What are the accommodations?
Typically, we have stayed in dormitory style setting with separate rooms for men and women, bathroom and kitchen areas, common area for dining, praise and worship time. There is no air conditioning, but fans and open windows usually suffice for a level of comfort tolerable by most. Sleeping is on air mattresses or cots.
What is the weather like?
The two trips we take can have somewhat different weather conditions. June and July may be extremely hot and humid with temps in the 90 - 100+ degree range. There is usually a breeze and trees for shade. Air conditioning is rare except for commercial establishments visited during non-work hours. October tends to be cooler. We have experienced 80 - 95+ degrees and dry while other groups have reported 40 -50+ degrees with rain. The weather has been mostly comfortable and dry on the occasions we have visited in the past. Look beyond the weather and see yourself helping in the Lord's work.
Who is eligible to go?
Any WPBC member is eligible and may be subsidized by the church. Non-members may be eligible to attend without church subsidy. Minimum age requirements: Rising junior in High School.