Mexico's largest orphanage in Guadalupe

TAPESTRIES OF LIFE, AN EXAMPLE OF HUMAN CARE

Morgan Smith

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Although the plight of children living on the border is shameful, an extraordinary program, Tapestries of Life is now building what will be the largest orphanage not only in Mexico but in all of Latin America. Located just outside the tiny town of Guadalupe Distrito Bravo east of Ciudad Juárez and across the border from Fabens, Texas, it is the dream of Padre Steve Brewer.

Brewer is originally from the Midwest but has been serving orphans in the Juárez area for over thirty years as well as taking missions to other Latin American countries. He lived in El Paso and would bring kids over from Juárez for special medical needs. He then started an orphanage in the Guadalupe area and moved to Fabens to be closer to his work.

From around the world

Eventually realizing that a bigger program was necessary, he decided to build a 55,000 square foot facility for 200 children. (He will be able to take up to 400 if necessary.). He has used volunteer workers who come for a week to “take a vacation with a purpose.” To date he has had volunteers from Canada, Mexico, Scotland, Germany, Holland, Russia, Spain, France, Costa Rica, Colombia and Africa as well as volunteers from every state except Montana.

Many bring resources common to their home areas. For example, when a Wisconsin farmer decided to cut down his oak trees, volunteers used that lumber to make bunk beds. Dutch volunteers built a dorm room for six children and decorated it as if it were Holland. A group of firefighters painted their room with a firefighting theme. Next door is a large cafeteria which will also contain a stage so that the kids can put on performances.

Supporting the work

Brewer is a genius at raising support for his project. The land was donated, McDonald’s donated $60,000 of playground equipment and Dell Tile provided 60,000 square feet of tile. He is also an inspiration to those who have worked with him. Polly Vaughn, Vice President of Pizza properties in El Paso went on one of his missions to the Dominican Republic.

Vaughn says, “the flood of Central American migrants to our border region coupled with the violence in Juárez has left many children unaccompanied and alone in the world. Pastor Steve has been called to right this wrong and change the lives of many for the better.” The DIF, Mexico’s social assistance agency has already asked him to take 600 kids, far more than he can manage. They believe that there are more than 7,000 needy kids in the Juárez area.

Although the main dormitory is 95 per cent finished, the cafeteria still has major needs and, in all, at least another $1 million needs to be raised. You can donate by internet. So in addition to providing care for hundreds of needy children, Brewer will also be setting an example of humane care that both countries ought to be following.

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