Greetings from Southern Exposure(SE). Many of you participated in the funeral mass several weeks ago celebrating the life and work of Deacon Mike Howard. Mike truly lived the Matthew 25 gospel “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” Mike was an inspiration to us all and he certainly “walked the talk”. We definitely want to continue the work Mike inspired and even increase our dedication to the work of Southern Exposure, the ministry which he founded.

Last year Southern Exposure solicited your help to keep the program going in light of the violence in Juarez. Your response was extremely humbling and gratifying; thank you so very much for your generosity. By raising more than $60,000, SE will be able to build at least twelve homes this year and provide continued employment to our Mexican brothers Manny, Chuy, Marce and Juan, who have served SE for many years. Unfortunately, SE feels as though it cannot encourage groups to travel to Juarez yet because the level of violence is still unpredictable and can change on a daily basis.

WE HAVE A PLAN 2. In the past, the goal of SE has been to provide homes for our neighbors and allow US citizens to immerse themselves briefly in the lives of our brothers and sisters south of the border. There is joy and fun in observing the simplicity of their lives. SE has a wonderful record of building over 274 homes in Juarez over the last 11 years. There is no greater joy than for “gringo build groups” to witness people accepting the keys to a new home. It is a very humbling experience. Through all of these builds, SE has always supported the local Juarez economy by purchasing building supplies from local providers and by employing several local workers.

SE would like nothing better than to start sending groups again to be with the people of Juarez. In the mean time, our Mexican brothers need continued work. SE is again asking for your help. With another $60,000 investment, we can build 12 more homes in 2012. This will cover approximately 50% of the yearly wages for our local crew of Manny, Chuy, Marce and Juan. They/we will continue to seek other funding sources/projects for the remainder of the balance. Whether it is the cost of a door, foundation, roof joists or a single block, any amount will help meet the SE goal. You should also know that plans are in place to have Juan live at Casa de Esperanza to monitor the premises and that Yolanda will clean the house at least once per month.

Thank you for all that you've done in the past and will do in the future to support Southern Exposure. May God bless you and your family always.

Sincerely,

Southern Exposure Immersions, Inc Board:

Pat Vachon, Steve Saul, Barbara Fox, Diann Kissell, Fred Kissell, Matt Lanning, Joe Ledesma, Bob Parker, Matt Stone, Pat Sliemers

Please send any donations to:
Southern Exposure Immersions, Inc.
PO Box 1235
Westminster, CO 80036-1235

720.839.0047

southernexposurebuilds.com