Due to the rising and persistent violence in the border provinces of Mexico, Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries has suspended mission work group travel into Mexico indefinitely.

SWGSM will continue to monitor the situation to determine if its Mexico-based mission programs can continue at a later date.

Conflict between drug cartels and government forces in the Matamoros area continues to create a dangerous environment. The SWGSM Casita Program had operated in the Matamoros area for many years without incident.

Now more than ever, the continued support of volunteers is needed to further the work of SWGSM in the Rio Grande Valley. Tuition, clothing and food donations still cross the border through appropriate safe means to Casa Bethel orphanage in Matamoros, and SWSGM is proud to support the Bible College in Monterey through difficult economic circumstances.

SWGSM has started a new mission assistance program on the U.S. side of the border called The Jericho Road. The Texas side of the Rio Grande Valley still holds many unmet needs, as families need rebuilding and renovating projects completed in their homes.

Work groups already have begun this assistance, and more are necessary. The faithful service of volunteers remains central to SWGSM’s refugee and cross-border ministries.