One of the places where we minister is in a very poor
section of Juarez called Loma Blanca. Besides giving groceries to families in
need, we also teach catechism to the children of the area every Saturday. After
the kids have received their First Communion, however, it is very hard to keep
them interested in coming to the center. We wanted to be able to continue
teaching them about their faith and also provide a wholesome environment where
they could hang out. So one of our volunteer teachers, Mando, came up with the
idea to start a soccer team. It met with instant success and has changed the
situation completely.
section of Juarez called Loma Blanca. Besides giving groceries to families in
need, we also teach catechism to the children of the area every Saturday. After
the kids have received their First Communion, however, it is very hard to keep
them interested in coming to the center. We wanted to be able to continue
teaching them about their faith and also provide a wholesome environment where
they could hang out. So one of our volunteer teachers, Mando, came up with the
idea to start a soccer team. It met with instant success and has changed the
situation completely.
Starting with the older boys, Mando began coaching them,
teaching them how to play together as a team. He even got some uniforms donated
so they could feel like they truly were a team. One of the boys is named
Alonso. He is 14 years old and has been coming to the center for 4 years,
brought there by his mother each week. Sad and withdrawn, Alonso wouldn’t talk
to anybody. If asked a question directly, he would only nod or shake his head.
He used to stay in the back, hovering in the doorway. “I was having so much
trouble with him,” his mother confided. “He was starting to get involved with
the gangs.” But ever since he was invited to join the new soccer team, he is a
different person. He talks all the time now and wants to help out. “He used to
be in his own world, but now he feels he belongs. I’m so happy with the changes
in him.”
teaching them how to play together as a team. He even got some uniforms donated
so they could feel like they truly were a team. One of the boys is named
Alonso. He is 14 years old and has been coming to the center for 4 years,
brought there by his mother each week. Sad and withdrawn, Alonso wouldn’t talk
to anybody. If asked a question directly, he would only nod or shake his head.
He used to stay in the back, hovering in the doorway. “I was having so much
trouble with him,” his mother confided. “He was starting to get involved with
the gangs.” But ever since he was invited to join the new soccer team, he is a
different person. He talks all the time now and wants to help out. “He used to
be in his own world, but now he feels he belongs. I’m so happy with the changes
in him.”
Now the youth are excited about coming each week. Some even
come without their mothers bringing them.
They attend Mass and their classes in the morning, and then after lunch
head outside to play soccer. They are very well-behaved and attentive because
they know that if they act up in class, they won’t be able to play. That’s the
rule, and they are eager to comply. The younger kids are now asking for their
own team. “Hey, what about us?” they clamor. Our goal is to eventually form
enough teams so that we can have our own league.
come without their mothers bringing them.
They attend Mass and their classes in the morning, and then after lunch
head outside to play soccer. They are very well-behaved and attentive because
they know that if they act up in class, they won’t be able to play. That’s the
rule, and they are eager to comply. The younger kids are now asking for their
own team. “Hey, what about us?” they clamor. Our goal is to eventually form
enough teams so that we can have our own league.
We quickly saw that we needed to provide more food and
Gatorade for the children since they stay all day long now. They don’t leave
until it’s time for us to close up for the day. But we’re so happy to have them
around, knowing they are in a safe place and that they have a healthy outlet
for their pent-up energy.
Gatorade for the children since they stay all day long now. They don’t leave
until it’s time for us to close up for the day. But we’re so happy to have them
around, knowing they are in a safe place and that they have a healthy outlet
for their pent-up energy.