The Hendersons are supported by the Mission and Justice Ministry area of Kansas East Conference through funds donated to the annual Round-up for Hunger.

The Center provides a window into the world of development as it relates to health and nutrition, appropriate technology, alternative methods of construction, sustainable agriculture, small-scale livestock projects, as well as church and faith development.

The Learning and Livestock Center is a place where villagers, students and visitors can gain experience and learn new skills related to the needs of rural Mexico. National and international volunteers and teams learn about development issues and global awareness while offering their talents and abilities in support of this integrated development program.

1997: IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

Looking back over the year, 1997, we realize once again that God's grace is a wonderful gift for all seasons of the year.

The Advent and Christmas seasons were very much part of our lives during the last 3 months of 1997, being one of GYTTE's program areas is that Of Church and Faith Development. The Advent materials we produced were distributed to the 93 churches in this, the Southeast Annual Conference, and offered to the other two conferences in Central Mexico. This past summer our Vacation Bible School curriculum was well received as well. It is a privilege to participate with the Mexican churches by providing study guides, worship tools and educational resources.

Courses for training village women as volunteer health workers continue on schedule. This program area that provides training in Community and Family Health goes by the name of "MORE THAN A BANDAGE." In August, 12 women experienced their first of three one-week long training courses. And in December the first group of women who started this three-part process in 1996 graduated as community-based health workers. What a blessing they are and will continue to be in their village communities, where medical care is rarely available.

This year the Livestock Development Program brought hope to marginalized families in 20 villages. "PUEBLO PARTNERS" as we call the program, gives people the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in ecologically sound livestock management practices as well as receive a quality animal, such as a milk goat, pig, hair sheep or calf. These livestock projects better the family income and diet, and allow them the privilege of helping their neighbor by passing on one of their animal's offspring and teaching about its care. Through the sharing of livestock and knowledge ""Pueblo Partners" is truly a "neighbor to neighbor" program.

The Agricultural Development and Community Development Programs are closely related and have continued with short courses and workshops throughout the year. Some of the subjects covered are: Medicinal plants, hillside terracing, composting, pumping systems, solar cookers, dry composting latrines, straw bale and adobe construction. Village men, women and youth come to learn through participation. Agricultural Schools bring their students for workshops and hands-on activities. Development agencies bring village leaders and extension workers for training. Universities bring their students for experience and exposure to Mexican rural reality.

The AWARE Program is making the dream of a Learning Center a reality. This segment of the GYTTE program gives volunteers and teams a hands-on experience while they learn about Mexico and rural development. Six work-study teams from Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Tennessee came to serve in 1997, advancing the construction of the Learning Center. Individual volunteers came from the USA, England and Mexico. The major work projects included the straw bale house and 2 dorm units. We are grateful for the investment of time, hard work and funds which has made this construction possible.

The various activities mentioned above touched the lives of approximately 1,500 families in 1997. Your financial gifts helped to make that possible! We thank God for your commitment to this outreach ministry.