From the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry: Call for Aid
Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
-Nehemiah 8:10
This is the first full year that the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry is being administered by The Iglesia de La Sagrada Familia. Founded in 1978, the Ministry has seen many changes and periods of difficulty, but it has always succeeded in serving others because of the love and generosity of those who support its work. This year the need is particularly acute, because regulatory changes and economic headwinds have affected H-2A workers and the families who depend on them. The federal government has lowered the average H-2A worker’s wages from $16.50 per hour to $11.00 per hour. Coupled with the depreciation of the value of the U.S. dollar vis-à-vis the Mexican peso, this means that the Mexican workers have suffered a cut in pay in peso terms of up to 50%. Thus, while they could historically feed themselves and also send money home, they must now often choose between eating and sending money to their families.
The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry has always helped feed the community, and this year we are filling in the gap by feeding those who feed us. As always, we will be inviting our friends and partners in ministry to help. We will reach out to deaneries and parishes to collect non-perishable food items such as rice, dried beans, corn oil, and Maseca. We have also created an Amazon list to assist folks who want to help right away.
Food
Clothing
In addition, we are working on our own community gardens to grow and provide more fresh produce on the land we steward.
As always, we continue to serve the community by providing clothing, traditional mental health support, and creative outlets in the forms of music, art, and drama classes for youngsters of all ages. We offer ESL classes, immigration services, support of expectant mothers, economic development projects, and most importantly, a community where folks can live out their faith in worship and action. We welcome people who wish to make individual donations or become monthly sustainers here. https://www.efwm.org/giving-page-3
Our Parish administers the beloved Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, and we rejoice in being part of the Diocese of East Carolina that encourages and makes our work possible.
We thank you in advance for your support.