You have received updates during 2023 on the ministries and needs of the Jubilee Circles.
Heading into 2024, here’s a snapshot of our financial picture. Can you find yourself in it?
In 2022, $67,000 was transformed into Jubilee actions. We could hit $70,000 this year IF everyone helps JEM have a strong December. In many non-profits that would pay the executive director. But in our OneEarth Jubilee non-profit, that empowers multiple ministries in four locations—one in San Diego and three in Mexico. You see why your donation to Jubilee is a great decision?
Looking to 2024, all of these ministries continue to develop. None is faltering. Opportunities and necessities continually press upon us to add at least $10,000 in 2024, or 15% increase more for our multiple ministries. Getting 10 new donors would help a lot. Can you help us with that?
2023 has been full. Here are samples.
- Tapachula Called in 2022 to minister in Chiapas, Edman and Rosy moved to Tapachula from a settled life west of Mexico City and began new ministries. Immigration, serving small rural congregations, and teaching have been central to Edman’s work. Rosy has a job to help with family expenses and contributes to all of the ministries, especially immigration. In November, OneEarth Jubilee obtained a $2000 grant from United Religions Initiatives—$1333 for the immigration ministry of Edman and Rosy and $673 for Safe Harbors’ work in San Diego with young adults so they are not deported upon turning 18.
- Serving Older Adults—The San Mateo Jubilee Circle has begun monthly gatherings with older adults in the community. There are no other local services for them. They are led in exercises and reminisce on their life stories. This ministry adds to all the ones in the Dan Swanson Cultural Center. The Center got a brand new roof through a special donation from JEM’s network. Needed next: a new roof for the kitchen (estimate of $7000).
- First post-Covid trip from U.S. to Mexico—In April six of us from the U.S. sojourned for 8 days in San Cristobal and San Mateo—a joyous time of solidarity while exposing us to acute lack of finances, political powerlessness, deep faith and invincible commitments. Friendships grew quickly and existing ones felt the love, challenges, and strength of Mexican Circles. Would you go with us in April, 2024? Send us an email expressing your interest.
- A child is born—Lindsey and Isai Robledo in San Cristobal, Chiapas, completed two months of parental leave with baby Kotan following his August birth. Upon their return they collaborated with other organizations on the Corn Festival. Over 200 attended!
- Women continue to throw off oppression—Gloria Gonzales continues to facilitate women in San Cristobal. One of their successful strategies is to form savings groups. They’ve always thought of themselves as too poor to be able to save. A savings group is, in their own words, “transforming.” Now men are joining in too.
- Conferences—In a testimony to the capacities of the people in Jubilee Circles, Gloria Gonzales was called on to present at an assembly of women. Pedro Robledo was called on to present at a World Council of Churches gathering in Peru.
Economic change continues as your donations are redistributed.
Luke 1 tells how the Spirit came upon Mary and her soul magnified YHWH for the child in her womb. In her exhilaration, she goes on to say that “the lowly are lifted up and the rich are sent away empty.” These revolutionary words speak to the Jubilee economy democratizing the wealth of creation so that all have enough. In small, yet transforming ways, Jubilee Circles see Mary’s words come true as donations from the U.S. are redistributed to poorer people in their Mexico work. That’s how your donations do great work. We’d love to hear from you by year’s end. Thank you.
