For more than 20 years, the West Ohio Conference has partnered with the Manos Juntas medical clinic in Rio Bravo, Mexico. In the early years, the medical clinic was only open when American teams came to Rio Bravo. Today, the clinic is self-sustaining, with 8 Mexican employees, providing medical, dental, pharmacy, and mental health care for a small fee.

Out of the partnership with West Ohio, another ministry was born – Esperanza Viva (‘House of Hope’) children’s home, which opened in 2018. The House of Hope can host up to 22 children in a loving, safe environment, where they can learn, play, and be cared for in Jesus’ name.

Manos Juntas continues to start new ministries to care for their community, including a day care center, an elementary school in a rural colonia, a thrift store, a sewing ministry, an after-school program, and a cafe with a swimming pool and event space. For more information on how you can become involved in West Ohio's partnership with Mexico, email mgrace@wocumc.org.