FOREIGN MISSION OUTREACH
The Story of Colonia Cumbres
In Christmas of 1999, Our Lady of Refuge began taking
Christmas Giving Tree gifts to a new community in Tijuana, to the people
of Colonia Cumbres. Over
the years, Lomas Taurinas
worked hard until it had paved roads, utilities and its own church.
In contrast, Cumbres,
however, is like a step back
in time. It is a fairly new,
and in many ways resembles Lomas Taurinas as it was sixteen years
ago—poor, no church, dirt
roads, few amenities, etc.
Cumbres is south of Tijuana—near Rosarita Beach.
It is isolated from the main roads—situated on barren hills and
sand dunes.
The photo at right shows children of Colonia Cumbres having
an outdoor religious education class. At the time this photo was taken,
the "great outdoors" was the only space available for
instructions. Note how barren the hillsides are.
During
the year 2000, the people of Cumbres managed to save money for land—land
for their hoped-for church.
They were again assisted by donations from the
people of Our Lady
of Refuge in Long Beach.
The photo at left shows the new church constructed by the people of the
community—largely from old garage doors.
Although it began with only a dirt floor, the church protects the people from
rain.
It is also used as a religious education building, and site for community
gatherings.
A priest from a nearby parish comes on Sundays to celebrate Mass.
The
photo at right shows the interior of the Cumbres church, decorated for
Christmas. In addition to the Christmas decorations, note the dirt
floor and makeshift benches which were used at the time the photo was
taken.
To continue the story, click on the
link below:
[Bond
between the People of Tijuana and the People of Our Lady of Refuge]
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
