Christmas Newsletter 2020

2020 Holiday Updates In this Edition Program Updates Mission Greetings Program Directors share some of their highlights and challenges from Read a special note to supporters like this unprecedented year. you from Mission Director Leonel Tun. A Message of Thanks Holiday Wishes Hear from Executive Director Bill Staff at the Mission and Friends of San Peterson as he reflects on the impact Lucas wish you a blessed holiday sea- son and thank you for your support. of your support for the Mission.

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año From Mission Director Leonel Tun To all of our donors and supporters, My wish is that peace fills the homes of everyone who has donated to and prayed for the Mission during this year. You make God’s works of mercy possible. We have been blessed with health and life in 2020. As this year draws to a close, we are grateful for each and every act of generosity and solidarity that you have offered us. Thank you to everyone who came to visit us during the first couple months of the year. And to those who couldn’t be with us, thank you for your prayers and well-wishes. We especially thank you for your donations, which are particularly needed this year. Because of your generosity, we can support the people with the greatest need, offering them housing, healthcare, food, education, and prosperity. On behalf of the Mission’s 100+ staff members, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you. May the birth of Jesus bring blessings and love into your homes. We hope to see you again soon. José Leonel Tun Director San Lucas Mission

2020 Reflections from Mission Program Directors During this unprecedented year, Mission program leaders quickly adapted to restrictions and needs in the community. As 2020 draws to an end, Program Directors reflect on their year. Edy Morales, Juan Ana Coffee Program Director “In 2020, we exported more coffee than in previous years. We also improved our facilities by building an additional drying patio and remodeling four washing stations. Thank you for drinking Juan Ana!” Guicha Ajcibinac, Women’s Center Program Director “Due to the pandemic, we were not able to teach workshops to help women build skills. Instead, we offered meals to first responders in our community. We also provided women with seeds and information to help them grow their own food for their families in home gardens.” Julio Cesar Morales, Construction Program Director “Thanks to your generosity, we were able to build 14 block homes, 48 hybrid homes, 28 wood homes, 422 fuel-efficient stoves, and complete other projects. We implemented a safety plan that allowed us to continue to work carefully through the pandemic to help the people who needed it most.” Patricia Quiacain, Education Program Director (School Principal) “Despite Covid-19, we continued teaching our 650 students in 2020. We adapted to a distance learning model to ensure the health and safety of all of our teachers and students. Thank you for your support!” Emi Tun, Charity With Dignity Program Director “This year, the Charity Program was the hope for our community in the midst of the most difficult time we’ve faced in years. We prepared and distributed roughly 4,500 bags of food staples and basic needs items to families in need. We also provided financial support for renters who were out of work and at risk of losing their home.” Dr. Rafael Tun, Healthcare Program Director “This has been a difficult year with clinic staff working long hours and juggling many professional responsibilities. We prepared extensively for the arrival of the virus, and we have collaborated with governmental institutions and other healthcare programs to ensure the best possible response during this challenging time.” None of this would be possible without support from people like you. To make your life-changing donation, visit sanlucasmission.org

A Message from the Executive Director Some of you may remember the scene in Apollo 13 when the damaged space capsule is about to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Overhearing two NASA directors whispering about all the ways this could end in disaster, the Flight Director, played by Ed Harris says, with completely unjustifiable confidence, “With all due respect, sir, I believe this will be our finest hour.” And while I only aspire to his level of confidence, I can safely say, looking back over the year, that this has truly been, “our finest hour.” You have responded with unprecedented generosity, which has resulted in dependable salaries for Mission staff and essential, expanded services for the people of San Lucas. What I am most proud of is how quickly Mission leadership understood what they were facing and began adjusting their programs. One example is the Charity program, which began food distribution in May and, to date, almost 45% of the families in San Lucas and the surrounding communities have received food from the Mission. As we enter 2021, we will continue assessing programs and adjusting to the changing needs of the community. In the meantime, thank you for all you have done to help keep Mission employees safe and for supporting them as they continue to deliver life-changing services. May God continue to bless you and your families, as well as the people we are called to serve. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. Bill Peterson Executive Director Thank you for your generosity to the San Lucas Mission. Friends of San Lucas • 3459 Washington Drive, Ste. 207, Eagan, MN 55122 • 651-508-1848 • sanlucasmission.org