The Rev. Gene Raymer and several members of The Little Chapel by the Lake traveled to the village of San Juan Tecomatlan on May 6 to distribute 20 life jackets to 17 fishermen and three fisherwomen. Missionary Dr. Daniel Boatright was the interpreter for the donation ceremony, which took place in the town plaza.
The village has been the main mission of The Little Chapel for over 25 years. Once a month beans, rice and household necessities are distributed to the poorest of the village’s poor, along with clothing and other items from “The Blue Box” donation container in the church parking area.
Members of the congregation raised the money to purchase the vests when they learned that many who earn a living fishing cannot swim and cannot afford to buy the life preservers. Even those who have acquired a jacket experience another problem; they are usable for just a few years. Due to this need, several heads of village families have drowned while fishing.During the presentation ceremony Raymer said, “We want no more tears shed over the unnecessary loss of a loved one.” Others from the church assisting in the distribution of the jackets were Serena Raymer, Bob Nipper, Chrissy Herd, Frances Cintaur, Darrell Borman, Connie Davis, and Fernley and Joannie Smith
Owning the jackets also help meet the requirements of Mexican law which states that a life jacket for each person on board must be in the boat at all times.
With other lakeside communities sharing these basic needs, the congregation of The Little Chapel hopes other expat groups will join their efforts to help.