Sercade
Sercade-Mexico, a Franciscan Capuchin service organization reached out to TASH with what they imagined would require a miracle. Could we support them to build their own medical dispensary on-site in Chalcatongo? Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of you all, the Board of Directors approved 100% of their request that would cover 40% of the total project cost. Sercade then set out to secure the difference with local and international donations.
As TASH’s Director, on-the-ground in Oaxaca, I had played witness to this type of additional help before, with TASH willing to go the extra mile to meet emergent and extraordinary needs. And I can tell you that after traveling seven hours on rain-affected curvy and bumpy roads, going the extra mile is saying something! However, it valió la pena y mucho (was worth every bit of effort). Sercade serves 40 rural villages in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. They operate health, education, and cultural programs where few people would go. They are led by an amazing young man, Friar Justino (pictured in the red jacket in the photos to the left), who has been in Chalcatongo for the past four years. He shared with me, “I should wear my brown robe, even to bed. But I just must run around and climb stairs, and my habit limits me from that standpoint.” Having known him for three-plus years, I can testify that he is a human Energizer Bunny.
On to the inauguration event, where they normally would have celebrated with more than 1,000 villagers who will benefit from this project. Sercade will be able to add eyecare and cardiology specialty projects to their general medical and dental practice.
Finally, I was blown away by the musical interpretation of a young girl who sang a popular Mixtecan song. Sercade has recognized the cultural identity of the people and how that can reinforce their ministry and service projects. I would conclude by recognizing Fr. Scott’s vision for seeing need beyond borders. It started and continues with La Clinica del Pueblo on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, but has extended into the villages in the Mixteca, Mixe, and Sierra Juarez regions of Mexico. It truly is Health and Humanity without Borders. With your support, we will continue to go the extra mile to carry out our mission, in service of our brothers and sisters.
We hope you will take a moment to enjoy the video slideshow below by photograph Roque Reyes of the inauguration day.
