Operation Amigo

Over fourteen years ago Al & Mirriam Carruthers traveled to Juarez, Mexico and witnessed the needs of ordinary people. They began by helping build a washroom for a needy family. The smiles of beautiful people in need opened the doors to Al & Mirriam's heart to help. They along with some good friends started to travel about three times a year to help people.

In the past fourteen years, literally hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life have taken the two day drive (40hours) and then worked for the next 12 days to build a building each trip. Many people support, sponsor and send materials to help the building team. Operation Amigo Building Society has built many homes, churches, dorms and a complete school. Other projects include building and equipping part of an orphanage as well as Women's Rehab and men's rehab living in centers.

In the last five years Kilometer 27 has seen the funding and construction of Bethesda Village which includes a church, ten homes, a doctors clinic and a school with classrooms for Kindergarten to Grade six.. This 2004 for fall season has 202 K - 6 students registered.

The second property a few blocks over is being developed with classrooms for grade seven and eight. A gymnasium, and a long -term staff residence where mission staff people can stay when helping with the school.

Operation Amigo currently funds a school staff of fifteen Mexican teachers. Forty-four students have enrolled for grade seven and 22 are waiting to get in. Fall 2004 also has registered 31 in grade eight.

Operation Amigo also is teaching trades and will expand in these areas to help equip our
Mexican friends for providing opportunities to make a living.

Operation Amigo has a mission to come alongside our Mexican friends and assist them in carrying out the ministry the is on their hearts