Manos Extendidas
P.O. Box 1060
Pharr, TX 78577-1620
(956) 682-5096

 

 

Manos Extendidas is a religious non-profit corporation incorporated in the State of Texas February 22, 2000. Manos Extendidas has 501(c)3 tax-exempt status with IRS. This report includes information through early 2005. It is the culmination of five years of operation in Texas and Mexico.

Manos Extendidas operates to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through provision to children and needy families. This goal is accomplished by the collection and distribution free of charge of donated food, clothing, furniture, appliances and other household goods to the poor who live primarily in the Pharr/San Juan/Alamo area. Bulk food, clothing and other items are also sent to ministries in Mexico, including churches, evangelists and children¡¦s homes. Another part of this goal in years past has been accomplished by offering promotional tours to people in RV Parks to visit several children¡¦s homes in the Reynosa area in hopes that this will promote relationships between them and bring aid to poor children in northern Mexico. The group tours have become a minor part of the ministry as the work on the Texas side of the border has grown.

In five years, God has abundantly blessed this ministry. All the glory goes to Him! In the first four years, the cash resources were very limited and the assets increased primarily through in-kind donations. Those donations have included land and a small building currently in use. All other donations given to Manos Extendidas are used solely for the work.

Not one dollar is spent for salaries or benefits for directors. The founders of the organization donate their full time work as an offering to the Lord and others. They are assisted by local and seasonal volunteers. For the last three years a new building has been under construction, being built primarily through donations of labor and materials. We are thankful to report at this time the ministry is debt-free.

The vision for the new building is a center of operations. It will house the ministry office, warehouse for used items, vehicles and equipment, kitchen, bathrooms, a chapel, Sunday school room and volunteer center for senior citizens.

Manos Extendidas service accomplishments include:

* Collection of furniture, appliances, clothing, food and household items and distribution of the same during the year 2004 to 202 poor families including 508 children and 387 adults, many of which were helped several times during the year. That number nearly doubles to close to 400 families on record as receiving help in the last three years.
* One on one evangelism that has resulted in salvation of souls for eternity and discipleship to help them in their walk with Jesus.
* Home visits to referred families in colonias to assess needs, witness the gospel, give donated items and form relationships with families in need.
* Networking with other ministries to provide for distribution of resources both in Texas and Mexico.
* Travel to Arkansas and Missouri to bring quality used clothing and food for both sides of the border.
* Providing transportation to church and missions groups on both sides of the border.
* Visitation and witness to over 100 RV parks resulting in 80 group visits to 3 children¡¦s homes bringing more than 600 Winter Visitors in contact with needy children. This has provided opportunities for volunteerism.