Welcome to Rio Bravo

ICCD’s Rio Bravo residential school for the deaf lies about 25 miles south of the Texas/Tamaulipas, Mexico border. Mexico, Centros Cristianos para Sordomudos (MCCS) began in 1997 for the purpose of reaching the deaf in northeastern Mexico with the gospel of Christ. God, in His great faithfulness, has protected us and provided for us in numerous ways. One tremendous provision is Pastor José Efraín Escorza, our Campus Coordinator,  and his capable staff of Mexican teachers, house-parents, and maintenance personnel.

Work Teams and Construction
With the invaluable help of work team volunteers, we broke ground in March 1998 and have seen steady progress in construction since then. Already completed are the children’s dormitory/classrooms, a work team volunteer’s dormitory, a kitchen/dining room, and a house for resident staff. Two other buildings are under construction. Some buildings will be used for other purposes as construction progresses. (Want to see more photos of the progress?)

We praise God for the many work team volunteers who give of their time, talents, and finances to help us reach the deaf. From the skilled electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to the unskilled, but oh so, willing senior citizens and children, everyone plays an important role. We thank God for working not only through these volunteers, but also in them, drawing them closer to Him – even bringing some to salvation during their time with us! What a blessing. We have received many positive comments about our Prayer Chairs – the only comfortable chairs on the work site. Volunteers rest in the shade and wrestle in prayer for everyone on campus, the needs of the day, and the deaf still waiting to hear of God’s love for them. In 15 minute increments, work team members cover the campus in prayer from 7am to 6pm each day.  (Want to see photos of work teams in action?)

Students and Education
To reach the deaf, we must begin by giving them a language, a means of communication. So on February 3, 1997, ICCD’s Mexican teacher opened school for three deaf children in a borrowed classroom. Enrollment increased, and in August 2001, we moved classes to our campus. In March 2007 we were thrilled to welcome our first residential students. Now that we can accommodate residential students, we are able to share Christ with children who live hours away from our campus. At capacity, we will be able to reach 150 children. We thank God for the capable, godly Mexican teachers He has provided. We thank Him also for the sponsors He has provided whose financial gifts enable children to attend our schools and whose prayers impact the children’s todays, tomorrows and eternity. (Want to see more pictures?)
 
Beyond Rio Bravo
The Rio Bravo campus will also serve as a hub for Church Schools in northeastern Mexico. We plan to open a teacher training center where we can equip teachers throughout Mexico to reach the deaf for Christ through Church Schools. Each year, these teachers can return to Rio Bravo for encouragement, further training and another year’s curriculum. During the summer holidays, we will hold camps for deaf children and adults, allowing them to fellowship with other Christians and to grow in their walk with Christ. Please join us in praising God for the exciting ministry He is preparing in Rio Bravo. Will you pray for us as we embark on His journey?