Story of Compassion
THREADS OF COMPASSION WHERE THERE’S NO SHRED OF HOPE BY AN N A (W I L L I F OR D) DER BY SHI R E ‘90 WHEN WEST TEXAS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, Dr. David Downs, and his wife, Susan, first visited the refugee community of Cactus, Texas, they immediately saw the need for a Nazarene compassionate-ministry work there. On the seven-hour drive home, they providentially received a call from a layman in Ohio, where David had previously served as district superintendent. He asked if there was a ministry need in Texas to which he could specifically contribute. On that day, Cactus Ministry Center received its initial funding. Today, it houses three Nazarene congregations, a faith-based Department-of-Justice-credentialed immigration center, a dynamic after-school program, an accredited ESL course, and a GED program. Four years ago, they added The Well Health Center, the only medical clinic in Cactus. Dr. Downs explains that “West Texas is one of the destination points for immigrants and refugees.” Diversity of refugees and immigrants is especially evident in Cactus, with a population of 3500 representing over twenty nations, and almost 50% non-English speaking.
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SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
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