Michelle Peek
Workers for Mexico Mission - Matamoros, Mexico

12 Weems St
Brownsville, TX 78520
sign4dios@hotmail.com
956-346-7584

Forwarding Agent:
Michael and Ellen Peek
13456 Peppertree Ave. NW
Mogadore, OH 44260
330-699-3231

The Deaf ministry in Matamoros, Mexico began February 2003. Michelle Peek arrived at this time to begin a short-term internship to determine the future needs of such a ministry in this area. She assumed her stay was short and then a permanent team would replace her. However, God turned this internship into a full-time ministry. Michelle graduated in 2002 from Ozark Christian College with a degree in Christian Education with an emphasis in Deaf Ministry and a degree in Psychology. She is also currently working on her Master’s degree in Counseling. While having learned American Sign Language since age 12, training in Mexican Sign Language began in 2001.

Matamoros, Mexico is located on the eastern US/MX border near the Gulf of Mexico and Brownsville, Texas. Due to a variety of reasons (poor medical care, large population, etc.) Matamoros is home to large number of deaf children. It is estimated that within sixty miles of Matamoros there are approximately 2,000 deaf children.

Matamoros was previously home to a deaf orphanage that closed in 2001. Since then, no Christian work among the deaf was provided. When Michelle began in 2003, it was decided that the best way to reach these children would be to work with the whole family rather than relocating children from their homes to an orphanage.

The goal of the ministry is to teach communication through Mexican Sign Language (the native language of Mexican deaf) in order to allow deaf children to:
-communicate within their families and communities
-encourage healthy relationships with family members
-provide vocational training
-learn about God and His loving grace.

Unfortunately, most deaf children in the area are without any language ability and end up on the streets begging, selling drugs, or involved in prostitution. Public schools in the area do not teach sign language and teachers are not trained in working with hearing impairments. When visiting a school, it is easy to find the deaf children- just look behind a door or in the corner under a table.

In order to assist parents, Juana Maria de la Fuente began working in February 2004 as the ministry’s co-director. Juana is a Mexican national mother of six. Her oldest child Vanessa, now 14, is deaf. Juana and her family are fluent in Mexican Sign Language. Juana works primarily with parents providing sign language instruction and counseling. Vanessa is a teacher-in training, assisting Michelle teach the children.

The deaf ministry was formally named in May 2004 as it celebrated the Grand Opening of its headquarters in Matamoros. CON MIS MANOS-Centro de Ayuada para Ninos Sordos (The WITH MY HANDS Center for Deaf Children) houses the children’s education area, adult sign language/Bible study area, reading room, clothing pantry, and vocational training room.

In addition to work done through the Con Mis Manos Center, Michelle, Juana and Vanessa also work the nearby town of Valle Hermoso, providing classes in two public schools as well as an evening sign language class for parents.

Future plans for Con Mis Manos include a deaf club for deaf teens and young adults. In addition, vocational training will be offered in hairdressing, sewing, weaving, and carpentry.

October 11- Michelle

Mail--allow 2 weeks for delivery
All correspondence can go directly to Michelle.
Any questions you have can go to the forwarding agent.
Any money you wish to donate should go to the forwarding agent.
Forwarding agents should be able to give ideas for care packages.