2006 Youth Mission Trip

This year the youth mission trip was to Tucson, Arizona, where the youth and adult leaders helped out the ministry of Humane Borders.  Humane Borders is a UCC-supported, faith-based organization responding to one of the great moral crises facing America today: the death of migrants crossing our southern border.  Over 1000 people have died in Arizona alone in the past five years.  In an effort to mitigate this humanitarian catastrophe, Humane Borders maintains water statins, distributes food and first-aid supplies, and assists migrants who need immediate medical attention.

One of the most important services Humane Borders provides is water stations in the desert.  The saguaro cactus in the foreground is endemic to the Sonora Desert. This specimen, with its "arms," is probably well over 100 years old.

Here's a closer view of some of the water tanks.

A rest stop gives some idea of the aridity of the area.  This spot in the mountains is comparatively lush and green.

Trucks and equipment have to be washed.

There was also time for tourism.  Here the group visits the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.