In the early 1980's, Bobby and Dot Chance got involved ministering in Tijuana, Mexico after meeting Pastor Martha Velarde. At the time her father, Jesus Velarde, pastored Iglesia Beautista Church in a poor area of Tijuana.

We were told the school had come to the Velarde's and asked them if they could help feed the children because at school many of them were fainting from hunger. The children that had eaten only had coffee and maybe a tortilla for breakfast. Martha also spoke of hundreds of children who were on their own, abandoned and living at the garbage dump, scavenging for food daily. There was no way the Chances could turn away from such a cry for help.

Bobby and Dot began going to Tijuana and helping with a feeding program, ministering at the church and going to the dump to bless the children. At times, Bobby and Dot and their three daughters took special shampoo for lice and washed the kids hair who lived at the dump.

Streetwise Ministry launched an annual "Happy Birthday Jesus Party" in Tijuana that began with bringing a few toys to the children, singing some songs and sharing Jesus. Over the years, the "Happy Birthday Jesus Party" has exploded.

Hundreds of children are bused to the church from the neighboring barrios and are provided with new toys, hot dogs, face painting, a bounce house and lots of joy. Streetwise Ministry, with the help of faithful friends and generous ministry partners, provide over 1,000 new toys each year and take hundreds of toys, a hot dog party and singing to the kids at the garbage dump.

A few years ago, Iglesia Beautista Church became too small as a move of God swept through and people had to sit outside to hear the Word of God being preached. Streetwise Ministry gathered friends and professional builders and in one weekend built onto the existing structure, doubling the size of the church.

Several years ago, Pastor Velarde went home to his reward with Jesus. In his dying breaths, he gathered his family to him at his bedside and declared to them, "Jesus is coming soon... get to work!" We are thankful for the work of the Lord and the beautiful people in Tijuana, Mexico.




Dot Chance with Pastor Martha Velarde (left)


Bobby Chance with children in Mexico (right)