Magdalena

The Plazita (little plaza), a short walk from Carnísimo, typically is bustling with shoppers, tourists taking in the history of our “Pueblo Magico” (magic town), and locals seated on the park benches chatting with friends and passing time. As it is in other parts of the world, Magdalena too has nearly halted all “unnecessary” activity. Streets are being disinfected, extra sanitation efforts are being made, mitigation efforts are in place and staples are distributed to those in need.

mitigation

Streets are sanitized

Gov't police exhort the public

Necessities are distributed

The Sonoran government has put in place “Phase 2” of the plan to mitigate the spread of COVID 19 in our area. Groceries/food/pharmacy needs, necessary medical appointments, travel to and from work, helping older, younger, & vulnerable people and banking needs are the only justifiable reasons why one should leave home. In addition, only one person per vehicle is allowed.

The businesses: CARNİSIMO, CARNİSIMO burgers, Rancho Agua viva

Carnísimo production has been reduced in response to a decline in sales of meat products. Sales of sliced and marinated beef to taco restaurants has dropped to 10% of normal levels. Beef sticks and beef jerky were the products upon which Carnísimo was founded, and production of these products has been halted completely. Obstacles in distribution, cost of production, and a decrease in sales due to COVID 19 led to the difficult decision to stop production of the meat snacks. Employees have been shifted within the company or to serve in other capacities of the mission. Production continues for meat products for Carnísimo Burgers and pizza toppings for pizzerias.

At Carnísimo Burgers, changes in employment and reduced hours of operation have also been implemented because of the decrease in customers dining out. Special promotions attract customers for the take out and delivery options.

Delicious Burgers!

Promotions

Take-out with positivity

Working conditions at Rancho Agua Viva have been affected minimally by the pandemic. RAV has bulls for sale, and mama cows are getting nourishment for the upcoming calving season. As the earlier months this year brought extra rain, RAV has the capacity to background heifers and calve out cows for neighboring ranchers that do not have sufficient resources.

Mature bulls for sale

God's beauty abounds

Admiring creation and the view

Interns and Expo 2020

Three summer interns have been hired and Expo 2020 is scheduled for the first weekend in August. As COVID is still in the forefront of the news, specifics of the summer programming at Casa Vida y Esperanza is on hold.

the gospel

At the heart of the mission of The Fatted Calf and the vision of the businesses lies the purpose to spread the gospel. As we collectively use our spiritual gifts to bring the message to unbelievers and encouragement to Christ-followers, God gives each of us opportunities to build relationships and establish the Church. During this time where fear and uncertainty has set in, very hard decisions are being made, and important conversations are happening, we are able to point to the Giver of true strength, stability, and the surety of the hope of Salvation. Please continue to pray for pliable hearts as the people we serve look for answers.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

— Romans 8:18

Carnisimo Burgers

In the beginning of March, business started to pick up as we were coming out of winter and it was warming up. The community was going out to eat more and we were excited to see our customers again … but then the threat of Corona virus hit and changes took place quickly.

Wearing facemasks & gloves

Delivery Service added

Dining area closed

In response to local and state authorities “Quédate en Casa” (stay at home) and the declaration of a “state of emergency”, many food establishments in Magdalena, including Carnísimo Burgers, have implemented extra cleaning precautions. Many have adjusted their services to carry-out or delivery service only. Carnísimo Burgers has closed the patio and indoor dining for the time being.

Carnísimo

Carnísimo is a meat supplier for restaurants in addition to selling meat snacks to convenience stores. Since customers are not going out to eat and the economy is uncertain for such “luxuries”, business in dine-in restaurants is slow due to the Corona Virus. Thus meat sales to these restaurants are down significantly. On a more positive note, the pizza toppings sales to local pizzerias are up. Carnísimo supplies salami to two pizza places in Magdalena.

Rancho Agua Viva

Work at the ranch in the mountains continues. Ranch employees have been busy building and fixing fence and updating the corral system. Also, the cattle have been rounded up for preg checking. Corona Virus has not impacted the ranching community health-wise yet, but area ranchers have a real concern with what is going to happen to the economy. It looks like it’s going to be a tough year financially, and many are wondering what will happen to the cattle market. With this in mind, there may be less people interested in buying bulls.

RAV bulls for sale

Rugged and ready

Round up

Our Missionary Community

As Mexico practices “Safe distancing”, businesses, schools, and churches are affected. Thanks to technology, schools are operating online and churches are finding creative ways to keep connected. Our church in Magdalena has a “WhatsApp” group in which messages are sent to our congregation with announcements, prayer requests and pre-recorded devotions and services.

We are blessed through the Word, fellowship, and singing at our mid-week activities and services on Sundays. As we are unable to gather during this time, we appreciate prayers to keep discouragement out.

Magdalena AC Church

Singing and Fellowship

Study in the Word

Please join our congregation in praying:

For believers, that instead of weakening and isolating ourselves at this time, that we can grow in our relationship with God, mature and unite in prayer asking God to use this crisis to reach more souls for the Kingdom.

We ask that God raise up a strong Church to faithfully face the difficulties of this day and prepare us to be an instrument to reach those who do not have the security and peace that is only found in Christ.

And, pray for the unconverted, that the insecurity of this time can create in them an awareness of their spiritual state and a strong desire to seek God.

We ask that God give us opportunities, the words, and the power of His Holy Spirit to lead unbelievers to the Truth of Christ.

We ask that God use this virus to ignite a spiritual rebirth world-wide.

“ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4: 6-7

April: Community, Business, Plans affected by COVID