Fatted Calf News
The annual Proclaim and Serve Conference, hosted by Apostolic Christian Harvest Call, will be held virtually this Friday, July 10 at 6:00-9:00pm CDT.
The Fatted Calf's mission in Magdalena will be briefly highlighted during the Mexico segment at 8:15pm CDT (9:15 EDT). It is free to watch by registering at www.proclaimandserve.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
