Earlier this winter Josh and I visited the small village of Chan Chen. It is located in the jungles of the Mexican Yucatan in the “Mayan Zone”. We did a simple Google search for mission work in the area we were visiting. The search put us in touch with Doug Millar an American pastor who has been working in the Yucatan for the past 14 years. Doug’s group is working with the people of Chan Chen to come up with sustainable income opportunities for the villagers. Many men have to move to the cities, leaving behind their families, in search of income. Currently they are working on a small “hotel” to house tourists interested in the area, and assisting the local Mayans to market their honey to tourists. Both will create jobs that can make it possible for families to stay together. Doug and his wife, Darla along with others from their church, are also teaching ESL classes and bring 5 church services, both Spanish and English, to the Playa del Carmen area.
Doug was kind enough to take the time to give us a quick tour of the village introducing us to some of the people. We also met an up-and–coming rancher who is working hard to get a herd of cattle going on his small ranchero. I had about two hours to shoot… not nearly enough, of course! Below is a synopsis in photos…
links to Doug's church and mission group...
