A group of families from southeastern Manitoba used their vacation time and funds to build houses for those in need in Ensenada Mexico.

Dylan Barkman is the Pastor at the Pansy Chapel. He says this is not the first time their church has sent a delegation to do work like this.

"This is my third time going out there but Dennis Friesen, a fellow from our church (missions director), this is his 11th year and we have been sending teams to build at least one house, this year it was four houses. This is something that we have gotten in the habit of doing and people are giving up their vacation money to go build a house in Mexico which is pretty neat."

Verna Martens says her family took part in a house building trip for the first time in early February this year and says it had a big impact on them.

"We were able to meet the family that we were building for, we were able to see where they used to live and meet some of their family, meet their pastor, we were able to go to their church for an evening, they made us lunch one day. It was really neat to see where they live and where they live and where they are coming from and compare that to how blessed we are living here."

Barkman says they work through an organization called El Refuge. He notes the materials are pre-purchased and the concrete foundation is laid before they arrive. He adds they then begin construction on Monday and are finished building the 16-foot by 20-foot house by Thursday.

"They do not only house building, they also run a home for girls who have been rescued out of neglect, abuse, or prostitution in Mexico and part of the win with going this year is you get to interact with these girls and show them what clean and healthy relationships actually look like so that was a big win this year as well."