HURRICANES AND DRUG WARS

Hurricanes, drug wars and political upheaval. Mexico has been battered lately, but miraculously Nuevo Progreso remains a haven of peace. Sitting directly on the US/Mexican border only five miles from where we live, the tourist town would be a natural place for drug gangs. Instead, Mexican Marines stand guard at the entrances of the city as they have for the past couple of years. And the city is now completely under their protection instead of the local police. It seems like God's hand has been on Nuevo Progreso.

Disastrous flooding from hurricanes last summer closed down all highways surrounding Nuevo Progreso, cutting the town off from the rest of Mexico. Supplies could only be brought in from the United States across the international border. We learned that heavy machinery was brought in south of the city to dig canals that diverted water down river toward Matamoros. Although the flooding was severe, without the canals the water would have destroyed Nuevo Progreso. One more way that the city experienced protection.

But instead of the usual heavy tourist crowd, Nuevo Progreso's main street was almost deserted. Vendors lacked customers for their wares and stores were almost empty. This hurts the economy of this tourist based town. We walked past store after store that was closed. And the extreme heat and gusty winds made conditions even more uncomfortable. Will tourists regain their confidence and return to Nuevo Progreso? The livelihood of many families depends on their business

We made some initial plans with Pastor Gerardo for some new projects, praying together for guidance in this new atmosphere of change. One priority Lloyd suggested is to find ways to minister to the Mexican Marines who are stationed in Nuevo Progreso. These young men are Mexico's best and they are probably homesick and lonely. What a great opportunity we have to win them to the Lord.

So we ask you to continue praying with us for the people of Nuevo Progreso. Even though we hated to hear about the bad storms and all the trouble while we were gone, it seems like a battle has been won and now there is peace. And the door remains open wide for us to minister in this bright and interesting little town south of the border.