They celebrated the grand entrance into the city with palm branches and loud praises for the Son of God. At the same time there were soldiers in the streets armed with weapons, wearing helmets and shields, prepared for battle. The holiest week in Jerusalem history and the people were divided.
We drove through crowded streets with many vendors, visitors and people celebrating the holy days. And just like that first holy week, soldiers stood guard in the streets, armed and ready for battle. This was not Jerusalem, it was Nuevo Progreso, Mexico!
Two times we were stopped on our way to our church by groups of soldiers. Two times we were questioned before they motioned for us to proceed, and the second time the soldiers and their huge green truck were stationed at the entrance to the church.
This was Semana Santa - Holy Week in Mexico and all week there were celebrations and many tourists in Nuevo Progreso. The contrast was dramatic, Holy Week and soldiers in the streets like that week in Jerusalem when Roman soldiers tried to keep order in a large and violent crowd. The soldiers were polite, asking us where we were going and what was our business. Lloyd gave them gospel tracts in Spanish and we told them we thanked God for them.
No one seemed to know exactly why the soldiers were so prominent this holy week, but there were lots of rumors. Someone said the new president of Mexico wanted to provide protection for those wanting to celebrate the holidays. Someone else said a cartel gang member grabbed a pastor's van to use for a temporary job, returning the van a few days later. We may not know exactly why they stood guard around town, but we are thankful for their protection as we pray for their safety. And we are reminded that we live in uncertain and dangerous times.
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