CODE RED IN REYNOSA

Entrance to the city of Nuevo Progreso, which is situated on the border between Mexico and the United States.  Nuevo Progreso is 25 miles from Reynosa.

This has been a dangerous week in the city of Reynosa. The killing of three major cartel leaders in Mexico caused gunfights to erupt. Buses, cars and trucks were hijacked and set on fire to block major roads. Code red was announced and stores and schools were shut down.

Pastor Gerardo's son Gerson attends university classes in Reynosa. Those classes were suspended and everyone was advised to stay indoors and off the streets. Gerson is now at home with his family in Nuevo Progreso waiting to hear when it is safe to return.

Today in Nuevo Progreso we watched military helicopters flying over our church on the east side of town. They are patrolling along the Rio Grande River, on guard in case fighting spreads closer to the border. At one time last week there were alerts in Nuevo Progreso and there weren't many people on the streets.

Mexican Marines patrolling the highways around our area.

There are no police in Reynosa, so the city is under military protection. Mexican Marines have stood guard for months at the entrance to Nuevo Progreso, fully armed and alert.  It seems strange to see the military so visible on the streets, but it makes us feel more secure knowing they are there.

There are conflicting reports of how many deaths have occurred during this week's trouble in Reynosa.  One report said that several cartel members were shot by the Marines, but this is not confirmed. It is difficult to obtain news from these incidents because reporters have been threatened and are under extreme pressure to stay silent. And many reporters have already been killed throughout Mexico. But there are many reports from friends and other pastors saying that they could hear gunfire all night long Tuesday and again later in the week.

We're praying for peace in Mexico and for authorities to gain control over these dangerous and violent groups.  Pastor Gerardo and his family make many trips to Reynosa taking Gerson to the university; and also to attend meetings at the Church of God district office. We ask for God's protecting hand on them; and we also pray that Nuevo Progreso will not become part of the battle.

You are my mighty rock,

    my fortress, my protector,

    the rock where I am safe,

my shield,

    my powerful weapon,

    and my place of shelter.

Psalm 18:2 (CEV)