THANKSGIVING

Downtown Nuevo Progreso, picture from file.

It was a cold and rainy day to make our first trip across the border into Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Lloyd prayed that we would meet the right people and that we'd be kept safe. It's a big town and usually full of tourists. Today the crowds were thin. 

The first person we saw was Esteban, an old friend who makes money working the traffic coming off the bridge. Esteban as usual, helped us navigate through the mix of huge trucks and double parked cars to our destination. He made sure to tell us he and his family are back in church. Later a young woman waved us down on a back street and asked if we remembered her. Many years ago we had known her father who passed away and her mother Sarah. We had a good visit, met her children and invited them all to church Sunday. On our way to the church, we stopped to get a key to the gate from Azucena. And later we met Roman who was going home for lunch. Pastor Zab was out of town for the day, but our friend Pelon was home! Pelon, or Leo the Lion, still stands guard at the church. He looked in very good health. And as if no time had passed, he grabbed Lloyd's shirt in his teeth and wouldn't let go!

Pelon has the leart of a lion!

On our way home we had a thought that must have been from God. These are our people, especially those who are unchurched. For some reason He's given us the gift of their friendship. Lloyd's prayer that our paths would cross with the right people was answered. There will be others next time and the next, but today our hearts were warmed by meeting Esteban, Ellie and her children, her mother Sarah, Azucena and Roman.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  Psalm 100:4