PEACE AND LONGSUFFERING

Entrance to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

Although things seem quiet and peaceful at the church in Nuevo Progreso, the news tells us otherwise. The gulf cartel is active again, stirred up and angry with the Mexican government. They are sending very graphic messages to authorities, especially in Reynosa. The messages include the bodies of those they have killed.

Last week there was a gunfight on the Mexican side of the Los Indios International bridge, a crossing we use often. Several were killed, including one American who was in the way. The bodies of 15 people, including four women and children from Nuevo Progreso, were found in a house near the bridge. They had been executed.

In nearby Reynosa banners with messages were hung over highways threatening the mayor of the city and other officials. News reports coming from that area are few because reporters risk their lives when they publish such information.

A neighbor told us that Mexican Marines stopped at the end of the road to the church in the middle of the night. The Marines walked down the lane to investigate the building and then left.
We are thankful for their vigilance. They cruise the city making their presence known to everyone. We are also thankful for the protection of the Lord on our work across the border.
And it’s good to have a noisy dog guarding the church. Pelon, aka Leo the Lion, has a loud bark and an aggressive attitude toward trespassers. We know there are angels always standing guard around the church in Nuevo Progreso. This week U.S. officials warned all Americans to stay out of Mexico. It has once again become a war zone!

There’s a lot of drama involved in this work across the border. There are many challenges in overseeing the church and ministering to the people.  It can be emotionally exhausting, but also rewarding. About the time things are going smoothly, there’s a bump in the road.

Two weeks ago Pastor Zabdi returned to the home of his elderly parents in Torreon. We are once again between pastors. The District Officials of Mexico have been faithful to see that there is no interruption at the church. District Supervisor Nina Navarro and her husband Primativo drive 30 miles from Reynosa every weekend to conduct services. They stay until Wednesday.

Sister Nina Navarro, District Supervisor, Church of God.

Lately the neighborhood children have been a challenge. Sometimes these undisciplined children cause havoc during services. No amount of talking helps to manage them when they decide to have their way. In fact, they become very angry and aggressive when forced to behave. A lot of prayer is needed to find a balance between helping them and maintaining peace.

What is the answer? It is evident that we need the power of the Holy Spirit in our church. Only then will everything be resolved and in order because He is greater than all of our problems. Meanwhile, we are learning to:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Colossians 3:12 KJV