The troubles of Mexico are endless it seems.... all of the recent violence between the border issues, two governments and the drug cartel has resulted in daily killings just inside the border of Mexico. Much of it is unknown by the US press. We are here on the border (my dentist) and concerned about all of the missions that are dependant upon American help to survive. The word here is that virtually NO ONE is going across to send aid now.
What happens when aid ceases? What happens to the ministries feeding the innocent children? Do we trust in the protection of the Lord to continue or not? When we hear the reports of different areas of need and how supplies are very limited right now, we decide we must send food NOW. Our routes for getting help into Mexico have failed and we must find new ways to get our supplies in.
Phone calls begin from authorities.... 'don't go'. ' Your life is at risk, please stay away'. 'Do not cross this border'. 'This crossing is unsafe'. 45 people were killed in a shoot out with the cartel earlier this week right here. There is a heavy army presence at the border (but the trouble is when the cartel arrives they just start blazing guns and war breaks out between the two- and the innocent get caught in the crossfire) Even local missions urge us not to go.
We prayed and decided to go anyway. How do we leave precious people in peril without support? Having lived through a war in Africa already - we do understand the dangers, but also the tremendous boost of encouragement others can receive by just seeing us, may it ever be so short a time. It means SO VERY MUCH to someone living in danger to see and receive supplies from someone who cares. Fear can take over the mind and torment the spirit. The old statement 'war is hell' is true. Been there and done that!
Meet T.
He is a rugged courageous missions minded man who is thrilled we are unafraid to go in. He tells us of so many that have stopped going due to the trouble happening. We decide to go in at the hottest part of day, in a old black suburban with the windows down, to look as much as possible as unimportant to watchers 'trolling' cars looking for open opportunities for trouble. We fill the car with supplies(more about that later) say a prayer and leave for the border. The army inspects us - speaks rapid spanish to us(no idea what was said- it was said so fast) So we just smiled and went on.....
T. tells us this very road is where his last brush with death happened. 2 weeks ago he and the Borens were traveling here when suddenly 2 big buses turned and blocked the road (criminals had siezed them). The traffic stopped - men stepped out and begin to rob each car at gunpoint - those who did not give them money were shot dead on the spot. When the traffic realized what was happening people started backing up, panic happened and briefly the cartel lost control as cars started going everywhere. Others jumped from their cars and ran. B. and W. and T. were in two vehicles - one guy reached in Billy's and tried to grab the keys - he fought him off. Another one opened W. door and tried to pull her out of the car. She fought him off. They shoved their vehicles in reverse ( pulling a trailer) and turned around the (trailer was flopping) and floored in headed back. They tell us strangely it all happened so fast they were not even afraid. 6 people were killed.
This road today is empty of all traffic. We begin to pray for the poor people who live in these conditions everyday. We risk our lives bringing life sustaining food to them.
The odd man is standing out beside the road.. is he a lookout? A car with dark tinted glass is setting beside the road... another one?
more tomorrow.....
Sometimes in life a decision must be made for self protection, or ones principals. If something happened - we are all three ready to go.... and would be thrilled to wake up in heaven! So it's best to live by our principals and let God take care of us as we do His work.
Pastor Gayla, I am praying for your safety. And for your toothache. I know you are hearing from God, but I am so concerned for your safety. We will be covering you with prayer.
Love,
Carla
Posted by: Carla Wade | September 01, 2010 at 01:07 PM