Mexico

I went to Disney world this past week.  I won a trip through my work and had the opportunity to take my family.  We had a great time, took pictures with characters, rode some rides and ate food.  Boy did we eat food.  The first place inside an actual Disney park that we ate at was this Mexican taco stand.  I was slightly doubtful because nothing, and I mean nothing, can beat a good old traditional made and ate in Mexico Mexican taco.  Try it.  It can't be done.  So I didn't have my hopes up.  And despite the fact that it wasn't exactly the same, it was pretty darn close. And completely delicious.  And it got me thinking about Mexico.  Not that it really takes much, truth be told.

Everyone has their thing.  That thing that makes them smile, or cry, or simply just feel.  Mexico is that for me.  The thought that I get to go back in April makes me smile and deeply happy.  The statistics about the living conditions in Juarez make me so sad.  And when people unknowingly (or knowingly) reveal their racism when talking about the country or its people, it makes me seethe in anger, usually quietly because I am passionate enough about the subject that I know my arguments won't sound completely rational.

I've written this blog several times, trying to put into words why I feel the way I do about Mexico, about the work I get to do down there, about God's plan with his people there, and the injustice that is being done there every single day, but I can't.  No words can truly explain why this place means so much to me.  I've tried and they all fall short.  So I leave it with just the thought that I was in Disney World, enjoying free everything and my mind was completely wrapped up in the taco in my hand and all the thoughts that went with it.

I hesitated to include this part because this isn't about money.  But, as I said, I am going again, and I know some of you love to send others to go, and I won't deprive you of that opportunity.  So if you'd like to help you can send a check with my name in the memo to The Ransom Church 700 N Main, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

But more than that, pray.  Pray for our trip, that God's will will be done. It is a dangerous location and we will be driving 24 hours overnight so prayers for safety are appreciated as well.  But more than that, pray for the family that we will be helping.  Pray that if they do not know God that this new house will help point them to him.  And pray that if they do know him that they will feel his love more and more every time they step into the house that he built through us.  Pray for Mexico too.  It seems like such a daunting task to tackle all of the problems there but I believe in a God who works miracles and he can do mighty things.  Pray for the innocent people caught up in the crossfire of the gang wars, and the innocent people struggling to feed their family.  Pray that help will come, but pray harder that comfort will be their constant companion until help arrives.  The Mexican people are our neighbors, our family.  Never forget that.  Pray also for those who are exploiting their countrymen.  Pray their hearts will be changed and that they turn from their evil ways and turn to God.  Pray that if they chose to reject God and his forgiveness that justice will prevail and that evil will be defeated.  Pray for the courageous policemen who put themselves on the line to fight the bad guys.  Pray and never stop.