Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. - William Carey, missionary to India (1761-1834)
Harnessing all my random thoughts after a mission trip is always a challenge - they seem to be random observations and ideas to mull over, then God slowly brings them all into focus and the overall impressions hit home as He gives insight. This last trip was no exception to this pattern.
We felt the many prayers for our protection all week, despite the schemes of the enemy to distract or de-rail us. Both the US and the Mexican borders were much tighter security than ever before, which was an encouragement. The Mexican soldiers are serious about their jobs, yet every one we encountered both at the border and in Juarez were also friendly and professional. We were awakened at our hotel one night by the police, who had caught some one trying to break into our truck, but praise God, they were caught and were unable to take anything from the truck. We also had a strange experience on the remote highway between Una Esperanza and the border where a car sped up to us, swerved around us and then slammed on the brakes, but we thank God for Brad's quick reflexes and we were able to get around them without having to stop. We know beyond any doubt that God was at work, and that the enemy was not happy about it, but God's will prevailed in each circumstance.
The children were so encouraged and just reveled in the love and attention while we were there. Steven and Julie and two of their kids joined us for the week, and were able to love on kids and share Bible stories with the children. They also brought baseball equipment, which led to many great baseball games in the dirt! We know that God has not forgotten these children, and it was a privilege to remind them of that. We thank God for His guidance and protection, and we will continue to be seeking Him as to how this aspect of ministry is fleshed out in light of the current environment in Juarez, and in Mexico in general.
We have been reminded that our ministry to the Tarahumara and at Una Esperanza is a long-term commitment, and that the impact we desire to see will perhaps take many years to show what some would define as "success." We're reminded of Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Faith" where we learn that some who walked in faith did so, never seeing what had been promised in their lifetimes. Reaching the Tarahumara will require many years of pouring out our lives and hearts to these children who will grow into adults and be impacted by the Word of God. In a society that places such a high value on instant gratification and is so result-driven, we have to be reminded that it's not one big bang with a sudden solution, it's day after day after day of being faithful to what God has called us to do with Him that will produce fruit that will remain (John 15:16). Our primary calling is to love these children and demonstrate Christ to them as we tell them that they can know Him as their Savior. However, simply sharing this information will have no lasting effect in their lives if we do not spend our lives living out that love to them.
One of those children we love as our own is Alma, a 10-year-old girl who was with us at Una Esperanza last week, giving and receiving hugs, and just hanging out with us each day. Alma asked Jesus into her heart during our Christmas outreach two years ago, and we have seen the love of Christ at work in her through her dealings with other children as well as the staff. She has such a tender and sweet disposition, although her outward behavior would be more in line with what some would call "a bull in a china shop." She frequently shows up with a skinned knee from falling off her bike or a bruise from playing on the playground.
When we returned from Mexico to California, we received an e-mail from our new friend in Juarez, informing us that Alma had been involved in an accident at her home where she had climbed up on a roof to get a frisbee and the wall crumbled beneath her. She was taken to a hospital in Juarez and was in a coma, and her parents were told that she was going to die from internal bleeding. Because we do love Alma like a daughter, this news absolutely broke our hearts and we have been praying for Alma each day, that God would do an absolute miracle and that if there is any chance that God will use her to bring others to Him, that He will spare her life and heal her. We know that God knows what is best and we trust Him in that, but we will also continue to intercede on her behalf, asking for God to show Himself strong and to raise her up. Yesterday, we were encouraged to hear that she is breathing on her own, off the ventilator, even though she is still in a coma. We praise God for this good news, and are continuing to pray that God would be glorified in what many would see as a hopeless situation. Her parents, Rosy and Francisco, are dear friends, and our friend Raquel visited with them yesterday and was able to pass along our love and encourage them that many, many people are praying for Alma and for them. We do ask for your prayers as God brings Alma to mind.
I know this has been a lengthy post-trip report, but there is a lot going on and we have much to consider as we continue to follow Christ in this adventure. He is good, and we are encouraged to see His hand at work, but it is not simple right now. As I was reading this morning, I came across the quote from William Carey at the beginning of this post, a missionary to India who was used mightily by God in India, but who also knew much resistance and difficulty in ministry in a foreign land. It's encouraging to remember that we serve the same God, who can and does do great things.
