2004 Graduates of the Mexicali Baptist Seminary

Theirs is a story of dedication and commitment to God and to His call on their lives.Their determination to serve others, even in the most adverse circumstances and inhospitable conditions, is a living and poignant testimony for us all.

Two years ago Sergio began an internship with the First Baptist Church of San Luis Rio Colorado.Only two weeks into the summer, as he and his wife left a parishioner's home in their pick-up, a vehicle pulled up alongside, a window opened and three shots were fired.All three hit Sergio; one in the back and two in his face, shattering his jaw and severing his tongue.Long months of hospitalization, surgery and therapy followed.Through it all, Sergio's determination did not falter.He continued on, ministering with the San Luis Church and was eventually able to continue his seminary studies.No one was ever arrested for the assault.Within a few weeks the police closed the case, attributing it to a probable mistaken identity in the turf wars of the drug lords so common in and around the desert border town of San Luis.What is Sergio doing now that he has graduated?He is the pastor of that same church in San Luis, where he and his wife, Ramona, continue to serve and proclaim God's shalom in a community known throughout the area for its ‘culture of drugs, violence and death.'

Franco hales from the Pacific Coast tourist town of Ensenada.Mexicali, the city in which Franco studied and ministered in a new church start these past four years is the polar opposite of Ensenada in many ways.Mexicali is a dirty, dusty, cramped, and overbearingly hot city of one million inhabitants, located on reclaimed desert land.Poor living conditions and unemployment heighten the frustration and hopelessness felt by many.Ensenada, on the other hand, boasts of a beautiful climate.This along with its fishing and tourist industries make it the place of choice to live in northern Baja. The churches of Ensenada are in need of pastors.Surely Franco would return to Ensenada upon graduation from Seminary, thought his family and home church.Where is Franco now that he has graduated?He has accepted the invitation to pastor the new church start in Mexicali in which he has been ministering.His home is but a tiny room and he must endure six months of the year with 100 degree plus temperatures.Yet, his call is to his new ‘family,' a group of 30 believers who look to how God will use them to bring hope to so many caught in a life often so lacking in basic life necessities and spiritual direction.

Thank you for your interest and support of our American Baptist missions in Baja Mexico.

Blessings,

Tim and Patti Long