International Ministries

CROSSROADS

July 6, 2004 Journal by David Reed
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As a person searches for God, his or her life eventually needs to intersect with God's son Jesus Christ.As a Christian seeks to grow in faith, his or her life needs to intersect with Biblical study and service.As people from around the globe travel to Mexico, their lives are intersecting in La Paz.For these three key reasons, the name of the English-Speaking Mission in La Paz has been named Crossroads.

Before we left for our year of US/Puerto Rico Assignment in May 2003, the English Worship service was being held in our home.After we departed, they moved to a store front that a family from the First Baptist Church let them use for free.In May of 2004, that storefront was no longer available and a new location had to be sought once more.After prayer, fasting, and much discussion, the congregation was led to an unexpected vision.

A couple who attends the English Worship, who are also residents of La Paz, who also own a Bed & Breakfast in town, had the opportunity to purchase a piece of property adjacent to their business.(This location is near downtown and the waterfront—perfect for tourists & cruisers in the Marina.)This couple is building two structures on this property.One building will be the worship center for the ministry in English.The other will be a home for our family to rent while we minister in La Paz for the next four years!

In the year that we were gone, the ministry in English has grown by leaps and bounds.The leaders of this group are both American and Mexican.They continued to provide worship and Bible studies in our absence.More residents of La Paz have started to attend so that our core group is growing!Before, by June, we were usually down to about 12 people.This year we've averaged 35!And we even have a Sunday School for the 5 children that attend.

Since we are the only English Worship service in La Paz, the people that come to Crossroads are an eclectic group.We are Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Methodist, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic. We come from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Greece, Australia, Europe, and sometimes even Asia. We often sing/pray in both English & Spanish to accommodate the Mexicans who are learning English.Because of this, our Worship & Bible studies are lively!At the moment, people take turns volunteering to lead the study on Wednesday nights.It was such a blessing to see them continue to do this despite the fact that their "missionary-pastors" are back.

Each year the Baptist Churches in La Paz celebrate the founding of their church.At these Anniversary services, each church that attends is invited to bring some words of encouragement and sing a song.Last week Crossroads participated in the Anniversary of Principe de Paz by singing "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" in both English and Spanish.It was such a joy to see our Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ affirm the Crossroads members.

As you pray for this ministry, please lift up these three requests: