Border Reflections

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20

Is it safe there? This is a question we hear quite often in our work along the Mexican border. I understand this, as the ones asking these questions see Mexico through the newscaster's lens as they talk about the drugs, or the drug-related violence. You may also hear of the tragedies associated with illegal immigration. In my mind, no one views human life more cheaply than the "coyotes" that smuggle desperate people across the border, though their price for their "services" is often in the thousands of dollars.

We have seen some very ugly images, too, and are quite aware of just how fragile life can be. But we are not afraid when we go into Mexico at all. I, the lone gringo of the family, have felt very well treated when south of the US border. When I go to the hardware stores for building materials, I am treated with respect, and usually a very acceptable level of service. And the churches have been wonderfully warm in their greeting of us. Yes, the possibility of random violence exists, we know.

We know it exists in the states, too. As many of you know, our family lives 14 miles north of the US/Mexican border, and we commute in. We recently went on vacation and had someone staying at our house. About the fifth day, our house sitter called us to tell us that our home had been broken into. If they had wanted to get rich, boy did they choose the wrong house! And stuff is stuff. But the sense of violation and frustration involved in this matter is much more of a core issue than I thought it would be. We appreciate your prayers as we deal with the police department, and especially with our insurance company. We'll keep you posted.

As it is in the United States, August is a relatively quiet month in the church in Baja, too. It's a good time to reflect on that which has happened in our first months here, and to look forward to the future. The Seminary is coming along quite nicely. In June, the Seminary had the opportunity to purchase land directly behind its present location at a fair price. The board of the Seminary acted quickly when the land came up, and we got it! Mercy and I have been helping to shepherd work groups at the Seminary.With the help of groups from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona, the new building has been painted throughout, and the library has been relocated in the new building. A new roof was put on one of the dormitories, and each of the dormitories was painted on the inside. Security doors have gone up, and windows and security bars are in process. It has been wonderful to see something that was a shell when we arrived in January look so much more completed now.

But, as the local church is so much more than just a building, so is the Seminary. At the Seminary, we have our cook, Berna. Even though Berna is a wonderful cook (as the groups can attest) that's just the beginning of her ministry. Berna started a Saturday get- together with four neighborhood children, sharing the Gospel as she spent time with them, did crafts with them, and showed them a great deal of love and concern. That group is now up to 17-18. What a wonderful ministry, and a wonderful opportunity for us to share in. She desperately needs crayons and paper and craft supplies. Old Sunday School material in English is not really helpful, unless there are many pictures to color. If you send them to us, we'll gladly shepherd them across the border. We are very grateful for the shipments from Joan and Ruth and Lillian from First Baptist Church of Agawam, MA, and from Rose of the First Baptist Church of Lake City, IA.

Mercy and I feel we are able to now work on some more concrete church planting strategies. The next step will be in recruiting members of an envisioning team that will develop whatever strategies we all decide upon, most likely with a pilot project in the Mexicali area. Your prayers are greatly appreciated, that the choices made would be wise on many levels, and that the team would get a clear sense of direction as to how to proceed. I really have the feeling we are on the brink of something tremendously dynamic and exciting!

As I alluded to before, Mercy and the kids and I had a tremendous vacation as we did a road trip across the United States from California to Maine and back. We are sorry we were not able to link up with all of you, but greatly enjoyed the renewing of relationships we were able to experience. We also are grateful to have seen all we did, and to have done so very safely and without trouble. Miracles abound in everyday life!

We must close for now. Thank you again for your prayers and support.

In Christ's Service,
Rick Barnes and Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes