There are no stores, libraries or movie theatres in our villages. Television and radio stations are not available either. However, the people do have the church. Mass is well attended on Sundays. The people come to worship God and to say thank you for their blessings. They also come to socialize. Thursday nights the church is full again as the people gather for Bible Study. On feast days, they rise early and are at church before daybreak to celebrate their faith before starting the workday.

It is hard to believe that less than 20 years ago, the Priest only came once a year to say Mass at St .John the Baptist Church and he never even set foot inside our two chapels. The church was old, dark and crumbling. We began our ministry in Colonia Benito Juarez in the year 2000. We watched the main church and our chapels gradually come alive. Praise God! Sure, the people are delighted when we visit and bring them material things. However, they are happy and rejoice in the presence of God in their lives even without all the comforts we think are necessary. Remember, they don’t even have running water and wash their clothes by hand outside with a stone in cold water.

Last year when we visited, after Mass the entire congregation gathered outside for a Revival and celebration. Yes, today the church is alive and growing as the people continue to gather and thank God for their many blessings. What a gift it has been to be part of this unfolding of faith in our sisters and brothers. They have been resurrected with the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God!

Lee Alphen, Mexico Mission Team