We left the hotel in McAllen for the last time this morning at 7 am, heading for la iglecia Alianza in Reynosa, Mexico. After some worship songs, then prayers by the Ohio contingent (Dan, Carl, Lincoln & Chris), Doug H. led us in further study of John 15, talking about bearing fruit in the likeness of Christ.
We stayed for the 9 am service and part of the 11 am service, welcoming people into the sanctuary. Both services we got up on the steps to the stage, then sang several songs with the congregation. We prayed over a bunch of people that came forward, then John, Dave and finally Doug W. expressed our group’s appreciation for Alianza Church, and how much they made us feel like family! Doug H. preached a rousing sermon, with Robbie interpreting. After a brief time for meet & greet in the plaza, we sat down with our interpreters for lunch, then a group picture.
We hopped back in the vans, and set our GPS for Del Rio, Texas, by way of Ruby’s Restaurant in Laredo. We arrived at 10:30 pm, and were welcomed by Pastor Tim Euhlers and his wife Rosa. We are the first group that they have seen at Faith Missions in 3 years! As they could not cross the border into Acuna during the pandemic, they decided to expand their horizons, and have developed remote teaching ministries in Central & South America. However, the border was not closed to people coming to America. You probably read about the 15,000 Haitians camped under the bridge at Del Rio in the news a few months ago. There are still people from Central & South America coming across, plus a lot more countries, most recently including Ukrainians. It turns out that Del Rio is the safest place, and therefore one of the most popular places to cross the border.
Calling it quits at a little after 10 pm, after cleaning van #6. Dorm sleeping for the next 3 nights here at Faith Mission International.