SENDE DE VIDA
The entire group headed out from the Valley Baptist Conference Center for Senda De Vida (Path of Life). I have been to Hector’s church many times in past years. He is a wonderful, Spirit-filled man with a heart for helping people ‘stuck’ on the Mexico side of
the border that are trying to enter the US. He has grown his center over the years from basically a pig farm to a refuge for those seeking a safe place to stay. We all know there is a border crisis, but I was personally not aware that Senda De Vida was housing 4500 souls within their gates with thousands more outside hoping to get in.
In past years, migrants were mostly from Mexico, with some from Central & South America. This time, a vast majority are from Haiti and other Caribbean countries. Hector mentioned that there were people from Congo, Cameroon, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Niagara, Peru, Venezuela, Russia and Ukraine. We talked with many people, and handed out toys and lollipops provided by donors. It broke our hearts for the people there, many of whom said they had been waiting 3-5 months. They are the lucky ones. Hector preaches the gospel while they wait, so everyone in his ‘camp’ has plenty of opportunity to get to know Jesus! I left with a very sad heart for the condition of these people, but with a good feeling knowing that some of the funds we raise and donate go to Senda De Vida.
After speaking with Hector, Dave Johnson called an audible and we set out to pick up and drop off what must have been a ton or two of rice, beans, blankets and water. It is because of donations that this food was in Power’s warehouse and I thank God for that.
PROJECTS:
Multiple groups set off to build bunk beds and picnic tables. I heard there might have been a prison tour, but after getting food for Senda De Vida, we headed out to the festival at Rio Bravo Orphanage.
FESTIVAL @ RIO BRAVO ORPHANAGE
Wish you could have seen it. There were rides, games, popcorn, cotton candy; what a great time. My son Josh Lips (what a blessing to have him on the trip) and I teamed up with a couple of translators from Alianza church and were tasked with making cotton candy.
What a blast. The Power guys gave all for many very happy kids.
We ended the night with a meal at Golden Corral where we got to see some more of the local missionaries and their families. Another great day.
Scott
Lips