Report from Marlys Hickcox

A group of 13 from CEP were led by Herman Vanden Bosch on a one day visit to Mexico to learn, absorb and experience life across the border. The 13 stops of the day gave a diverse view life in Tijuana and Tecate, with some glimpses at life from the point of view of middle income citizens, would be and deported migrants, orphans and the poorest of the poor. Understanding one part of the picture was essential to the understanding of the other parts, and that was particularly true of our visits to the municipal dump area, the border fence and the refuge for migrants.

In summary, our group learned how our counterparts directly across the border live, work and play. We experienced walking through neighborhoods constructed of everything imaginable. People surviving and even thriving in crowded huts with no water to drink except what the truck brought by or they bought at the local corner store. We saw waste water and sewage running down the dirt streets with mangy dogs everywhere. We talked to people who have hope for a better future. We saw happy children but many sullen adults not knowing when their next payday would come. We looked into peoples eyes who must have been wondering why these rich gringos were walking and talking through their neighborhood. Were they here to help or judge? The nationals running the locations we visited were friendly, inviting and caring people. They genuinely seem to love what they do and where they do it. They ask for help but don’t beg. They know that God will help them and they are often rewarded with their patience by evidence of the many volunteers and new construction at their facilities. The Mexican side of the border has many challenges but the lifestyle and life expectancy is rising from what it was only a few years ago. There is room for more assistance by us and from the other concerned groups of Christians and Christian churches from all over world that see the Tijuana area as “ a field white with the harvest”.

We pray that this visit will stay with us, the people will stay in hearts and prayers, and that we will respond to them as God would will us to do.

If you would like to join a future CEP trip to Mexico please contact info@christiansendingpoverty.org.

To read full report of the trip please click here.

To see some pictures of this trip please click here.

As we approach Easter many of us are called to concentrate on our prayer life and especially to ask God to show us where we have a habit of sinning and what part of our life He would have us change. I have asked myself if I am guilty of the Sin of Silence, as it is highlighted in the verse from James 4:17 “Anyone, then , who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins”. Perhaps it is a question we can all ask ourselves.

After 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus’ first action in Galilee was to preach from the scriptures, as we learn in Luke 4:18 His theme was good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. Are you bringing good news to the poor and oppressed? Do they know you care?

You cared enough to visit this site, but what will be your action now, so that the child going to bed without food, water, healthcare, education, or hope knows that you care?

To do nothing is more than being passive, it is to be guilty of the sin of silence. It is a rejection of those who suffer. So, what can we do? CEP seeks to help those who are concerned find an avenue that they can use to take action. Visit our Get Involved page for some ideas, or see the example below.