God´s Security on Our Border

The recent violence in Mexico has, understandably, caused concern for many of our PC(USA) churches considering mission in Mexico. In the face of such serious matters it is important to maintain a perspective that is true to our faith and the circumstances around us. For 25 years Presbyterian Border Ministry has experienced that doing mission with our brothers and sisters of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) is a safe endeavor. With well over 2,000 mission delegations having participated within the PC(USA)-INPM partnership, including over 100 in 2008 alone, no serious incidents of violence have been experienced. There are concrete reasons for this.

As we join in this partnership in México we benefit from the hospitality of the local church which greatly values our safety. Our mission workers and families, with a combined experience of over 100 years, live and work in Mexico. They know the reality of the circumstances and practice safety and prudence with visiting short-term mission delegations. It is also important to know that the violence is not random. Victims are most often directly involved with the narcotics trade, and mission groups are not the target. Together in Christian partnership we are stronger.

In Ephesians 4:15-16 we read “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” In partnership we are better able to continue on, even prosper in God´s mission, in difficult times. Presbyterian Border Ministry encourages, with confidence, Presbyterian churches to continue the work with our partners in Mexico. With them, we continue to provide light and hope across our borders in a time when it is most needed.