DEL RIO—Rapidly changing conditions along the Texas/ Mexico border demand changes in the way churches from the United States engage in missions in northern Mexico, an Acuña minister insisted.
"I have spent the last 23 years in Acuña. I know the people, and the people know me," he said. When questioned by people connected to Los Zetas—a paramilitary enforcement group in Mexico—Reyes said he does not take sides politically but always offers the same response.
"They need Jesus Christ," he said. "Our fight is not against flesh and blood. God is the solution through Jesus Christ."
Daniel Rangel, director of River Ministry with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, agreed with Reyes about the importance of close cooperation and frequent communication with churches along the border. He agreed missions approaches along the border need to change, but he suggested a key change needs to be a greater missions focus on the Texas side of the Rio Grande where safety and security are not a problem.
"Ministry is happening along the Texas side of the border," he said. In the last year, River Ministry worked with more than 2,000 volunteers, he reported. Their efforts resulted in 11,000 people receiving medical attention, 30,000 receiving some other form of ministry and more than 3,000 making professions of faith in Christ.
At the same time, Texas Baptists also can support missions in Mexican border areas, he stressed, even if not in the same way they did 10 or 15 years ago. Upstate churches can work with Baptists in the area to provide Bibles, Vacation Bible School materials and other resources.
The BGCT continues to work in partnership with No Mas Violencia—No More Violence—to teach biblical peacemaking principles along the border.
Like Reyes, Rangel affirmed the need for a long-term ministry presence in border villages, towns and cities. But he added some areas still need visiting groups—provided those volunteers are willing to follow the direction and advice of Christians who live and serve in the region.
"This is not the time to step away from ministry along the border," Rangel said. "The people of Mexico want peace, security and comfort. Many of them just don't know they can find what they need in Jesus. The people are in need, and now is the time to offer them the hope that is found in Jesus."
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