God moves in mysterious ways! Reynosa Mexico was Mission Discovery’s flagship project up until violence brought our work there to a stand-still a few years ago. Many of us at Mission Discovery were left with questions of God’s purpose and the unusual timing of such events just when we were ready to open a Ministry Center which would house teams to continue our work in this border community.
Lately I’ve observe answers to this lingering question as God is developing a stronger church throughout the region. For nearly a decade, Mission Discovery has worked with Pastors Valente & Grace Sobrevilla. I consider them not only trusted and faithful ministry partners, but dear and lasting friends. The Sobrevillas have provided strong leadership amongst the churches in Reynosa and the state of Tamaulipas. What is emerging from their efforts (and the efforts of many Mexican nationals) is nothing short of miraculous. Large gatherings of God’s people have come together to stand against the violence and declare Mexico for Jesus, providing a new spirit of unity and purpose to stand as ONE CHURCH! The Sobrevillas have led this charge in their city and around the state!
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of introducing Valente & Grace to Pastor Steve Martinez of Elsa, TX. Steve and his church (Church of Acts) have been a vibrant voice for Christ in Hidalgo and Cameron counties. Mission Discovery has been working with Steve for two years, and a fruitful partnership has formed since moving our work from Mexico to Hidalgo county. Together we have concentrated our efforts in the Indian Hills colonia just north of Mercedes TX. Many of the residence in Indian Hills live in conditions not unlike what we’ve experienced in Mexico for years. Hidalgo County Home Repair projects are just one of the mission trips in the United States that Mission Discovery offers.
One never quite knows the outcome when introducing friends to each other. However, this time it has been paying off big! They made plans to include Steve in a major state-wide rally in June and they are talking about some other events their churches can do together to further the cause of Christ. It exciting to sit back and see the relationship grow, and to know God is using it for his glory!
This is just one simple way a mission trips in the United States can continue to address the need in Mexico as we come alongside our US partners and help them fulfill and enlarge their vision (maybe even into another country).
