July 2, 2007

God’s work for us

It has been six months since I arrived here in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, México, to begin the volunteer work as coordinator for Proyecto Amistad, one of five border projects of the Presbyterian Border Ministry. On the day I arrived it was cold, raining, and the place where I would live was without hot water or heat of any kind. My co-worker had to leave for a meeting the next day, so I was left to fend for myself. I was not only in a new place but in a new culture where my language skills were just adequate enough to ask directions but not much more.

Since that first day, thanks to God, I have been able to get my life and work organized to a functional level. My Spanish is still limited, but improving. I have met many amazing people and have been welcomed into some wonderful homes where strong faith and family means everything. I have begun facilitating partnerships between churches of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) and can now begin thinking of how to improve my work rather than just “survive.” I often think that no matter what difficulties I may experience, many people here overcome far greater difficulties on a daily basis.

My neighbor is an auto mechanic who works out of the space in front of his house. I admire the integrity that he maintains under such pressure.

One such person is my neighbor, the auto mechanic, whose “garage” is the side of the street. His clients don’t have much money, so he doesn’t make very much. The economy here makes it difficult to make ends meet. It is humbling to see the integrity that so many Mexicans maintain under such pressure. Living humble and unassuming lives is common in this society. Learning to live in humility is a requirement for Christians, as well.

Jesus said “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b). It takes humility to accept—and to live by—that statement. As we seek healthy ways to relate to each other across cultural boundaries we find that humility is required for that, too. “Submit to one another…” Paul says (Ephesians 5:21). Learning that our way is not the only way is vital as we join Christ in His work and interact across cultures with others.

In these first months I have learned that God has much work for the Church to do in Mexico and the United States. Christians from different cultures have much to offer—and receive—from one another beyond material things. It is my privilege to encourage the development of church partnerships and relationships where, as we humble ourselves and remain in Christ, we get to take part in His work.

Blessings to you,

Chris McReynolds
Proyecto Amistad U.S. Coordinator