August 30, 2007

Partners in God’s mission

Left to Right: Rev. Eliseo Villanueva, Jim Ritchie, Rev. Victor Gonzalez, Dave Thomas, Rev. Saul Feria, Roberto Medina, Chris McReynolds, Rev. Tamay Che, Rev. Bernabe Bautista.

Recently, the president and vice president of the General Assembly of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) traveled from Mexico City to preach in their local missions here in Nuevo Laredo, and to visit Proyecto Amistad, the bi-national Presbyterian Border Ministry (PBM) where I serve as coordinator along with my Mexican colleague Roberto Medina. David Thomas, PBM liaison to the INPM, accompanied President Rev. Sául Féria and Vice President Rev. Bernabé Báutista on this visit to Proyecto Amistad.

This weekend visit allowed these leaders to get firsthand knowledge of this bi-national ministry between their church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Members of Amistad’s board of directors also participated. Having our meals together, sleeping in the Amistad facilities, and worshipping together allowed us time to get acquainted. We discussed, ate home-cooked meals, and shared many laughs. Sául and Bernabé are great preachers and leaders devoted to communicating the good news of Jesus Christ. Their visit reminded me what a great blessing the Mexican Presbyterian Church is to the nation of Mexico.

Often times we in the United States don’t recognize the ministry of our brothers and sisters in Mexico when we go there. We have our own agendas and do things our own way.  Sometimes we simply go for “self improvement.”  By not understanding the work God is already doing in Mexico we can do more harm than good. We fail to recognize what our true calling is in this partnership of Christians.

Our work in this partnership is to follow our partners’ lead and to help increase their capacity to do the work that God has called them to do. This requires patience, flexibility, and a desire to build relationships. God wants to use each partner to help the other do what God has called them to do.

As in any partnership, both partners have a need to contribute. We in the United States must look at how our partners in Mexico can, in turn, help us fulfill the work God has called us to do in our own communities.

As Vice President Bernabe took it upon himself to prepare breakfast for us during our last morning together, I was reminded that we Presbyterians of the United States and Mexico have been given a great blessing from God. We have the opportunity to work and fellowship together. Together, in healthy relationships, we can enjoy each other, encourage one another, and share our work together in God’s mission.

Blessings to you,

Chris McReynolds
Proyecto Amistad U.S. Coordinator