September 11, 2002

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you and your family enjoying good health, and that God continues to bless them and the ministry to which we all called in Christ.

That is typical salutation, always at the beginning, of letters I receive from my colleagues in Mexico. And frequently they end with a biblical reference, not unlike Paul's letters. The years of partnership in ministry with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico have taught me many good habits, such as remember you before God as I begin my letter. But like any good partnership it has been a two-way street.

Earlier this year I recalled the many gifts of my first colleague in this ministry, the Reverend Saul Tijerina. As I begin the process of editing the testimonies I have collected of individuals who have participated in a mission experience on the border, I am impressed by the numbers who say that since the experience God is no longer just a Sunday friend, but a daily presence in their lives.

Reflecting on the impact of our partnership, Saul once said:

Jerry, I think there are at least two good reasons for us to be in ministry together along our common border. It never ceases to amaze members of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico to see the enormity of the volunteer capacity of members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). They come to the border to learn and work, regardless of the weather conditions, and give generously of their time to the mission of the church. We are often embarrassed to see so many volunteers from the U.S. and so few from Mexico. Your example is a challenge to our church and a habit we Mexicans need to cultivate.

On the other hand, I believe there is an equally important gift that we have to give to members of the PC(USA). Mexican Presbyterians spend many more hours in Bible study and prayer then U.S. Presbyterians. I believe our gift to you is the return of a lost piety. You cannot spend time with Mexican Presbyterians without spending a great deal more time in prayer and Bible study.

Those are two important gifts that the church cannot live without if it wants to be faithful in mission. I suspect that if we learn nothing else from our time together, those two lessons will make it all worthwhile.

Fortunately for us mission is a two-way street.

Blessings,

Gerald F. (Jerry) Stacy

P.S. You make the giving and receiving of gifts through mission possible. Please consider whether a special year-end gift is within your reach and/or remember to include Presbyterian Border Ministry in your 2003 budget. (Eph. 2:14)