Mexico Mission Trip 2022 Daily Devotions

This past week I was blessed to have two folks share their testimonies with me…both were journeys of perseverance but from greatly different environments. Both success stories I offer below:

Bob, mid-forties, single, married twice, six kids, two grandchildren, ex-convict, drug addict/alcoholic for many years. Bob started a successful business but lost it to drugs. A recent graduate of a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, he joined a food ministry driving a large panel truck. I am his volunteer assistant as we pick up donated food from local grocery stores.

Bob’s parents (both alcoholics) divorced when he was young. He went to live with his mother and, with no parental 

supervision, was drinking, smoking, and ‘running wild’ by age 12. He was never churched and didn’t seek Christ as an adult. He ‘lost’ his family except for his oldest, a daughter, who would not give up on him.

Upon his release from prison, he started to hang with the old drug crowd, but his daughter intervened. She convinced him to seek Christ and attend a Christian rehab program with the offer of reestablishing a relationship with his now growing family. He accepted and entered the seven-month program. It was extremely tough, but daily Bible reading, prayer, and the love of fellow attendees/staff kept him focused on success. After graduation, he celebrated reconnecting with two of his sons and was excited to be joining his oldest daughter, her sister, and one grandchild for a family vacation. He persisted in his newly found path…and Christ was waiting for him.

Anita, fifty something, married, three kids, daughter of a renowned missionary; grew up listening to and studying the Word in great depth; surrounded by believers in all aspects of her life; troubled that she couldn’t ‘feel the presence of Christ.’ She did not confess it to anyone--she was a missionary’s kid, everybody assumed she knew Christ in an intimate, loving way. She kept searching but continued to struggle and was, at times, depressed throughout high school. She attended a very strict Christian college and ‘played the role’ all the while never giving up hope of a closer relationship with Christ. In her final year of school, her boyfriend told her great things about one of his religion instructors. She made an appointment with him and confessed. Christ was waiting for her there. Through a few sessions with him, she found Christ, truly felt His presence, and, for the first time, felt a peace beyond understanding. 

In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter “But who do you say I am? Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” Both Bob’s and Anita’s journey took them to the point of shouting, “You are the Christ”. They know it doesn’t end there. Bob’s demons still knock at his door but he now answers with the blood of Christ for he knows even Peter denied Christ after his declaration. Anita, a mature Christian, walks confidently with Christ but still remembers her struggles. Both tell their stories to motivate others but also to persevere in their Christ centered walk.

At Rio Bravo, perseverance is all around you. Ray’s and Leah’s story is a true testimony of persistence in the face of adversity to walk the path laid out for them. Cathy’s, Kathryn’s and other leaders’ perseverance have kept the Rio Bravo mission trip alive and productive for 20+ years. The house parents and teaching staff work diligently to ensure the kids stay focused on Christ centered education in all walks of life. All know that outside the compound’s walls, demons lurk to steal the hearts of adults and children alike--with Christ they can rest assured: “If God is for us, who can be against us.”

May you feel Christ’s presence this week in a very special place with very special people.