Pray for Mexico on Sunday, December 4, 2016

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 3:1-12

Prayers for Mexico:

Spirit of God, thank you for your love that includes the people in Mexico. Thank you for churches like the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and Iglesia Discipulos de Cristo de Mexico who work together to spread the news of your radical inclusive love. Spirit of God you move in us and through us and we are grateful. Your love changes things; it continues to change hearts and lives. Thank you for people, who are home and yet believe supporting the work of accompaniment is important. Thank you for love that is inclusive.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Mexico:

Diversity abounds in our various mission partners in Mexico. Great preachers, pastors, teachers can be found in the Disciples of Christ in Mexico. Strong voices are calling, ‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.’ It was an honor to spend time with several pastors and worship in some of the churches in Mesa Conjunta, and Iglesia Discipulos de Cristo de Mexico in the summer of 2015. The message of Matthew 3, “prepare the way for the kingdom is near,” is carried by these strong men and women of Mexico.

Then comes verse 4, ‘Now John…’ During the holiday season, there is always that one Uncle or Aunt who seems to need a bit of explaining… Well, John was a relative of Jesus, a bit of an odd duck.

And yet, John was faithful, even if dressed differently than most. His faith compelled him to action. He cried out with his message of repentance. Many people were listening, some responded to his message and were baptized, confessing their sins. Others, in church leadership, responded by beginning to plot against him.

I find it sad that the church has, at times, responded more to the clarity about who is in or who is out of the church than the compelling message of inclusive, life changing love. And yet it is true. I also know the women and men of Albergue Las Memorias have been separated from families, meaningful work, churches and society. They have been excluded from family lives, jobs, community due to their HIV+ status. Many of our residents come off the street, they long to hear there is forgiveness for their lives. They want to change their lives, and it is difficult.

John is known as John the Baptist… he was the one who baptized Jesus. That was then… and now… Gonzalo, an addict, HIV+, wants change but can hardly believe it is possible. This guy, who I have been working with for a year now, knew I was sad when my mother was dying. As I prepared to leave, he prayed for me… Hand in the air, claiming the love of Jesus go with me, it is one moment I will cherish a lifetime

Through building relationships of mutual support you allow me, and other missionaries, to share the news of Gods inclusive love. Thank you for your support and for sending me to be your hands, your feet and your hands, for the sake of radical love.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Jerri Handy)

Mission Partners in Mexico:

More information on Mexico: http://www.globalministries.org/mexico

Global Ministries Missionaries in Mexico:
Jerri Handy serves as a Long-term Volunteer with Albergue Las Memorias, Tijuana, Mexico. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.