Juarez as seen by Jim

A year ago I came to Juarez for the first time. When we arrived the traffic was horrendous. I marveled at how well Pastor Mike worked his way to the hotel.

When we pulled in, the parking lot was full but for a few empty spots. When we walked to the restaurant the sidewalks were full of people and traffic was heavy.

We went to the Mercado late Sunday and had only 15 minutes to shop before they closed. So there were not too many people in the shops. We had to park three blocks away. We ate outside the Mercado where the tables were almost all filled up with diners. The waiter squeezed us into an empty spot.

What a change has taken place. This trip to Juarez saw a totally different atmosphere. The streets are empty, well not quite, but Saturday evening there were only a few cars on a street that use to be busy like Colfax on the same evening.

When we went to the Mercado we parked in the very first spot right outside the front entrance. When we went inside we were almost the only ones doing any shopping.

When we ate in the outside restaurant there were only a couple other parties present. We got superb waiter service.

The failing economy of America has had a disastrous impact on this Mexican border town. This affect has been made pale in comparison to the recent Drug Lord massacres taking place in the past few months. There have been a 1,000 drug traffickers murdered as well as a number of innocent bystanders. Tourism has latterly ceased as people stay away in fear of being killed.

While in the Mercado we saw no other Anglo’s present. Neither did we see many in all of our time in Juarez.

The drug problem has been going on for years as the local authorities have turned a deaf ear to the happenings. Many officials have worked in concert with the trafficking of illegal drugs and have been unwilling to contend with it.

The recent outbreak of killings has prompted the Federal Government to impose Martial Law and send in 7,200 troupes to enforce the law and provide protection to the public; a Police Action in taking place in many of the border towns.

We passed dozens of black military police trucks each one holding eight heavily armed officers. Two in the front seats, two in the back seats, two standing facing sideways with guns in hand, and two sitting facing back also with guns. The were all in black, helmets, flack vests, gloves, heavy boots, and semi-automatic weapons. This was quite impressive.

When we returned to the hotel after church we saw 40 to 50 of these men standing in formation in the parking lot. They were being billeted there. God provided many angles to protect us on our trip.

Ana talked with two of these soldiers who were standing guard at the hotel. The said that they would be there for the next six months or year, until the situation has been brought totally into control.

Lilly mentioned that having these troops in Juarez was a violation of civil law. So a state of national emergency exists causing this imposing of martial law.

She said that there were no killing either Saturday or Sunday, possibly because of our presence there? God honors the efforts and prayers of His remnant.

Life goes on as people carry on life as normal. But they are mostly staying home, not wanting to venture out. So do go over to Texas to shop where it is safe.

The economy is poor in Mexico as it is in America. Many of the church people work for the US factories that have relocated to Mexico for cheaper wages. Companies like Ford. The workers had their wages cut in half and they are now receiving $50 a week. If they show up late for work they get a 50% reduction in pay. If they show up early all the time they get a $14 bonus.

Lilly works in El Paso as a waitress receiving $100 a week.

My God! I make almost 30 times as much as these workers.

Lilly said that the church had been asleep throughout all of these happening in the past few years. Evil crept in and took control as they turned a deaf ear on it all. They did not take a stand. But this is changing as they are finally awakening to the evil in their land. That is why they see a revival coming on the winds of God.

It is interesting that Pastor Enrique was in prison for drugs and now God is using him to spearhead a movement from Juarez to Orizaba.

 His theme and email address are:

Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Ana was very depressed when she heard and saw all of this. She told Pastor Mike that she wanted to go home. She had seen Juarez grow from its very worst to the very best. Now she saw it at an even worst status.

She had three hours struggling with a word and vision from God Saturday night. She shared it with me and I recorded it; but subsequently deleted it by mistake? Possible it was for her and no one else.

Lilly said that the remnant in Juarez are all believing and praying for a revival starting in Juarez and blossoming outward into all of Mexico. This is happening because of all the unrest there now.

As bad as it is in America, we pale in comparison to the life in this dusty birder town just south of Texas. Yet we found the church members upbeat and cheerful. They continue to meet together and have started many home bible studies.

They, as us, are praying that the drought would be broken. They are seeking revival in their country just as we are in America.