Border Challenges Met and Overcome by Faith
We were all smiles once we got all the stuff across the border. Thank you Pastor Francisco and wife Estella.
Getting across the border into Mexico is always a challenge when there is a lot of stuff involved. So, we called on Pastor Francisco and wife Estella for help. They are from Reynosa and are the ones who cover us under their ministry here in Mexico. After paying a $120 USD tax we got everything across, not bad considering the volume of the items we brought over. Our trailer was loaded and our vehicle was packed full with over 400 bags filled with gifts, dozens of stuffed animals, clothes, shoes and a bunch of miscellaneous items.
It did not go as expected. We put everything in Pastor Francisco’s vehicle that we thought the border officials would want to tax. He usually does not get stopped. But this time at the border he got a red light which meant a vehicle search. We thought we would be searched because we had the trailer and Texas plates. We got a green light and we were free to enter Mexico with no delay. Amazing how it works. Not defeated though!! Go Jesus!
They opened every container and box in Francisco’s vehicle and looked up on the internet the value of several new items. When they were finished they told Francisco the tax would be over $400 USD. But, when he went to the window to pay he showed them his Pastor credentials and told them the purpose was to give away everything in Jesus’ name. They lowered the tax to $120 – Jesus in Action!!
Tonyia washed some of the stuffed animals.
Once away from the border check we loaded everything back on the trailer to make the five hour trip to Galeana. Most of the gifts are already separated by Nino (boy) or Nina (girl) but we still have to go thru everything. Then the fun will begin. Tomorrow, Wednesday 12/21, we will give out gifts at the Marcos 10:14 kids club. Next week we will head to the remote farms to hand out gifts to the kids who seldom receive one. We are excited that we will have others from Mexico and the USA to help us distribute the gifts!
Please include us in your prayers as we go out to these remote villages sharing the love of Jesus. We want everyone to realize the greatest gift came one night in a manger in Bethlehem – Jesus the Christ child – Emanuel, God with us.
If you feel lead to give financially for our work in Mexico visit our support page.
Our daughter, Maigen and dog Pepper, helped organize many gifts before we left the USA.
There were a number of small items to sort through.
There is a tremendous amount of work and expense involved in our Christmas gift program.
