Mexico City Feels Like Home
I feel in some ways like every time Dawn and I return to Mexico City it’s like going to our second home. A place where we lived for almost ten years, and both Jonathan and Hannah were born there. We still have many friends that we love and care for that live there. Special friends that we partner with in ministry.
Two of those special friends are Barush Sanchez and Monse Santiago they are the RUF-CUR campus ministers at UNAM one of the world’s largest universities. I always come away encouraged after I’m with them, and learn how the Lord is moving on the campus.
God’s Amazing Grace in Monse’s Life
I asked Monse if she would share her story with us, and she told us how she came from a background where she was involved in a mixture of New Age religions, and she even tried on Marxism. Then while at the campus she joined an English club led by our RUF-CUR workers. At first she didn’t even know that they were Christians, but she was drawn to them. They were friendly and loving people. She went on a retreat with them, and it was there that she heard about grace for the first time. That confused her at first, because she had believed in Karma. You get what you give, and she only understood the works of trying to do good. The idea of receiving something she didn’t earn or work for did not make sense to her.
After about six more months of learning and asking many questions she gave her life to Christ. She said that the campus minister that spent so much time with her was very patient and loving. Monse is a very committed and passionate young woman. She ended up joining staff a few years later.
Monse also told us how she prayed for and shared the gospel with her family. Her sister and mom have also come to Christ. It moved me to tears to hear her tell of how God has begin to work in her family. Her sister is now leading a group on another campus, and her mom is helping with worship by playing the piano for the church.
She asked for prayer for her dad and her other siblings who have not yet come to faith. Her dad especially has been very resistant.
Pray for Monse’s Family and the Campus Ministry
It lifted Dawn and my spirit to hear first hand how the Lord is moving on the campus and in Monse’s family. We enjoyed being able to encourage Monse and Barush as they so faithfully serve.
Reconnecting with a Wonderful Friend
To top off our wonderful time together, Barush’s dad, Fernando joined us. I first met Fernando about 24 years ago. When I was training youth leaders in Mexico. It was a special time to be able to reminisce and remind one another of the Lord’s faithfulness over the years. Fernando has been pastoring a church for the last 18 years, and both of his sons are ministers. He said that Dawn and I had left an imprint on their lives. They have left a huge imprint on our lives as well, which is one of the reasons I love Mexico City.
I pray for a breakthrough in the city. Barush and Monse told us they were going to be participating in an evangelistic campaign the next day with a number of youth and churches from around the city. The goal was to share the gospel with One Million people in one day, which takes a lot of prayer and coordination to pull off. Can’t wait to hear all the stories of how God showed up.
Thank you Jesus for all you are doing in the Big City of Mexico!
In His Grip, Dave
DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org