changes.

as i'm sure many of you know from watching the news, the border of mexico has been a volatile place as the "war on drugs” has escalated. reynosa has been a relatively quiet city, until now. there were some incidents last year between the cartels and the military. and in the last few months, we have seen a slow increase in the frequency of incidents. despite the increase, we have still been quite able to move around the city, visiting our friends in boystown, and continuing on with normal life without difficulty. we were always aware of our surroundings, and were prepared to act accordingly if something occurred. we have sensed, in the last few months, the shift that has been occurring in the city and we have been aware of its recent escalation in intensity.

but in the last couple of weeks, things in the city have changed. it is getting more violent, as cartels are fighting one another for power. and it is affecting the whole city. it has also impacted our ability to see friends in boystown and to go about our normal lives in the city. it is not something that seems to be easily or quickly resolved.

we have been praying specifically for the situation over the last few months, seeking wisdom and discernment as we have figured out how to live our lives on a daily basis in a city that has been slipping into chaos. and now we are having to figure out what the best decision is for us as a team and as individuals. we all believe God has called us to reynosa and all of our hearts are very much in this city. we have put down roots and truly feel a sense of home here. but now we have to figure out what is next. there are seasons to life. and we are definitely feeling a change of season. we just don't know exactly what that looks like or how to move forward. and so we are taking a bit of a break from life here, in order to pray and think through how we should respond to these changes. it breaks my heart to think of leaving my friends and my home here for a time. but we all need some time away to be able to think through this clearly.

so we would greatly appreciate it if you would keep us in prayer. pray for protection for us and for our friends. pray for the peace of Christ in this city. pray that the body of believers here in reynosa would become united in prayer for the city and for the situation. pray for wisdom for our team as we decide as a group and as individuals how to move forward. pray for kelly and zach, as they are taking care of baby hazel (who was born just a week and a half ago) and trying to figure out what is best for them as a family. pray for the grace to do what Jesus is asking of us. pray that we would hear the voice of God leading us through all of this. his is the voice that we desire to hear most clearly. thank you for your love and support, friends.