The drug war in Tijuana is in the world news. Due to this, short-term mission trips are cancelling because of security reasons. I know of one house-building ministry that is jumping ship to a quieter pueblito farther south…the same place where the director is building his dream home. The economy in the U.S. is in a recession. As a result, donations are dropping. Some ministries are feeling the affects above. The one I work for is losing 60 sponsors per month. Some full-time missionaries have been prohibited by their sending agencies to enter into certain neighborhoods in Tijuana. Kidnappings of nationals have exponentially increased. Last Friday night, an illegal crosser whom I’ve spent time with was kidnapped—along with the whole group (their pollero made a run for it, successfully). The crossers were released after 7K was paid (that’s in dollars). The group was spooked after one of them was given the task of digging his own grave [...]
Businesses Close for Lunch?
Posted November 2, 2008 by Ben
When I was in elementary school, the local supermarket chain decided it was best for business to remain open on Sunday. My parents were disappointed, hoping that the forecoming trend would not occur. And even though I was young, I felt sad that the small town atmosphere in which my grandparents lived seemed to be fading away. Today in big cities, it has disappeared completely. [...]
Nothing is Black or White
Posted October 19, 2008 by Ben
The quote “Nothing is black or white,” is almost a cliché, but remains true. Anyone who says Obama is the solution is kidding themselves—just as those who think McCain and Palin are the absolute perfect fit. And speaking of politics, I generally side conservative. Yet what do you do when you’re touched by a real-life example that does not walk the party line?[...]
U.S. / Mexico Border Wait Times
Posted July 7, 2008 by Ben
Many thousands of Mexicans, living in Tijuana, bear a horrendous borderline each and every morning. This is old news to San Diegans, but I’m positive that the majority of U.S. citizens have no concept of what occurs at the border.
A friend recently commented that the border wait is “inhumane.” Can you disagree? I don’t think a single people group in the States can justify another human waiting in line for 1 to 3 hours per day, just to start work.
Definition of a Missionary
Posted June 4, 2008 by Ben
As a kid I used to define “missionary” as someone who went to another country in order to share the Gospel. Then in my late twenties I moved to Mexico. Many people, on both sides of the border, called me a missionary; yet I became more and more uncomfortable with the title. It seemed like a high calling that I didn’t fit into—not because I looked down upon myself, but because I didn’t fit into the U.S. 21st century definition of a missionary. I had not been to a Bible school or seminary, nor had I gone through any missionary training program. I was not officially sent by my church, denomination, or missions agency. I did not raise support.
With a real conviction that all Christians have the responsibility to share Christ with others, I began to define “missionary” as any Christian who took Christianity seriously. Or better put, every Christian is a missionary, ideally. Uhh, not so fast […]
Moving Back Home
Posted May 27, 2008 by Ben
There are only a couple of blogs I follow on a daily basis. Recently I read that one of “my” bloggers is heading back to the States for good—calling it quits on the field.
My intention is not to come off as cynical, but his farewell post, the comments that followed, and the follow-up posts, all sounded kind of like every other goodbye blog-roll I’ve read. Feelings of guilt, reflection, a summation of what has been learned on the field, and vague plans for the future in the U.S. of A. I’m not trying to take a jab at the blogger; I mean, what’s he supposed to say? Of course there is going to be slight (or great) guilt, lots of reflection, many things learned, and ideas for the upcoming months or year. C’mon! I just read it with sadness—that’s all. I’ve enjoyed reading his blog. It’s been real, honest, exciting, and even the mundane grind. I can relate to it. And the soon to be ex-missionary blogger is a guy I’d like to meet. [...]
Concerned about the Safety of your Short-Term Mission Trip to Tijuana?
Posted March 26, 2008 by Ben
My wife is a big Tom Hanks fan, leading us to watch Road to Perdition a couple of nights back. The context of the movie revolves around the Irish mob in Depression-era Chicago. The film showed how the mafia owned the police, banks, businesses, and politicians. Halfway through the flick, I exclaimed, “This is exactly what’s going on in Tijuana right now!” Her response was, “Pues claro!” (a little tough to translate into english, but let’s just say it’s a strong “Of course!”)
Mexican Café
Posted March 22, 2008 by Ben
Mexicans are big into coffee. I think they’re even more into coffee than Seattleites, which I suppose is a large claim. Wikipedia states that folks in this coastal port have “a reputation for heavy coffee consumption.” Yet I believe, those in Mexico are on par, cups per day. Sure, the coffee blend is a bit different. People in Seattle are into their coffee—you know, a grande, soy, white mocha with no foam type thing. On the contrary, most Mexicans will drink whatever’s served up—and usually it’s instant. The whole concept of coffee is different, especially where and how it’s drunk. I know it’s the big thing to sit around in a Starbucks with your friends—but it’s just as common to go it alone in the drive-thru, throwing down 4 bucks to ease your single occupant commute home. This is essentially unheard of in Mexico. [...]
1988 Porsche 928 S4 & Missions
Posted February 10, 2008 by Ben
The February 2008 issue of Motor Trend magazine put up a comparison between four family sedans. In the running were the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ, the Honda Accord EX-L V-6, the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, and finally the Toyota Camry SE V-6. Upon seeing the lineup, I almost passed over reading the article. Why would I care about middle-class, family four-doors? I received my answer in the fourth paragraph.
Wasting Time in Mexico
Posted January 11, 2008 by Ben
“Everything is so inefficient in Mexico.” I hear this comment with regularity, along with “Mexico time,” or “mañana.” And even though I’m not Mexican, sometimes I feel a bit defensive. Hey!—there are reasons for the slow rhythm. I’m trying the best I can to hurry this along.—I think to myself. Yet no doubt that in comparison to the American pace, life in Mexico is played to a different cadence.
Below are five time-consuming categories that I deal with on a regular basis. Disclaimer: This list is not a complaint. It is not complete. It is written only to describe items that for me, devour the hour.