A Reverse Mission Trip in El Paso, Texas

Mathew 5:13-16

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – NKJV

We rested in the sanctuary of Iglesia Luterana Cresto Rey in El Paso Texas, for a small worship service beginning our last reflection of our Border Immersion experience. Pastora Rosa led us by asking two questions. Who has been a light for us in our journey? Who has made an impact on you this week? How could I possible summarize my experience engaging in a community when I had learned so much?

It was only seven days earlier that I embarked on my journey, clumsy, cramped and confused. Boarding the plane, I had dropped my glass water bottle on someone’s head. I was assigned the middle seat, consequently fretting over a load of books I couldn’t get to.  I later spilling my flimsy cup of water onto my neighbor.  Intermittently leaning forward seeking to rest on my travel teddy bear, as nervousness haunted my muffled dreams.

We arrived safely after eight hours of traveling. On my 32nd hour of being awake, I prayed for energy and pinched myself, frustrated that I still had not learned Spanish as Carmen shared her story. She, humble, self-less, and resilient opened up to us. She questioned why we have borders when, “Dios no dividó el cielo.” This struck me in the deepest and most personal way. The question of manmade limits followed me through the week.

Deep in the Colonias, lands sold without services such as safe drinking water and plumbing, we listened to Argelia’s story. I couldn’t stop my tears from flowing as she shared her overwhelming faith and resilience. She asked, “Why do you come here and cry with us?”

Dr. Mendoza, a pioneer in social medicine, reminded us that too often, “The only treatment the poor gets is extractions.” As a missionary doctor in Juarez, Mexico helping people with no access to medical care and providing scholarships for kids to go to school, she promotes education as a way to break the cycle of poverty. “I use my skills to show my love for my neighbors, solidarity for their needs, advocating for voices of people who don't speak for themselves.” She charged us to stand and do our part. “Don’t ever feel you're too small, too poor, or too busy that you cannot help your neighbor.”

I reflected on how each of these women, their stories, and questions, have served as lights for me. I didn’t have answers for them then, and I pray their questions continue swimming in my heart, guiding my journey. I share Dr. Mendoza’s heart for servant leadership. I pray for the resilience of Carmen, the faith of Argelia, and the grace of Pastora Rosa whom ended our reflection asking, “What are the walls we erect in everyday lives separating from others?”

For those who are beginning your social justice journeys, don’t let the burden of privilege cause you to "other" issues, nor lights. We will never gain faith through understanding, but through an open heart. Do not allow stories of resilience to serve only as catharsis, but rather as catalyst to be the change you want to see. You too can be a light in this world.

Servant Leadership

Grace

Vulnerability

Hope

Faithfulness

Letting Go

Solidarity

Sincerity

Accountability

Tear Down the Walls

Build Bridges