Teenage boy fears for his life

In the past week I have made several visits to Tijuana, Mexico for inexpensive dental work. I drove to the border, parked the car and walked across at San Ysidro, CA border. The dental office was  a five minute walk from where I crossed.  At first, I was apprehensive because Mexico has a bad repetition for crime, mugging, kidnapping, etc. My first 2 visits were with my wonderful boyfriend, Gary who lives in San Diego and had referred me to this clinic.  Around the border it was no more dangerous than walking downtown Toronto or any other major city. The media has taken hold of Mexico and for many years have given the impression that there is danger lurking around every corner. That is not the case. There is overwhelming poverty found throughout Mexico and these are desperate times for the Mexican people.

The Mexicans I encountered where honest and hard working. It was mainly elderly, mothers bearing children, and handicapped people that I saw begging for money. Appearing helpless, they are poverty stricken and very grateful for anything that were given to them. Mexicans are famous for pedaling their wears and goods on the local street. They are barterers and traders in nature who rarely look for handouts unless they can offer something in exchange. Anything from hats, belts, papers, snacks, etc. they physically carry their goods around hoping for a sale or trade here or there.  My dental practitioner who repaired my teeth impressed me the most. He was honest and explained to me that he wasn’t happy with the crowns the lab prepared for me and that he wanted them to do it over! I had to make an extra trip but it was well worth it! Quality dental work for thousands less than what I would have paid in Canada or the US.

http://www.mexicandentalclinic.com/index.html

My last visit to the clinic was only a hour but I spent 2 and 1/2 hours in the pedestrian lineup. The border was congested with mainly locals lined up for at least a mile from the entry point. While in the lineup I met a friendly, gentle older lady who spoke English very well. She was a grandmother whose name was Anna. I shared with her about my Cycling4Jesus cycling trip. She told me she was raised in a Catholic family who went to church every Sunday. Anne didn’t care for the religion but believed in God and Jesus being the son of God. I shared that her walk is with Jesus and not the local church. She was encouraged as I spoke and witnessed to her of God’s grace and promises. I asked her about living in Tijuana and wasn’t she afraid as a single elderly woman. Anna told me she has lived in Tijuana all her life and never ran into any danger. Now she lives downtown in condo with her son. Then she softened and told me about her 17 year old grandson Jeffery who was involved in gang related affairs. “He has got into big trouble with gang leaders and the next time they see him they will kill him,” she sobbed. Her daughter moved to Rosarito with her son, Jefferey to avoid the pending danger of the gang and the threat on his life.

Anna from Tijuana

Pedestrian Lineup at the Tijuana border

 

Entrance to US border

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna was tearful as she spoke about her grandson, “He is a wonderful boy but I fear for his life…” I assured her that Jesus can protect us in all situations.” (Psalm 121:6-8 “The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.”

I told her if she wanted his protection, she could come to him personally each day. She didn’t have to see the priest at the local church to do that. “How do I pray?” she remarked. Just like you are having a conversation with me, you can come to Jesus with everything. (“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I then led her in a prayer of salvation asking Jesus to forgive her of her sins while she proclaimed Jesus out loud as her Lord and Savior!

Anna agreed allowing me to post her photo and story on my blog. She is requesting that all the Christian believers and churches please put her on their prayer list for healing of her back, protection over grandson, Jeffery and for salvation for her whole family. Thank you Saints!

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