Pray for BoysTown Team As Violence Rises in Reynosa
Adri Roos  8th Mar 10

We are a small community of 5 people who live in Reynosa, Mexico. Reynosa is situated right on the border of Texas. We are here to love God, love one another and love our neighbours. Our neighbours happen to be people who live and work in BoysTown, a mafia-run, walled red-light district, where drugs and prostitution is legal. We are here to share our hope and our lives.  

Over the last few months a lot has changed in Reynosa, violence is increasing because of an ongoing drug war.

This increase in violence is due to rivals between different groups of mafia. It's a typical power struggle, with these groups trying to gain territory and power in Reynosa. There's been several incidents over the past few months where these groups have been shooting at one another. As the mafia controls a lot in Mexico, everything from government to media, most of these incidents have not been reported in the news. Most of what we know is from friends who work within the government, people who've witnessed some of the incidents, and what we hear and see.

Reynosa used to be one of the few border cities that didn't experience such a degree of violence, but it seems like things are definitely picking up. We are realising that more than ever we are called to be prayerful as we live our lives in this city. And for that reason I am also sharing this news with you all, so that you can pray with us.

We get together as a team every morning to pray. This has probably been one of my favourite things to do here. We realise that we're not called to live in fear, but that we need to be wise and careful as we go around the city. A shooting can really happen anywhere and at any time.

I am feeling very peaceful about the situation. The violence here is mostly targeted at specific people (those involved in the mafia-circles), so we are never the target of this violence. We just need to live with higher levels of awareness to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

We would like for you to pray with us:

  1. For God's peace to reign in this city. We know that Jesus is seated above all powers and principalities in Reynosa (Ephesians 1:20), and we pray that this will be made known through the body of believers, the church. (Ephesians 3:10).
  2. Pray for us as a team, for protection and wisdom as we make decisions on how to live our lives here in the city. A lot of people here live with fear. We don't want to live out of fear, but out of love. But neither do we want to make poor decisions. We rely on God's guidance through the Holy Spirit, and His wisdom that comes from above (James 3:17).

Please comment below if you have any questions about this, or if you have any words of encouragement. We would love to hear from you.  

If you're a long time reader of the 24-7 international site you may have heard some of our story before.  If you're relatively new to the movement and would like to know about who and where we are, the foundation of our heart is fantastically told in this 24-7 Short...

 

Adri Roos originally hails from Paarl, South Africa, spent a few years serving 24-7 Prayer in the UK and now lives in and loves the walled red light district of BoysTown, Mexico.  Adri loves friends, food, live music and writing. Having travelled widely, she often finds herself at home in the forgotten places.

This post has received 26 comments so far...
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  • Marina
    12th Jun

    Paz,

    This message is for the lovely Kelly Greene. Kelly – I miss you a ton and am praying that I’ll make it across tomorrow for a quick morning visit.

    I’m back in McAllen and hoping to connect with you. Seems like the last 5 1/2 years, I’ve been failing at this so hope to catch you in the 102 degree heat soon!

    Your sweaty (but still smiling) friend,
    Marina
    956-358-3547
    msaenz1030@gmail.com

  • Immanuel
    31st Mar

    DEU 31:6

    Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

    2 Kings 6:16-17

    16. So he answered, Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.
    17 And Elisha prayed and said, “LORD I pray open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

  • Immanuel
    31st Mar

    Hey, Adri, Emily, Kelly, Zach & Hazel

    How are you guys? Any updates on what Almighty God has been and is doing in and through you guys? What is God doing as of today in the hearts of men and women, in Boystown? what are your greatest need other then prayer?

  • Sherry Jones
    17th Mar

    Dear Adri;
    This is the first time I have read about your ministry in Mexico. My heart and prayers go out for you and your team as you stand in the gap for the people there. May the love of God protect, guide and and give you comfort. And may the power of God destroy, overtake and remove the core of violence that grips that town. May the Holy Spirit give wisdom in how the needs of the people will be met when the criminal structure is no longer there.
    THank you for your obedience to serve there.
    Your Sister,
    Sherry Jones

  • Adri Roos
    16th Mar

    Dear friends,

    Thanks you so much for all your feedback and prayers!! We as Team Boys Team really appreciate it and feel so supported by the body of believers; from South Africa, England, Australia and the USA.

    Love,
    Adri, Emily, Kelly, Zach & Hazel

  • Immanuel
    16th Mar

    Just by watching your 4:50 video Kelly, I was so encouraged. What encouraged me the most is fact that it took you 15 months of prayer walking and you never gave up. It put a huge smile on my face as you said with joy “PRAYER WORKS” I will cover you and your team in my prayers at church and at prayer meetings.

  • James
    15th Mar

    Que Dios bendiga a este pais y esta ciudad. Que traiga Su sanidad de corazon y liberacion aun a los instigadores de esta violencia. Que Su presencia, paz, y amor dominen sobre el espiritu de temor. Bendiciones a ti; el convivio del Espiritu, gracia de Jesucristo, y amor del Padre sean tuyos!

    James

  • Chris Smith
    15th Mar

    I’ve been following the work of the BoysTown team for years, and I want you to know I’m praying for you!! Praise God that there is no safer place to be than in the center of our Father’s will!

  • Simone Wilkins
    14th Mar

    Just to let you know I am praying for your protection and for God’s wisdom. “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” God bless you all.
    2 Kings 6 v16-17

  • Micah Welch
    14th Mar

    My family and I are praying for you from our home in Florida. Wild, reckless prayer for the fearless nature of Jesus and for the love of the Father to be released and manifested there in you and in the lives of those you touch on a daily basis. I pray that God would release amazing provision and whatever is needed to sustain and maintain what He is doing there in your midst. May the peace, love and grace of Jesus be poured out through your lives there in that place that God has marked as His territory. I pray that the works of the enemy would be broken and utterly destroyed and that the land, the people and what he is establishing there would be fruitful and that an oasis of His glory would spring up and bring healing, salvation, deliverance, freedom and love would pour from you and His heart to the people in that place. If anyone needs prayer or needs to just talk to someone please feel free to email me and my family, or call us for prayer or just whatever! Our phone is 727-289-7554. Email us at croccifiso@gmail.com. From Micah, Kathy, Lydia, Jonathan, Izaiah, Austin and Samuel. The Welch Family is praying for you!

  • Immanuel
    14th Mar

    Father God, I come before your throne and put at you feet my 5 brother and sisters in Christ Jesus the BoysTown Team. LORD I pray that each team member will be surrounded with your Holy angels and your Holy fire, that they will remain strong and courageous. I pray that the team members will be filed with the knowledge of your will with wisdom and spiritual understanding, may the walk worthy of you Jesus, and they fully please you, bearing much from the Harvest for You and for Your everlasting Kingdom.

    May they Oh LORD increase more in knowledge of You. May You will them with You Holy Spirit, lead them and guide them, speak through them, shine through them for you Name Sake Jesus Christ, Mighty and Glorious Father in Heaven.

    LORD, I life up to you the city of Reynosa, Mexico. I bind satan and his demons from the city of Reynosa, Mexico of in Jesus name. LORD, Lord I pray that you will pour out Your powerful Spirit upon this city and have mercy upon this city. May you bring peace upone thses two rival mafia members for the killing would stop, all of the violence, drugs, prostitution will stop and set these women free from the bondage of prostitution. Thank you LORD Jesus for already working in this city , in Jesus name I pray, Amen

  • mindy fugarino
    13th Mar

    May you continue to see, hear, feel, and know Christ with you…and within you. May His very presence be transforming all you meet, and protecting you from the “powers & principalities” of your area.

    Peace, Peace, Peace of Christ to you. Again, Peace, Mindy

  • kaz
    13th Mar

    praying from maitland, nsw australia

  • Claire
    13th Mar

    Thank you for sharing your story with us and how we can help. I’ll be praying from here in Melbourne, Australia. I’m glad you have each other!

  • Deb Burton
    12th Mar

    Thank you God for these brave ones.
    Please surround them and protect them with your Holy Angels and lead and guide them through the valley of the shadow of death, in the authority of Your Name Jesus Christ, I ask this!
    I’m thinking of the Jackie Pullinger story in a similar situation in Hong Kong – be encouraged people – God can do it though you! Love to you in His Name…

  • Prophetess Rhonda Gomez
    12th Mar

    In the name of Jesus Christ Almighty Father I come before your throne and I lift up all of my brothers and sisters in Christ I plea your precious holy blood upon all of your children all over the world right now over Reynosa and in Mexico we command all of the evil to flee in Jesus mighty name make them throw down those guns and drugs and money and make those prostitutes stop and bow down to you Almighty Father you are in control show that devil that we are your children not his you have given us the power and authority to stomp and defeat the enemy father God you told me if I could gather your children together and pray in one accord to you not only would you heal our 17 yr old sons 4 types of cancer in 2005 which you already did thank you Jesus Praise you Jesus but you told me you would heal the whole wide world so as we gather together as one and pray in one accord to you we ask in Jesus name for peace love and healing to flow all over the world my dearest heavenly father we humble ourselves together as one we stand in agreement we ask you to come alive inside our hearts our bodies our minds and our souls we ask you to forgive us for all of the evil that we have done in our lives come to us now we beg of you touch the hearts that are made of stone and break them to pieces stop all of the anger,the hatred,the suffering,the pain,cast satan and all of the evil spirits of drugs and war and poverty bring us your promises father God we love you we thank you and we praise you we don’t want to live our lives in fear any longer we want to live our lives for you we believe in you we trust in you we love you let your will through us be done as one wash us, cleanse us, purify us, strengthen us we are here to serve you and you alone we are your children shattered and torn full of heatache, suffering and pain cast satan and all of the evil spirits down in the deepest recesses of hell chain them there forever we ask you to pour out your holy spirit upon each and everyone of us instead of hatred bring us love instead of tears bring happiness instead of
    sorrow bring us joy fill us with your pure unconditional love all over the world God Almighty Father I have been obedient to you since the beginning I have faith that can and does move mountains you have blessed me with your healing powers and you want me to go out in the world and let it be known I am not afraid of anybody or anything because you are here with me no weapon formed against me shall prosper you have healed so many people through my hands you have brought your children back you are the one that does all of the miracles not I but you in me I give you all of the Glory the Honor and the Praise for everything you did everything your doing and everything your going to do through Christ which strengthens me you see God is here with us I have his heart on the palm of my hand and I took his picture in the clouds as proof that he is here with us all God has been doing miracles through me since I was 12 yrs.old and now not only is he is doing them through me in person he is doing them through the phone I have a 24hr.prayer hotline#1-325-280-8051 all you have to do is pickup the phone and call I am a Minister/Prophetess/Evangelist God spoke to me and told me I am to hold the biggest healing revival crusade service in the whole wide world so if you would like for me to come please feel free to let me know when and where God said he will provide for all of my needs I look forward to hearing from you all you can send me prayer requests,pictures if God puts it in your heart love offerings are appreciated my home address is
    Prophetess Rhonda Gomez
    507 N.Swenson St.
    Stamford Texas,79553
    hvnsentangel38@yahoo.com
    godspromisedland.ning.com on there you can see the pictures and read about alot of the miracles God has done and is doing my 24 hr.prayer hotline# 1-325-280-8051 remain blessed in the Lord I will keep you all in my prayers I love you one and I love you all your sister in Christ, Prophetess Rhonda Gomez

  • Fernando Pina
    12th Mar

    Dear Adri:
    I release a word of blessing and encourage for you and the community of Reynosa. We are following the incidents of this drug cartel war along the MEX/US border in order to intercede timely and properly for our fellow brothers. As others are saying there is a lack of information about the reality these border towns are living now. The most info we know has been received by e-mail from friends of these cities, Mier, Miguel Aleman, Roma, TX, and Reynosa.

    We will keep praying for you and your team. From Tijuana/San Diego to Matamoros/Brownsville along the Mex/US border we will see the Glory of God and His presence will bring peace and reconciliation.

    Blessings,
    Fernando Pina
    Mexico/USA Border Prayer Alliance

  • Penny Walsh
    12th Mar

    Psalm 91 is the one for you guys! Here are a few verses:
    “Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.”....
    “Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble they’ll catch you, their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.”
    May God bless you guys for the wonderful work you are dong- bringing a bit more of his kingdom to earth.

  • Adriana
    12th Mar

    Adri,

    I live in Weslaco, Texas. Its a border town as well and there has been a lot of coverage about the shootings in Reynosa in the local news. I’ve traveled to Reynosa a lot in the past, and I have fallen in love with the city. I cant imagine how much it has probably changed since I was last there. Its obvious that Satan wants to destroy this beautiful city and inspire both Christians and non-Christians to live in fear. I have been earnestly praying that God will break down the strongholds and that He will establish HIs righteousness in Reynosa. Just reading your story has actually given me a lot of hope for the city and the nation of Mexico as well. I’m definitely keeping your team in my prayers!! Be strong and very courageous!!

    In Christ,

    Adriana

  • David L
    12th Mar

    Ha Ha, that would be “Oasis in the Desert”, although “Dessert” would be yummy right now.

  • David Luna
    12th Mar

    We continue to pray everyday for the 24-7 prayer group in Reynosa as we have for the last few years, along with Isaiah 55 ministries and our sister church in Reynosa “Oasis in the Dessert”. Say “hi” to your new member of the group there, Hazel, as I understand she has arrived from Heaven recently. The Lord’s grace and peace be with you all. Our primary prayer for you all each day is found in Romans 15:13: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost:.

    Blessing,
    David Luna

  • Allison W.
    12th Mar

    Que Dios les bendiga. Estoy orando

  • Allisn
    12th Mar

    Estamos orando. Bendiciones.

  • Bennie Mostert
    12th Mar

    Adri, so pas na die video gekyk. Dankie names die Koning vir wat julle doen. Groete vir Kelly al het sy geen clue wie nog ‘n vreemde suid-afrikaner is nie. Dit is altyd ‘n bemoediging om te sien hoe die Here se kinders net oorals is. Julle maak ‘n verskil. Onthou dit. Sal beter probeer onthou om te bid. Jy mag van tyd tot tyd ‘n gebedsversoek aanstuur. ek is nie die wereld se nr 1 bidder nie, maar die Here sal seker hoor as ek bid. (Dit is minstens wat ek vir ander vertel. en Matt.9:38-39.

  • Kevin Steen
    12th Mar

    Bless you folks. May God answer your prayers for peace in yourselves and the community of Reynosa. God is bigger than each adn everyone of us and Jesus defeated death at the cross!
    Psalm 149:4

  • Dave Carlson
    12th Mar

    Praying for ya’ll! Even though I’m half-way around the World from Mexico right now, I’m trying to keep tabs on what’s going on down there.

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