Driving into Reynosa we’re avoiding the potholes. It’s just as I remembered; colourful, bougainvillea’s, the subtle smell of sewage and the name of Mayor Oscar Luebbert Gutiérrez brightly painted on almost every other wall. It's often in these unlikely places that God is moving in incredible ways.

 

Things have changed quite a bit over the last year in Reynosa. 24-7 has officially been listed as 27-7 Mexico, Kelly bought her first piece of property, and in addition to a house, team housing, and a prayer room being constructed, some amazing things have been happening in the lives of Lucia and Paolina: two ladies from Boys Town, the walled city in Reynosa, which continues to be run by the Mexican mafia.

I remembered meeting Lucia last year and doubting whether I’d ever see her alive again. She’s been in Boys Town for about 35 years and was severely addicted to alcohol and drugs. 

 

Lucia, however, made some drastic decisions and a couple of weeks ago walked herself into a rehabilitation centre. She checked in, had a meal and went to bed. She woke up the next morning, with no feeling in her legs. For 5 days she was in rehab, unable to move her legs. On day 6 she asked if someone would pray for her legs. They offered her some medicine, but Lucia insisted on only having some prayer. Some people prayed with her and her legs were healed! She was so happy that God healed her and she even shared her testimony on the local Christian radio station!

 

When I saw Lucia it was evident that God did a work in her life. She looked great, had a golden pin on her blouse, in the shape of a crown with the name JESUS written on it. She was standing in Boys Town with a Bible underneath her arm. She had returned to say happy birthday to her daughter who still lives there. Lucia is now living in a homeless/refugee shelter in Reynosa, and often goes to Boys Town to see her daughter and friends.

Paolina invited us into her room and showed us a sweater which she knit. I tried it on, and although the Mexican heat was creeping up my back I could tell this sweater would keep someone warm in the cold winters. Paolina shared some of her own story with us. She left her home as a young girl, lived on the streets for a while, and was then taken in by some nuns. They taught her how to knit. She’s been in Boys Town for 4 years, just as long as Kelly, and is moving back to her hometown in December.  She has registered for nursing school, and begins classes in January.  She has also made a couple of payments on a house! These are huge steps for her. She has dreamed of being a nurse her whole life and is very excited about changing to a career of "helping people."  She has also purchased a house with the intention of keeping a room available to help girls who live on the street. 

 

Continue to pray with us for Paolina and Lucia. We’re excited to be part of the journey God’s taking them on.