Thursday is a Special Day

Part of our DTS is the opportunity to go on ministry outreach here in Mazatlan every Thursday. The base has a number of ministries to choose from including a soccer club that gives a chance to play soccer with children and teenagers as well as teach them God’s character, nature, and his values. Some of the other outreaches include going to a rehab center at Stone Island, which is near Mazatlan and Bibles for Mexico. I admire bibles for Mexico because their goal is to take one bible to every home in Mazatlan - about 100,000 homes. Another ministry is an outreach group that goes to a nearby neighborhood called Cerro Del Ocho. Cerro Del Ocho is a neighborhood where narco traffickers live and distribute drugs. Mazatlan is located in the state of Sinaloa, home of the infamous Sinaloa cartel that “El Chapo” Guzman once headed up. We were told that we are not allowed to take pictures or videos in this neighborhood because Narco traffickers have cameras throughout the neighborhood and know who is coming in and out. I saw the cameras for myself once I entered the neighborhood.

I was a bit nervous to go into the neighborhood considering the reputation, but once we were inside I realized the people were kind and inviting. We visited a grandmother whose kids attend a local orphan school. I talked with her about her experience of having COVID and how it has affected Mazatlan. She was a very free spirited and fun lady to be around. She also grew up in the neighborhood and is highly respected. People come to her for knowledge and the low down of what is going on in the area. I did see some white powder on the dresser, but maybe it was just powdered sugar!

After saying goodbye to her, I went outside to find some other members of my DTS doing activities with the kids. They were playing games and incorporating Jesus into the games through stories and lessons. I was so excited to see the kids have a chance to learn about the Bible at a young age because I know the stories I heard about Moses, Joshua, and some of the other old testaments heroes stuck with me throughout my childhood. I hope these children will remember these stories and put their faith in Christ. 

After their lesson, the kids just wanted to play and get piggy-back rides. They would say giddy up and I’d run up the stairs with them on my back, as would the other team members. They would also jump off a patio and want us to catch them and swing them around. I wish I had a video to show their smiles and how much fun we were all having. I was exhausted by the time we left and I look forward to returning to Cerro Del Ocho next week.