Juarez, Mexico-a city that borders El Paso, Texas and has an estimated population of 1.5 million people, a city that has become one of the world's most dangerous places to live or visit, a city that has been overtaken by Mexico's drug war.  This "drug massacre," as the locals call it, began five years ago and has gradually gotten worse.  This year alone, nearly 3,000 people have been killed in drive by shootings.  As the drug battle rages in Juarez, the battle of cancer rages in the body of Jorge Ramirez.

            Jorge is a missionary and church planter who lives in Juarez with his wife Zoila and their three children.  His main ministry is missions, and he ministers to the Sierra Tarahumara Indians.  Jorge first became acquainted with GO InterNational many years ago when the president of GO, Bert Jones led a mission team to Juarez.  At that time Jorge owned his own restaurant.  Being fluent in English, Jorge served as the team translator, and since then has grown to be an active partner with GO. 

Because Jorge is a missionary and church planter and Mexico does not recognize this as a real job, he is unable to receive insurance benefits.  As a result, when he began having physical problems he was not able to seek the proper medical care.  However, a door opened through GO InterNational to assist Jorge, which led to a series of miracles that only God could have orchestrated. 

Due to the partnership and close relationship with GO InterNational staff, they were aware of Jorge's health situation. Dr. Larry Frick, Director of Medical Missions, volunteers with the Refuge Medical Clinic.  This ministry provides free medical care for people who don't have insurance.  Larry asked the director for help concerning Jorge and she was very willing to set up an appointment to see a doctor.  This was a miracle because the Refuge Medical Clinic, ministers solely to the people of Jessamine County.

However, there were still more obstacles for Jorge and his family.  When they went to get their papers to travel to the US, the officers would not approve their permits, because Jorge had no proof of income.  The officers thought that Jorge and his family might be illegal workers in the U.S and wanted to take their passports and not let cross the border anymore.  Jorge explained that they were missionaries serving in Mexico, but were receiving compensation through GO, but the officers did not believe him.  Finally, he was given an appointment with the supervisor.  The situation could have gone from bad to worse, but God performed another miracle.  The chief of immigration gave Jorge and his family the proper documentation and added a six month extension.  At the end of the meeting he told Jorge to have a good trip and a great ministry. 

Jorge came to the US and saw a urologist.  After a series of tests, it was determined that Jorge did have cancer and needed surgery.  After the initial shock of the news, Jorge had to face the challenges of surgery, "First the fact that I had to have surgery, second that I don't have medical insurance, third, I realized that I have nothing to worry about, because HE is in control, and fourth, whatever happens, God is good, and I still have much to learn from Him in this new episode of our lives." 

The challenge of not having medical insurance is no worry to Jorge anymore.  His doctor was aware of a program that chooses two people each year, from foreign countries to perform a surgery that is completely paid for.  Jorge was chosen for the program, another miracle since many apply. 

Jorge and Zoila arrived in the US on November 2^nd, and his surgery is scheduled for the 9^th.  They are humbled and grateful for this opportunity and know that only God could have made this happen.  They have felt God's wonderful peace, strength, and courage.  "Our love for Him has grown; our faith has grown, and our trust in Him is complete.  Yes, there have been some tears and emotions in the midst of all of this, but there is no fear.  I know it's not me, so it must be the Lord helping us take each step," Jorge said.  Through it all God has taught him one thing, "When you trust in MAN, you get what man can do; but when trust in GOD, you get what only God can do."      - Whitney Ward reporting