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Two Boys and a Grapefruit Tree
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Absent fathers are not uncommon in Mexico. Sometimes this is from neglect; other times it is the consequences of the violence that has besieged Mexico these last years. Stepping in as a father-figure for two young boys in town can build trust within a whole neighborhood.
As Bro. Marshall eases his pickup truck down the narrow and bumpy street in adjacent Corea, 7-year old Cesar and his 9-year old cousin immediately stop what they are doing and run to their homes. Within minutes they return, with permission from their mothers to ride for a mile in the back  of the pickup to the grapefruit tree. It is not always picking grapefruit; sometimes the task for the day is watering trees or other useful jobs. Neighbors are out watching this recurring scene. There are many warm hand waves, and "Buenas tardes" exchanged. There is a sense of trust as they leave.
The little community of Corea has not been without brokenness and hurt. There have been recent moments of crisis where people have cried out for help, counsel and comfort. Those with a proven track record of trustworthiness were frequently the ones to whom they turned.
 When the boys return, the grapefruit is shared generously among many homes in that close-knit community. These are simple deeds of service, but they build the foundation of trust that is essential for those moments when the Lord breaks up fallow ground. In this case, the immediate need was a young boy in need of a father-figure, but the more tangible fruit was full-grown adults who knew where to turn in times of crisis.
These relationship-building activities are not planned, but simply come from a response to the Spirit's direction to serve people in need. Nonetheless, missionaries struggle with the same busyness as anyone else in the working world. Please pray that the Lord would grant our brothers and sisters, overseas and domestic, insight and compassion.
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Eye Surgery and Eye Glasses
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Work teams serve a similar function in this same important activity of building trust. For over ten years brothers have been coming to Ixtlan annually for eye surgery and to fit eyeglasses. The optometry and ophthalmic equipment was donated.
The Lord mercifully opened the way to transport the equipment across the border and to Ixtlan. Many cataracts have been removed; numerous eyeglasses have been fitted. People frequently ask when they plan to come down again.
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 Through these deeds of service, the church becomes valued by the community. Other services include medical training for the community, counseling at a rehabilitation facility, a private school, tutoring and others.
The gospel message is not directly communicated through these deeds, but they cultivate relationships of trust that the Lord uses to open hearts and give people "ears to hear."
It is not complicated, but there is an element of self-sacrifice that is required of the brothers and sisters. They must stay open-hearted to the needs of those the Lord brings into their lives.
Check the World Relief website to learn about work team opportunities in Mexico.
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Our brethren seek to share a Christ-centered Gospel with the people of Ixtlan, MX. To accomplish this purpose there is a need to communicate the gospel both in clear words of teaching, as well as visible deeds of service that build trust between one another.