THE LOVE OF A BUG

I want to share a story that I wrote for the Christmas issue of Searcy Living Magazine, in Searcy, Arkansas a couple of years ago. Many of you have already read this personal story but I wanted to refresh your memory because it will tie in with the next blog story that I will be writing.  

                                                                                        THE LOVE OF A BUG
                                                                                                                       By: Daniel Torres

We lived in a tiny house. The yellow tongue-in-groove boards on the outside could also be seen from the inside. We had no interior walls. Pictures were hung directly on the 2 X 4s that supported the little house. I often used the missing knots on the boards to spy on the outside world. It was an adventure that needed no props. I was barely five years old. The year was 1958. The town was Mayaguez, third largest city on the west coast of Puerto Rico.

We were dirt poor. The neighbors around us were dirt poor, also. Everyone did what they had to do to scratch out a living. There was no shame in being poor; we had plenty of company. Father was always gone working as a maintenance man at the University, so I would entertain myself for hours with a stick, kicking a can, or fishing. Yes, fishing. I would take a pin and bend it, take some thread, wrap it around the head, and dip it in the shallow creek that ran behind the little yellow house. I never caught anything but it kept me occupied. I saw others doing it. Years later I realized that it would have helped if I had put bait on my homemade hook.

The Spirit of Christmas was in the air. Folks talking about it and the music coming through the radios of passing cars were obvious hints. Our family did not have any money to spend on such luxuries. About the best that we had was a special holiday meal. But one afternoon my father came home and told me that he had registered my name in town, and that I could possibly be getting a Christmas gift. My world changed. The day that we were to drive into town to pick up my gift could not come soon enough. In those days, before the world became smaller with our current technology, Christmas was celebrated on January the 5th. We did not welcome Santa Claus, but the three Wise Men.

Children would go out the day before and gather grass, tie it in a small bundle and put it under the bed with a bowl of water. This would feed the camels while the jolly Wise Men dropped their gifts under their beds. Christmas had taken on a new meaning to a five year old. I hardly slept the night before. And finally the day arrived. My gift was not under my bed, but it had been left in an auditorium.

We drove into town. Father led me by the hand into a large auditorium that was filled with other children and parents. Names were being called out over a loud speaker. We sat down and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally I heard my name come across the thunderous speakers. It was my whole, entire name. I did not know what to do then, but father led me by the hand to the front where a lady reached behind her and pulled something out of a box. It was not wrapped. And I didn't care!! I believe Father went through the usual formalities of, "What do you say, son?" I'm sure I said something or it would have been the switch when I got home, but I was awestruck. In the palm of my hand was the most beautiful, brand new, shiny, candy-apple red Volkswagen Beetle a boy ever put his gaze on. It was my only Christmas present that year. But who needed anything else? It was my treasure. All mine. I couldn't have been happier if you had given me a real one. Life was good.

I can still close my eyes and see it. I can still smell the Three-In-One oil aroma that it gave. That gift was so special to a five year old little boy that it helped to forever stamp the memory of those days into my heart. I would spend hours just staring at it. It fit my hand from finger tip to wrist. Today, it would only sit on my palm.

Fifty-one years later, it still brings me joy and floods me with the memories of those simple days. Not a Christmas season goes by that I don't think about that particular part of my life. Many times I have sat in my living room staring at the bounty of treasures under the Christmas tree for my own three daughters and smiled as I thought of the greatest Christmas gift I have ever received. My little bug affected my adult life, too.

My life has gone in many directions since those simple days. When I was ten years old, my mother, who was living in New York City, sent my father a plane ticket for me and my brother to join her there. I grew up in the complexities of that major city. By the time I was out of high school, my family had decided to move back to Puerto Rico, but I decided to stay and continue my education. Yes, I was a young teenage man living in the big city without family, but I survived it, thank God. After joining the U.S. Air Force, I was stationed at Blytheville A.F.B. for almost four years. Eventually, I would take up residence in Searcy. Yet, with all those complexities of life, the simplicity of those early days never left my heart.

For the past five Christmases I have gone to Juarez, Mexico, to bring gifts to poor children, and even adults. Most of these children would not have anything for Christmas were it not for the generosity of folks from the Searcy area who help to make this possible. And, as usual, the gospel message is packaged together with their gift. It is the most important part of the gift. I always see in their faces the joy of what I imagine my face looked like 51 years ago. I guess it's my way of saying thanks to that wonderful stranger who in 1958 forever changed my life with a gift of love. Oh, and by the way, as I write this story, next to my laptop sits the a perfect replica of my Red Beauty. Life is wonderful. Merry Christmas, Everyone.

 

 

Daniel Torres

11985 Pellicano

Ste. G Box 169

El Paso, Texas 79936

 

1-501-827-7679

d_torres53@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A ROLLER COASTER...OF EMOTIONS.

MY NEW FRIEND CHUY

                  I have used the expression "emotional roller coaster" several times in my writings.  This blog entry may show what I mean by that expression.  There are usually times of extreme joy followed by times of hard pain.  Sometimes there is an emotional crash when the joy and the pain are experienced at the very same time.  It's a time when something absolutely wonderful and something very sad occurs at the same time.  What do you do then?  How do you respond? I am reminded of Jesus dying on the cross.  There was pain and sorrow like man has never known before, yet it was the greatest victory that Heaven and Earth could ever experience.  Life on the mission field is full of such emotions. Here are some examples:


A NEW ROOF



A HAPPY PASTOR ENRIQUE

OLD ROOF...NEW ROOF

NEW ROOF ALMOST FINISHED

Pastor Enrique Ramirez' church, Cristo Es La Repuesta, has been without a roof for a very long time.  The church needed $2,500 to put up the roof and a main entry door.  I mentioned that in a past blog entry and a young family in Arkansas decided to take on the project.  They sent money and I had the joy of announcing the blessing to the entire church, seeing the happy faces, handing the money to the Pastor, and watching the roof start to go up. I don't know if there's a happier Pastor and congregation in Juarez.


EATING PIG SLOP



CHUY STANDING IN FRONT OF HIS "DOOR"

CHUY, EUNISA, AND TITA

Just last week I met a man by the name of Mister Chuy ( Don Chuy in Spanish. Chuy is a nickname for those whose name is Jesus, a very common name in Spanish countries). Don Chuy is very poor.  He is also a diabetic. He lives less than 3 feet from a pig pen. I found out that he is so poor that when the pigs are fed, and the owner leaves, Chuy reaches in and helps himself to some of the pig slop. His tiny shack is made out of scrap wood and pallets. His bed is made of wood and his blanket is a blue plastic tarp. A neighbor lets him run an electric cord out to his place so that he can use his hot plate to warm up the slop. I saw a small bag of special flour for him to make his own tortillas. The shack is about an 8 X 8, the ceiling touched my head, and the floor is dirt. The shack has no door, but a small piece of wood to cover the opening which is only about 18 inches wide by about 36 inches tall. There is no heat in the shack (I thought about that last night as the temperatures in Juarez were close to freezing). The smell is very unpleasant due to the pigs. Chuy wears two different style shoes.

Spanish American Evangelistic Ministries (S.A.E.M.), in El Paso, has been giving me bread on a regular basis to take into Juarez. Chuy, and his neighbor, Eunisa, have been the recipients of some of the bread. Eunisa is also very poor and she uses a walker to get around. I plan to see them on a regular basis and help them as much as possible. I have some clothes and blankets to take to them next time. 

Something that always amazes about most people who are as poor as Chuy is their generosity. They know how terrible it is to be in their condition and they have compassion for others who are as needy. Last week I gave Chuy 3 coins of 10 pesos each (about $2.50U.S. total). He held them in his hands and handed me back one of the coins while telling me to give that to some of the other poor folk in the area. He wanted them to have assistance also. Chuy would never have a hard time tithing.


COLONIA GRANJAS UNIDAS

Colonia Granjas Unidas is a section of Juarez that I just recently have come to know. I consider it to be very lovely due to the hills in the neighborhood, but it is still very poor and trash abounds. The Colonia, or neighborhood, is in serious need of a church. I will be looking into that very closely. I have already spoken to the president of the Colonia and the Lord has given me favor with her. I have taken food to her at the Community Center and together we have handed it out amongst some of the poor. She has given me permission to hold services at the Community Center. I need to meet with her to make arrangements for that.

This past Sunday, on my way to another Colonia to preach, I stopped again by Colonia Granjas Unidas to visit Susana. I just met her last week. I found out that Susana and her husband were raising pigs in order to pay for a much needed gall bladder surgery. Lately she has been in extreme pain. I know how to get rid of gall stones without surgery, so I was bringing her everything that she needed for the treatment. While I was there her husband followed me out to my car and spoke to me about the Lord. He was very interested in the things of God so I told him that I would visit again soon and spend the entire day with him. He was very happy about that. God opens these doors all the time.



A COUPLE OF HOMES AT GRANJAS UNIDAS

GRANJAS UNIDAS

A couple of weeks ago I was allowed by the kindergarten teacher in this Colonia to come in and speak to the children about Jesus. As I was speaking I turned around to look at the teacher and she was in tears. I was able to minister to the kids, the teacher, and one of the moms that came to pick up her kids.


OUTDOOR SERVICE AT GRANJAS UNIDAS

In all, I have made a number of friends at this humble Colonia and it would be an ideal place for a team from the U.S. to come and spend several days ministering and enjoying this lovely place. I could say more about this Colonia, but I'll save that for another time. 


LUNCHROOMS

The two lunchrooms that I supply with food are going well. The kids are being ministered to as well as some parents. It's hard to believe that in 2012 there are still children and adults going to bed hungry. The stories about about the two lunchrooms are many. 

CARLITO



KIDS ENJOYING A FREE MEAL.

For now I will briefly mention a 7 year old boy named Carlito, who is brought by his mom to one of the lunchrooms. Carlito's mom spoke to me about Carlito's speech. His speaking skills are lacking for a child his age. Although Carlito looks very sweet and well behaved, he has fits of rage and anger. As with tens of thousands of children in Juarez and other Cities, Carlito suffered the loss of his father in the violence in Juarez. Some children have even personally witnessed the death of a parent. These kids, like Carlito, need professional psychological help, along with the remaining parent, and the new father or mother figure, if there is one. If left untreated, children like Carlito have a very bleak future.

BIBLES


PASTORS RECEIVING STUDY BIBLES

I still buy and hand out Bibles every chance I get. Recently, Bety Garcia, director of S.A.E.M. in El Paso (the same ministry that has given me bread, medical supplies, and clothing to take to Juarez) gave me 3 really nice study Bibles and asked me to give them to any Pastor that might need them. There are an untold number of Church leaders in Juarez that are without good study material so finding 3 would be no problem. At the last Pastor's meeting that I attended I announced that I would give out the Bibles to the first 3 Pastors to raise a hand. More than three hands went up but the first 3 got one. It was Pastors Lourdes, Agustina, and Dionisio. It broke my heart to see Pastor Dionisio's reaction when I handed him his new Study Bible. He cupped his face in his hands and began to weep. A few minutes later he raised one of his hands to the heavens and began to thank God for an answer to prayer. His new Study Bible was his new treasure. 


SATURDAY'S OUTREACH

This coming Saturday a group of churches is having ten separate outdoor outreaches in different parts of the City. I am strongly involved in one of them. For this particular outreach I am donating 100 pounds each of rice, beans, and potatoes to be given to the poor. I purchased small plastic bags to give out about a pound of each item. Someone also gave me money to purchase more beans and potatoes. I will also be bringing a team of medical students who will do blood pressure tests and other basic medical reviews. I have donated tracts and bibles for the outreach, plus I will be making animal balloons for the children. We will also be having free haircuts, legal advice, free cooked meals and drinks. The outreach will conclude with an excellent Church service.  


PERSONAL NOTES

On a personal note, the Lord continues to keep me strong and healthy. However my vehicle is not doing as well. It seems that more and more mechanical problems are accumulating.

I had another issue with someone climbing over my outside walls to come into my property to steal. This time they broke the small right rear window in back of my car. They took some stuff but left more than they took. Now I have tape on that window.

As a result of the burglaries, a ministry that I frequently visit and help gave me a 2 month old Rottweiler puppy so that I may raise him as a guard dog. I named him Samson. But it was not to be. Although Samson was the picture of health he died unexpectedly almost 2 weeks after I got him. I have to admit that I shed tears over his death. I don't know if it was because I had gotten attached so quickly to the cute little fella or because emotions in the field are tense and quick to respond.

LITTLE SAMSON: WONDER DOG

There is no experience like being a missionary. Yes, it is a roller coaster, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I get to meet and work with some of the most amazing people on Earth. I also get a front row seat to see what the Holy Spirit is doing and how He is still changing lives.

There is still no doubt in my mind that the Lord is changing the path that this Nation has been in. I believe that, in time, the teams from the United States and Canada that used to come to Mexico to bless this Nation will return. There's no better time than the present. I will be glad to assist any team that wants to be a part of what the Lord is doing in Juarez. The harvest in Mexico is white. We must not let it go to waste. The Macedonian Call is being shouted from Mexico. The Lord still says, "GO".

We wait with arms wide open.



Daniel Torres
11985 Pellicano
Ste. G, Box 169
El Paso, Texas 79936
1-501-827-7679

For tax credit:
Covenant Fellowship
P.O. Box 8126
Searcy, AR 72145



(To view the pictures closer, double click on them for a larger image).

AN UNFORGETABLE LESSON

          We all remember the events of September 11, 2001.  The world witnessed the destruction of the Twin Towers, or The World Trade Center, in New York City.  I not only saw the Twin Towers crumble down, but having been raised in New York City, I saw them go up, and up, and up over a span of a few years.  (There was even a time when I was sitting on the 110th floor looking at the horizon and seeing the curvature of our planet.)  We all remember the images of thousands of heroes who put their lives on the line immediately for the sake of people whose name they did not even know.  For those heroes there was no time for tears when lives were on the line.  There was only time for immediate action.  Strong emotional releases would have to wait. 

I'm not an expert on emotions but I have learned that they can be put on hold.  But the time comes when the emotional floodgates just have to be allowed to burst.   The time came when those brave men and women in New York City would have to find time to weep.  We all need those times.  We can't keep our emotions bottled up.  It's not healthy.  There's no shame in tears.  Jesus wept.   

The month of October has been another roller coaster month of emotions in Juarez, Mexico.  Today was the day when, in the peace and safety of my place, the emotional dam broke.  Today was my turn, and it was overdue.  The sufferings I have witnessed, the victories, the dissappointment, the wonderful God-moments, the pains, the eyes of hungry children, and the joy of the work that I do all converged on me in one moment. Those emotions have to be released. And the month is not over, there is still plenty to do, I am behind on some things, but I feel better.  

In this blog entry I just want to briefly cover one event. 

Many people had put in a lot of work into the 2nd crusade for the City of Juarez. The planning for the crusade started a few months ago.  This year the event was bigger and better than last year.  The purpose was to reach as many people as possible for Jesus and bring the message of hope and unity to the masses who have suffered for so long in a City with the reputation of being the most dangerous in the world.  

Benito Juarez Stadium, with approximately 23,000 seats, was the location of the 3-day crusade.  It seems that on every turn of the planning that the Lord was meeting every need.  The event was going to be a huge success.  Possibly over 1,000 volunteers were needed for this mass undertaking.  I was part of the Deliverance Committee.  We had about 60 people in this committee.  This committee was created to handle those people who would come to the crusade manifesting a demonic presence.  And, yes, those situations arose and the committee was prepared.  

We had people who came to the crusade from many parts of the U.S., Mexico and other countries to witness the event.  I met folk from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, and Honduras. 

The dates for the crusade were October 19th through the 21st.  The first and second night of the crusade were unbelievable.  The stadium was far from full on those nights but the Holy Spirit's power moved so strong that many people wept uncontrollably over their sins. Hundreds of people were healed by God's power and we saw several walk out of wheelchairs.  The miracles could not be numbered. Very few times in my 36 years as a Christian had I seen such magnitude of signs and wonders.

Then the third night of the crusade arrived. It was to be the biggest night of the crusade. It was youth night and a very popular Spanish gospel singing group by the name of Tres Cielos would be performing. Young and old alike came by the bus loads. The lines waiting for the stadium to open were very long. I was at the stadium an hour early and thousands were already lined up. Then came the BIG mistake. And the night was ended in similar fashion to that of the Hindenburg or the Titanic. It was a lesson that I hope that no one will forget. Ever!!! 

It all started when the Mayor of the City of Juarez arrived.  Just prior to that we had some rain and there was concern for the tens of thousands of dollars of equipment that was sitting out. Most of us in the field ended up getting soaked but we prayed that the Lord would stop the rain for the sake of the many thousands that came to be ministered to.  The rain stopped but then the head Pastors on the field decided to pay homage to the Mayor.  They took time to parade him through the quarter-mile track, stopped to have pictures taken with him, took time to present him with a Bible before the masses, let him have the microphone so he could speak, and a few other things that many disapproved of.  After honoring the Mayor the hard rains continued and the equipment had to be saved. The event had to be cancelled due to the rain. 

Why did this happen?  I had witnessed situations before where we prayed for the rains to stop so that we may continue ministering and the Lord allowed us to continue as the rains did stop. But here we had 17,000 people (maybe more) waiting to be ministered to and yet the crusade had to be cancelled.  Besides that, Juarez is in desert land and it hardly rains here. Why would the Lord allow thousands of people to be returned home after months of preparation for this crusade? 

The answer is found in part in Isaiah 42:8, 48:11, and Galatians 6:7.  These readings speak about our God who will not share His glory with anyone, and a God who will not be mocked.  I think that the message was clear. The Mayor was receiving the glory and God had been put aside.  It was God's event, not the Mayor's or anyone else.  May God forgive us and have mercy on us. It was a very valuable lesson and we all need to learn from it.  Never allow anyone, including yourself, to glorify you and never give anyone the Glory that is due to God. God will not share His Glory.





Daniel Torres
11985 Pellicano
Ste. G, Box 169
El Paso, Texas 79936
1-501-827-7679




























   

FEEDING THE HUNGRY...

Have you ever seen or heard of a grown woman break down in tears because you handed her a loaf of bread? I have. As she prayed to God for food the bread was being carried to her door. Knock, knock..., Yes???, We want to give you this bread in Jesus' name. She weeps...she can't speak...finally is able to speak and mentions about her prayer for food. Her and her boys had been hungry for some time but there was no food. And there was nowhere to get any food. In no time the boys break into the bag and begin filling their bellies with bread. We had more bread to offer her. Back at the local church I had rice and beans for a new lunchroom that we were planning on opening in a week. We shared some of that food with her. We shared Jesus with her. She cried again. Heaven was moved. 

 

It's hard to believe that in the year 2012 there are people who go bed hungry, but many still do.  In the United States, in Mexico, and all over the world.

Kids here in Juarez, Mexico do not get lunch at school. If they don't bring something to eat they just go without.  Parents are struggling to feed their children and themselves.  Prices at the stores are the same or higher than in the United States, yet people are making less than $100US per week at work.  And that's only if they are fortunate enough to have a job.

I have been buying rice, beans, and potatoes and distributing them between to the two lunchrooms that I have opened up and a few other ministries.  Spanish American Evangelistic Ministries, on the El Paso, Texas side has been giving me bread which is donated to them for distribution.  The bread is outdated but still very good.  It's not just regular white bread, but good whole wheat bread with nuts. The bread is excellent and very nutritional.  I ask for continued prayer as I take this bread across the border.  I have not been stopped thus far but if they stop me they can take the food from me or they can be really nice and just make me go back to El Paso with it. 

At the two lunchrooms we feed kids and their parents.  The idea is to try to feed them one good meal a week.  It is amazing how much these kids can eat.  After a very full plate, most still want seconds.  And we let them eat until they are content.  Prior to the meal they have Bible study, songs, and games.  Many kids and some parents have accepted the Lord as Savior.  Hopefully in the future we can do this more than once a week.  But there are still tens of thousands going hungry everyday in Juarez.  I have been trying to encourage churches to open up a lunchroom in a similar way but many have a hard time taking that initial step of faith. 



                                                               TRIP TO EAST MEXICO



I recently went on a long trip to the East side of the U.S./Mexico border.  The invitation was made and I made a decision to go.  I know that the Lord will eventually take me all over the Nation of Mexico and it seems that doors are opening for me to do so.  I keep getting invitations almost weekly to go outside of Juarez.  Last week I visited Reynosa and Matamoros, Mexico.  Both are troubled border Cities.  They are located close to the Southernmost point of Texas.  Probably what caught my attention the most was that after an 800 mile trip to that side of Mexico things are the same, if not worse, than in Juarez, Mexico.  The violence, the dangers, the murders, the poverty, and the suffering still met me head on like a freight train. 

In Reynosa we visited a ministry just at the edge of a City dump.  The Pastor's wife greeted us and invited us in.  The dump was right behind their house.  From there you can see shacks built right in the middle of the dump with whatever material people can find.  Yes, families live there.  When the garbage truck comes they can sift through the trash and find things to recycle or eat.  I left there with a headache due to the smell.  

I got to meet some wonderful and dedicated servants of God.  One Pastor was walking on crutches.  Recently he was caught in the middle of a shoot-out and his knee cap was blown away by a bullet.  Initially they informed him that his leg would have to be amputated but God worked a miracle and he can almost walk without the aid of his crutches.  I heard stories like these over and over again. 

I could say more about what I heard and what I witnessed.  Maybe at some other point I'll do that.  But even now, days later, my heart is heavy as I think about that experience.  Mexico is a nation that is hurting, suffering, dying.  But God is moving and stretching out His ams to lift it out of the quicksand.  In prayer I ask God how He is going to change all this.  And I know that this WILL all change.  I just don't know how.  In the history of the world Juarez is 2nd as the City that is most prayed for.  Jerusalem is number one.  God is going to change all this but it will take miracles comparable to the ones in the Scriptures as God took Israel out of Egypt and brought them through the desert for 40 years.  Is God's hand too short that He can't do that any longer?  Of course not!!!  God will do it!!!  And when He does the entire world will know that there is a God in Mexico.  Yes, Mexico is going to be transformed.


Mexico needs your prayers, it needs your help, it needs men and women of faith who will step out and believe God for such miracles.  I know God is sending out the Macedonian call for believers to get involved.  If not in Mexico, then in other parts of the world.  Are you one them?  Do you hear His voice?  Take a leap of faith!!!





Daniel Torres
11985 Pellicano
Ste. G, Box 169
El Paso, Texas 79936









 
















 

TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH...

For several years Juarez, Mexico has been called the most violent City on the planet.  I know that eventually we will lose that unwanted image.  Yet, for now, the fact remains that there is a lot of violence here, even though we are seeing the numbers drop.  

There is another kind of violence that is just as troubling, yet not as recognized.  It is violence in the home.  I am not an expert on the subject, I don't have any statistical figures to share, but I am very well aware of the problem.  I see it almost daily.  The biggest known problem is the physical abuse of women by their husbands or boyfriends.  There are also many reports of women physically abusing their mates.  

I stated that I'm not an expert on the subject, so I write only my observations, opinions, and experiences. 

I cannot understand why this is so prevalent in this culture (and I do know that the problem is huge, even in the United States).  I cannot understand why a man would raised a finger to physically hurt another human being, much less someone that he supposedly loves.

Women's shelters are all over this city.  Women go there to find refuge from the abuse.  Many women just take the abuse for various reasons.  Some may have kids and some may not, but they know that if they report their mate to the authorities they will end up behind bars.  Who then will help put food on the table?  Is there another man who will be willing to take her and a host of kids to provide for them?  Her mate beats her, beats the kids, and may be having an affair that she is well aware of, but she feels trapped and must remain in the situation.  

I know that poverty is often used as an excuse.  In a society where manhood or MACHISMO is taken very seriously a man is said to feel very frustrated with life.  He feels that he is a failure as a man.  His manhood is being threatened.  He has not attained the things in life that make him the man he dreamed of being.  One option is to join some Cartel and have all the money he desires at the expense of someone else's life and health.  He can also use the last few pesos the family has to go out and get drunk and temporarily forget his ego problems.  Then he can go home drunk and beat his wife.  And while he's at it, he can beat his kids, also.  And sometimes he doesn't have to be drunk to do that.  Just the frustrations of not having a job and not providing for himself and family is enough to send a man into a rage that leaves bruises and scars on his loved ones.  They are the easiest targets.  He saw his dad do it, so it's o.k., or acceptable in his mind.  

As Christians we know that the enemy of the soul is behind all this.  But even churches are faced with this problem because it's generational.  The cycle must be broken.  I have spoken on this subject to men and some have gained conscious knowledge that this is totally unacceptable.  Some men have wept, as if a veil had been removed from their eyes and they realize their errors.  Many men have changed their way of thinking, but untold millions have yet to be reached.  

I'll share a typical story dealing with another part of this problem of spousal abuse:

A young woman calls me and wants me to visit her.  She has 3 children and her ex-husband is long gone due to the beatings she was receiving.  He is re-married.  He pays no child support.  She is fortunate in that her parents have the means to help her, along with a job that she is able to do from her house.  I go to see her and visit with her on the street by my car.  Her problem:  Her 7 year old son beats her and she doesn't have it in her to discipline the young boy.  It's something that he saw his dad do and he learned quickly.  In his young mind women are objects of abuse.  The young man is frustrated because he wants to be with his dad.  He wants to live with his dad.  Her daughter does not want to be with her dad.  She fears him.  The mom spoke to her Pastor and he suggested that she place the young boy in a shelter where he will receive guidance and counselling.  But the young boy has to live at the Center.  The young mom drank her tears as she spoke to me about all this.  She loves her son, and can't bring herself to let him go for 5 1/2 days out of the week.  She just wanted my opinion.  I spoke to her about tough love.  For his sake and for the sake of his future family she has to let him go.  I promised to keep them in prayer.  My heart still hurts over this encounter.  How many other families are having these same issues?  I hate to even know.  May God help us. 

I want to make one suggestion to church families.  If you know of a single mom, especially one who has sons, please help her out.  If you have a family with a dad, a mom, and children of similar ages then you can help.  Bring her son(s) over to your place and let them see how you interact with one another.  Don't go out anywhere, just do family things at home.  Make sure both parents are there.  Let these children observe how a wife and a husband treat each other with love, dignity, and respect.  Let the dad help the mom.  Let him show her open love.  Let him treasure her and honor her before the children's eyes.  Set that image in their minds.  SHOW them how to treat a woman.

I came from a broken family and I was about 15 years old before I witness a husband and wife interact with each other in the confines of their home.  It was my sister and her husband.  He loved my sister and he was not afraid to show it.  I studied his moves and actions.  He helped her around the house, kissed her, laughed with her, spoiled her.  He planted an image in my mind that never left me.  Yet, he didn't even know that he was impacting my future life.  It was so simple, yet so powerful.  I will always be thankful to him for those unexpected lessons.  

We need prayer for the peace in Juarez.  But obviously, peace and love start in the home and are carried into the streets.  Please pray for the families here.  If the enemy can destroy the fiber of the family he can destroy a Nation.  This Nation is suffering.



Daniel Torres
11985 Pellicano
Ste. G, Box 169
El Paso, TX 79936
1-501-827-7679

For tax receipts:
Covenant Fellowship
P.O. Box 8126
Searcy, AR 72145  





















 
   

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER

How many times have you heard it said, "find a need and meet it"?  In Juarez, Mexico the needs come at you faster than you can think. But along the way come some needs that require something more than a prayer.  

Recently I received a call about a some kids that needed a good meal at least once a week.  I had been in that neighborhood before and I visited with a family there.  As with most places in Juarez the houses in the neighborhood have been abandoned due to the mass exodus caused by the violence.  Hundreds of thousands of people have left Juarez since 2007. Most of the people who remain in Juarez are the very poor.  They can't afford to leave.  At one time there was a place in this particular neighborhood that was feeding the kids on Saturday morning.  However the people running the small feeding center decided to use the donated food for themselves and sell the rest to appease their drug habit.  When they fed the kids, for entertainment they would have the boys fight each other.  For three months the kids have not received anything.  Some were still coming on Saturdays in hopes of finding something to eat.  They returned home with empty stomachs.  The Christian people living close to this place spoke to me about all this.  When I was there a few months ago I gave them my number and now they were calling me for help.  I went back, visited, and investigated the problem.  I knew something had to be done but I did not want to deal with the people who were stealing the food that a group from El Paso was giving them to feed the kids.  I asked a family, Juan and Lupe and their kids, living a few houses from the "feeding center" if they would be willing to help set up a lunchroom using their home and the two abandoned houses next to them. They agreed and we got things rolling.  I knew a ministry that was selling chairs so I went and bought them. Nineteen chairs for $60US.  Juan found some plywood and made 2 tables.  I also purchased the food and delivered it a couple of days early so that a menu could be planned. 

We set last Saturday morning as the first day the new lunchroom.  I asked them to pass the word around.  They commented that some people were afraid to come only because they thought that it was the same lunchroom as before.  They reassured them that this time things were going to be different.  We had 20 kids show up on Saturday.  The Lord provided a lady who wanted to do a Bible study with the kids and I also gave them the plan of salvation using the wordless Bible.  Within minutes all the kids, except for a little boy (pictured above), knew the plan of salvation.  The kids had a great time.  Most had 2 big plate fulls of good food.  I have not become insensitive to the constant barrage of needs that I see daily.  I fought back my emotions as I watched the children eat and learn.  

I stay busy in Juarez.  A lunchroom was not something that I was looking for.  But when the need smacks you in the face you must take action.  I'm sure this will grow quickly.  Soon parents will start coming as well.  Before long there will  be a church there.  This lunchroom will be a huge blessing to these kids who need to be loved and need to hear that Jesus loves them. 

Four miles from the lunchroom is where Juan and Lupe and their kids go to church. They walk to church. Their Pastor wanted to meet me. The name of the church is CHRIST IS THE ANSWER. The Pastor, Enrique Ramirez, showed me a few burned timbers around the church. Their old church was burned down. Arson.  For five years they have struggled to rebuild a new church.  When I first saw the church I swallowed hard.  It looked like maybe a handful of people congregated there. I was wrong. Almost 200 come to the Sunday service. But there are no funds to continue to build the church.  These are very poor people. Most of the church is without a roof.  They placed tarps over the top to try to keep the sun out. The wind whips the tarps around and you can hear the snapping during the delightful and joyous services. The church is in the middle of the desert, about a 1/4 mile from a hardtop road.  The real cold weather will be here soon.  Pastor Ramirez dreams of enclosing the building which is actually 2 donated trailers with a large open space between them.

Last Sunday Pastor Ramirez baptized 21 members with a baptistry that I let him borrow.

It's hard to believe that so many walk so far to get to this church.  They are almost outdoors without heat or cold air, and no running water.  Water for the commode is hauled in.  Yet the people smile, sing, and rejoice before the Lord.  They seem to be the happiest people on earth.  

Life here is very simple.  No one worries about big houses, where the next vacation will be, the car payment, and so on.  They have something to eat today and something to wear.  Tomorrow is another day.   

Daniel Torres
11985 Pellicano
Ste. G, Box169
El Paso, TX 79936

For tax credit:
Covenant Fellowship
P.O. Box 8126
Searcy, AR 72145

COME OVER TO JUAREZ...AND HELP US.

CITY OF JUAREZ: THE BIBLE IS THE TRUTH. READ IT. 

TWO OF THE LATEST ADDITIONS

FRONTERIZA BAJA

HUECO TANKS PARK 

HUECO TANKS PARK IN EL PASO

 

I put in 222 miles on my SUV in three days while visiting different Pastors and Ministries in Juarez this past weekend. 

HUECO TANKS PARK IN EL PASO

I had the joy of visiting a ministry that I had never visited before.  It's called Emmanuel Ministries (visit www.emmanuelgo.org).  This ministry has celebrated 50 years in Juarez.  They are located very close to a landmark mountain in Juarez (see picture).   They work with orphans and children who have been abused and mistreated.  Currently they have 40 kids who have parents but the State only allows the kids to be with their parents from Friday evening through Sunday morning.  If the child is not returned by Sunday morning the authorities are contacted.  As soon as the children are brought back Sunday morning a nurse examines the kids for abuse.  Then they are signed back into this ministry.  After 50 years of ministry Emmanuel has grown into a facility with excellent services.  I was given a tour by the daughter of the man who founded Emmanuel.  He still lives across the street from Emmanuel.  He is 77 years old. She told me that before the crime wave hit Juarez that they had about 20 teams a year visit Emmanuel Ministries.  Today they are down to one team of Americans from Minnesota.  This team from Minnesota uses a basketball camp to minister to the children.  The kids love it.  When I entered the building many kids ran up to me and started hugging me and asking me all sorts of personal questions.  They wanted to know why the Americans have quit coming (gulp!!!).  As with all ministries in Juarez, Emmanuel Ministries struggles financially.  But the Lord always puts something in their plates.  The government does not help these ministries.  If anything, they just keep making the rules more and more difficult.  Some ministries have been forced to shut down due to the new government regulations.  A can of corn on the shelf that expired a day ago is enough to shut down a ministry.  

Emmanuel Ministries has living quarters for teams that come to minister to the children.  I would like to see such a place filled with visitors.  

Two hours before arriving at Emmanuel Ministries I found a place where I can buy bulk food at good prices.  I bought 250 pounds of potatoes (5 bags at 50 lbs. each) for $59.  I left 100 pounds of potatoes at Emmanuel. 

Spanish American Evangelistic Ministries (which I have mentioned in the past) also welcomes small teams (less than 20) who want to minister in Juarez.  S.A.E.M. is on the El Paso side of the Border.  The facilities there are very good.  Teams that want to visit Juarez but prefer to sleep on the U.S. side may get permission to stay at S.A.E.M. 

What am I saying?  I'm saying that the American teams need to return to Juarez,  and Mexico.  The blessings are on a two-way street.  You can't bless someone without being blessed also.  Mexico is ready for the teams to come back.  The Macedonian call has been sent out again.  We need help. 

One of the frustrating things that I face once in a while is when corrupt individuals take advantage and abuse the help to the needy.  Case in point:  I found out about a small group of people who are taking food given for hungry children and families and selling it to appease their addictions.  Someone called me to tell me of this.  So for three months kids and families who normally get a free meal on Saturdays have been left waiting.  But some still show up in hopes that things will change.  This place is about 15 minutes from my house.  I found a church that will help me.  I asked them to run a feeding center close to this area and I'll take care of providing the food.  We will have nothing to do with the people stealing the food.  We will let the Lord handle that.  I already took them potatoes, rice, and beans (25 lbs. of each).  We start next Saturday inside an abandoned house.  This week I will try to find some used chairs and tables.  I will also purchase disposable plates and spoons.  The church will provide the cooks and the Bible lessons.  I'm sure before long we will have 100 or more people show up.  (James 1:27:  Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress....).  Juarez is loaded with orphans and widows.  Here is where the heart of God beats. 

I took the rest of the potatoes to a girls refuge (to Marycruz, for those who have been here and know her), and to another orphanage (Cesia's). 

I want to share a story about a trip I made to Cecia's orphanage 2 Saturdays ago.  This orphanage is struggling to feed their kids. On Sundays they also try to feed people from the surrounding poor neighborhood.  I keep them on top of my list for food.  Two Saturdays ago I had two events planned but both fell through.  I had some rice and beans that I was taking to Cecia's on Sunday but since I was not too busy on Saturday I decided to go to Cecia's that day.  I brought them rice and beans (25 lbs each).  When I got there  one of the ladies asked me about a man who had been there the previous day (Friday).  Surprised, I told her that I had no idea who that man was.  She said that she was washing dishes and when she looked up there was a man on the other side of the window.  Then he walked inside the orphanage, which he is not supposed to do.  She asked him why he had walked inside and all he could say was that he came to tell them that Brother Daniel would be in the next day with food for them.  She kept telling him that he was not supposed to just walk in.  He repeated himself about Brother Daniel, which is what they call me at Cecia's.  Then he calmly walked out.  She followed him out the door and when she looked up he had disappeared into thin air.  Then she remembered that I never have sent anyone to announce my coming before.  Besides, they are practically in the middle of the desert.  She asked me again who that man was...she even described him to me, including the colors he was wearing.  I had no explanation...I told her that I had just made the decision to go there 2 hours before arriving.  We just stared at each other with big eyes and a silly grin. 

We have had more rain than normal lately, a welcomed blessing.  However, this is a desert and the system in Juarez is not prepared for even small amounts rain.  Some parts of the city had floods.  The pastor in whose church we are raising chickens was proud to tell me that only one chicken drowned.  A church member found them in water that was knee-deep.  A couple of people around that vicinity also came close to drowning.  

About three years ago I was in Juarez on a missions trip with the Arkansas team.  On our last day of ministry it started to rain.  We witnessed how God miraculously cleared up the heavens around us while we ministered outdoors.  It rained all around us for hours but not in our circle of ministry.  We got up early the next morning to depart and it was still raining.  We had to push the van out of a mud hole to get on the road.  On my return to Arkansas I was informed that the rains had continued and that Juarez was flooded.  I asked if I needed to fly back to help with a few outreaches to the needy and I was asked to come.  Within days I was back in Juarez.  It was a very different Juarez than the one I had just left.  The bare and rocky mountains that I had seen before were now covered with a tint of green as seeds which had been blown up there months and years before began to take on new life.  The streets were littered with debris as they had been turned into rivers washing away pallet houses, frame houses, and even vehicles.  Many people drowned, including children.  Dead animals were all over.  We visited two Colonias, Fronteriza Baja and Fronteriza Alta, that were hit especially hard since they were completely surrounded by mountains. We brought a lot of food and clothing to these poor people. The government brought in no help. It was here that, after a long day of giving out all we had, that a group of about 30 people stood around waiting. The sun had long gone down, we were using car headlights to see. These people were loaded down with bags of food and clothing. I walked over to them to tell them that we had nothing else to give. They said that they were waiting around because they wanted us to introduce them to our God. I couldn't believe my ears. Did I really hear that? I spoke to them for a while and led them all to the Lord. All those unforgettable memories of that trip filled my heart when I visited those two Colonias again last Sunday. I even wept again. I drove around and came to the same spot where all that occurred. I went to a church just a few blocks from that site. I was thrilled to walk in and see the church fill up with 250+ people. I wondered how many of these sitting in church I had led to the Lord during those days, and if they would remember me. But what mattered was that this Colonia and these precious folk had survived. 

People all over the world face traumatic experiences in their lives. But when they reach out and grab Jesus by the hand, as Peter did one day when he stepped out of a boat and he began to sink, they learn that they can survive anything. Christians here in Juarez know just how to do that. They have faced obstacles that their fellow brothers in other nations cannot even begin to imagine. And they know how to survive, because if there is one thing that they have learned, it's to reach out and grab the extended hand of Jesus.  

Thanks to all those who are keeping me here with their support.



Daniel Torres 
11985 Pellicano
Suite G, Box 169
El Paso, TX 79936
1-501-827-7679

For tax receipts:
Covenant Fellowship
P.O. Box 8126
Searcy, AR 72145