Christ Over Chaos

By: Roberto Reyes, YMI Mexico Director

It has already been 7 months of quarantine and, here in Mexico, there is no end in sight. We have seen an increase of many unfavorable social issues – street begging, violence, protesters, corruption – with little to no response from the government. With 85,000 Covid19 related deaths, Mexico doesn’t seem to have a concrete “plan” in place for restoring economic growth. Schools do not yet have the greenlight to return to meeting in person and most business is conducted online. Public morale is at an all-time low and frustration is at an all-time high!

Like the rest of the world, we changed gears back in March and our ministry platform changed. Erika quickly learned how to set up a Google classroom for her 3rd & 4th graders, and I continued teaching Youth Ministry classes but via Zoom.

Sometimes I get weary of so many regulations and restrictions. I stop and think, “How much longer do we need to do this?”. I had such high hopes for how this year would be, and I was especially looking forward to starting a new training program for youth leaders involved in camp ministry. Meetings were set up throughout Mexico and Cuba. I couldn’t wait to travel and conduct informal training – sharing strategic ways with others to reach today’s youth for Christ!

Well, we’ve adapted with each change that has come along, and through it all (the disappointment and weariness) I hear God’s voice saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

You know, it’s not my preference to do online ministry, but firmly believing that God is in control over all brings peace to my heart. The reach that we now have through doing online ministry has been very surprising and rewarding!

Recently, I was part of an online youth training conference called “Resilient” and was asked to speak on the topic of depression (an issue that many young people are facing especially now during this pandemic). There were over 400 people in attendance from all over Mexico, Central and South America!

I continue to receive emails from people from various Spanish speaking countries who have seen the videos of the work we do in Mexico, and they want to be recipients of these youth training programs! They are hungry for more information on how to help the young people in their churches and communities.

It’s a blessing to be part of the YMI team of trainers, and it’s an honor for me to serve the Lord in this capacity. Only with His help are we making these important ministry connections. And so, we press on and remain faithful to what He has called us to do!