July 23, 2010

Source: World Radio Network (written by Terrie Barker and Harold Goerzen)

When Hurricane Alex hit northern Mexico on June 30, causing extensive flooding, the World Radio Network (WRN) responded, taking aid and encouragement to people in some of the worst-hit areas.

WRN, one of HCJB Global's cooperating ministries with a network of Spanish- and English-language stations along the U.S.-Mexico border, launched "Operation Monterrey, Mexico" after listeners to KBNR across the border in Brownsville, Texas, began receiving pleas for donations of water, food, and other essential items crucial to helping flood victims.

"Listeners to the Spanish-language station quickly responded with their love offerings ? a truckload," said Everett Barker, who serves in public relations with the network. "In fact, the truck and driver were even donated by the owner of the trucking company ? and he is a listener of KBNR!"

On Friday, July 16, after a seven-hour delay, inspection and approval at the U.S.-Mexico border, the truckload of supplies was finally allowed to cross into Mexico. The relief team, coordinated by WRN staff member Josefina Ríos and led by KBNR Manager Mosiés Flores, also included Barker, Juan Gonzalez (working in WRN public relations) and Gerson Espinosa of KBNR.

"The Lord protected and guided us through our night-time drive to Monterrey where we were greeted by an enthusiastic pastor and youth group at a Baptist church called Dios Está Aquí (God is here)," Barker said "After we arrived at our destination at about 1 a.m. Saturday, the church group was so excited to see us, and it became the perfect end to an exhausting day. Everyone pitched in to unload the truck of its precious cargo in preparation for distribution on Saturday afternoon."

Barker said the "devastation was unbelievable" in the Villa Las Fuentes area where the team visited. "The church had already been helping in that area and knew the needs of the people there who very warm and friendly people," he explained.

Barker and Flores videotaped an interview with a family that was sitting on the riverbank. After introductions were made, the two men heard that the family had been Christians for many years. Family members had lost all of their possessions in the flood, including the father's artificial leg.

"But still, they were grateful to God that their lives were spared," Barker related. "In fact, the wife said, 'The reason we're here is because we praise Him for the good things as well as the bad things that have happened.' Here was a family poor in the world's eyes, but rich with faith and hope, knowing that God would provide their needs. What an encouragement to those who came to encourage!"

The team arrived safely back in Texas the afternoon of Sunday, July 18. "We are so thankful for God's provision and protection and everyone's prayers and support," Barker concluded.