March 28,2011

Associated Press: 7 bodies found in car abandoned in central Mexico

In Cuernavaca, Mexico the police have found seven bodies of both men and one woman inside an abandoned car. 3 were in the car and 4 bodies in the trunk. The police did not give any further detail.

Lord,

Be with the town of Cuernavaca as it suffers through the tragedy. Gathering from the evidence it seems like the type of violence that is not common in that city. Lord, I pray for those family members who lost their children, mother, father, brother, sister, of cousin in this gruesome ordeal. Thank you lord for sending your son to die on the cross and to be resurrecting 3 days later. Your son suffered the greatest price and we could never compare to that. Thank you for being almighty. Lord have mercy on those who have committed these crimes. Let them see your amazing love.

Amen.

March 27, 2011

AFP: Mexico state near US on alert after H1N1 deaths

In the city of Juarez four people have died of the H1N1 virus in the last week. The state health officials quickly launched a vaccination campaign and outreach program to inform the city about preventative measures. Since April 2009 the swine flu has killed 18,500 people in Mexico. Not to mention the flu has been detected in 85 people in Venezuela in the past week.

Lord,

You are El Shaddai, God almighty. You know all and are in all. Lord, I pray for the city of Juarez who constantly faces drug violence and who now faces disease. Lord, I pray for the people in Juarez. Comfort them and be with those families who have lost family members to the flu. Provide prevention and protection to others in the city and around. You can overcome all. Thank you for being our refuge.

Amen.

March 26, 2011

NY Times Video: Reforming Mexico's Police

The idealistic mayor of Jalapa is completely changing the police force in this small southern town in Mexico. He hired an Israeli Security force agency to help train the policemen. They had to start from the ground up because in Jalapa the policemen were completely corrupt. Most of the time they would not show up for work, and being a police officer was a fall back plan. Now under the efforts of the mayor the are training and hiring men who after much questioning and examining are accepted into the department of security. The mayor has bright hopes for his policemen and his town.

Lord,

Thank you for being our almighty protector and shield. Lord, help the town of Jalapa. Provide wisdom and peace in the heart of the mayor. He is doing good things for his town, so please give him confidence to keep going and doing good for his people. He reforming could be considered idealistic but I consider it practical bravery. Lord, I also pray for the new policemen in Jalapa. Keep them strong and do not let them be tempted by the dealings of the drug traffickers. Let them see money isn't everything, let them stay honest to their jobs and do your will Lord. God, I sense a turning around for this city in Jalapa, Lord please have your hand on the people in that town.

Amen

March 25, 2011

NY Times: Resignation Shows US-Mexico Divide on Role

As I posted a couple of sessions ago that Carlos Pascual, the American Ambassador, resigned last week. Now the problem is has his disputes with President Calderon created a divide between the two countries. Mexico does not want America to take complete control over Mexico, but Mexico is continually asking for help from its northern ally. The question is where do they draw the line between helping and being too involved. As one American ambassador put it the United States is like a bear and Mexico is like a porcupine; "the tighter the bear hugs, the more both animals get hurt."

Lord,

You are Emmanuel, God with us. Thank you for being all knowing and powerful. I pray for the tender relationship between Mexico and America. It is in such a delicate state because Mexico needs help, but it does not want America taking over. Lord, put your hand in this situation. Give wisdom and patience to Obama, Clinton, and Calderon. In order for there to be a decrease in drug trafficking the countries have to work together. Let us find some resolution and let us look upon you for guidance. You are the shining light in this dark world.

Amen

March 23, 2011

Associated Press: Book of kids' drawing chronicles Mexico drug war

In Morelia, Mexico children (between ages 7-12) have produced a book full of images of shootouts, kidnapping, robberies and grenade attacks. The book is called, "The Mexico I Live." It was released Tuesday by the Michoacan state Human Rights Commission and a local university. The pictures "show explicit images of a society devoted to drug trafficking, violence and of abuses against minors, said the university professor Araceli Colin.

Since December 2006, there have been 34,000 deaths related to the drug violence. Mexico estimates 994 children and youths under 18 were killed in drug warfare between late 2006 and lat 2010 across the country, and the numbers keep rising.

Lord,

You are beauty when there is none to be seen, and you are all around. Lord, I pray for these children in Morelia. They have witnessed things that they should never be exposed to. Lord, my heart hurts for these children who have no safe haven and probably don't know what a refuge is. They are in constant fear and I know you are what these children need to cling onto. Let them see your unfailing love. Let them know you are there with them and you will never let go. God thank you for produced a book full or daunting thoughts and pictures. The world needs to be aware of the devastation in Mexico and this will further help their cause in getting the world out to what these children are being exposed to. You are knowing and all powerful, let your light shine forever.

Amen.

March 22, 2011

Associated Press: 5 guards suspected in $13 million robbery

In Oaxaca, Mexico it has been reported that 5 guards at a transporting company have been detained for stealing about $13 million. The Attorney General, Manuel de Jesus Lopez said the men gave contradictory statements and they did not report to the police until 4 hours after the "robbery" occurred. The guards claimed that 6 gunmen came in early Sunday and overpowered the guards and took off with the money. However, it now looks like the guards are the ones who took off with the 157 million pesos.

Lord,

You are justice when there is none. You are light when there is only darkness in this world. I don't know the stories of these men who "supposedly" robbed the company, but what I do know is that they need love. I have no right to judge or have my own presuppositions. You are the only one who is perfect and righteous above others. Therefore, I ask you to be with these men and let them be honest and true. You know all and you can do all. So again be with these men and also be with the attorney general who has to make wise decisions. Give him advice and grace. You are God almighty and you will reign forever.

Amen.

March 21, 2011

NY Times: Pascual Quits Over Cables on Mexico

The American Ambassador to Mexico resigned his position on Saturday. There were many factors that led to this decision made by Carlos Pascual, former ambassador. One major factor to his decision came from the bitter complaints of Felipe Calderon, the Mexican President. Another issue was WikiLeaks cables posted that in December Pascual questioned the Mexican army's "bravery" in capturing a cartel leader. The final straw to his resignation was made by Hilary Clinton, Secretary of State, who coerced Pascual to resign in order that the relationship between Mexico and America not be strained.

Lord,

Thank for who you are. Thank you for being there in the tough times and the god times. Lord, I pray that you give comfort to Carlos Pascual who I am sure was very stressed over his delegations with Mexico and America. He might have been quoted wrong or just misinterpreted, but either way let him be comforted by you. I also pray for Calderon who is facing probably one of the hardest times in Mexico dealing with the drug cartel and chaos in his country. Lord, I pray we can help ease the pain and burden of such atrocities occurring in Mexico. Lord, I also pry for Hilary Clinton. Lord, giver her wisdom so she can make adequate decisions. Lord, you are the only and perfect ambassador and I am so grateful for that.

Amen.

March 19, 2011

NY Times: Girl is the 5th child killed in Acapulco in a week

The police found a four year old girl in Acapulco on Thursday dead after being shot in the chest. She is the fifth child to be killed in drug-related violence in this city in less than a week. The child was in a with a women who has also killed.

Lord,

My heart is so heavy with this atrocities. There is so much pain and suffering in Acapulco and I know even in all that suffering you are present. You are working there, and I just pray you are seen by all in this sad situation. Lord, I know there is tragedy all around the world, and this place needs you as much as Libya and Iraq. God I know you are powerful and almighty, you can do all things. So let those who were related to these children be comforted by your love. They don't know if they will live the next day. They are in permanent fear and shock. God put a blanket of protection over them. Protect the children and their parents. Lord, I also pray for those causing this havoc.Let them see that they are no match for you. You can destroy them easily, but it is all in your will so I simply pray that they find you and your truth Lord. Let them see your glorious love. You are who you are and I thank you for that.

Amen.

March 18, 2011

Associated Press: Mexican judges resign amid outcry over ruling in girl's death

Found in elpasotimes.com

3 judges resigned from their positions after they acquitted a man for killing a teenage girl in Juarez. The mother shorty after the death of her daughter was killed during a protest against the ruling. It is believed that the man acquitted is also the main suspect for the killing of the mother. The Chihuahua legislature is now enforcing judicial reform. They are the first state to adopt a system of oral trials and stricter standards for evidence

Lord,

Your are light in this dark place. Let your hand and power be on this situation in Juarez. Comfort the family who is suffering after losing a mother and a daughter. I know it must be extremely tough on them, but even during this mourning period let them lean on you with all their strength. God I know you can do wonders for the people in Juarez, you will be swift in your justice against those who do evil in your eyes. Lord I also pray for the judges and the man acquitted, let them see your power and wonder. Let them also see your love and realize the injustice they have caused for others. Lord I also pray for the legislation system in Mexico, allow them to lean on you for understanding and wisdom. Let them see that you are the only absolute truth and you will be glorified forever.

Amen.

March 16, 2011

NY Times: U.S. Sends Drones to Fight Mexican Drug Trade

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/world/americas/16drug.html?scp=2&sq=mexico&st=cse

In this article Mexican and American agencies are collaborating together to fight the drug trafficking occurring between the two nations. In recent years the American Homeland Security has stepped in to track the enforcement of the Mexican officers and troops. With this involvement, the two agencies have decided to send in military aircrafts and drones into Mexico and the border. By doing this they will be able to track criminal activity and communication. Not to mention the American military is training Mexican troops and police officers, so the collaboration will be even stronger. With this potentially powerful alliance the narcotic warfare can eventually decrease.

God,

I pray that your hand is on this collaboration between America and Mexico. The more we collaborate and put attention on this issue the more enforcement and impediment will occur. It is completely your will and I pray that you give these two military groups strength and wisdom. God I pray for those who participate in the trafficking. Lord, let us not judge them but love them and let them be convicted for their actions. God you know their hearts and your will be done with them. Lord, let them see the love of other people and be opened to seeing your greatness. This is not impossible because you can do all things. You are the provider and caretaker, reveal yourself to them. You are great and glorious and my prayer and heart is for the people of Mexico. Thank you God for your unfailing love, you are truly wonderful and amazing.

Amen.

March 14, 2011

Wanted: Officers to Retake Mexico

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/world/americas/13mexico.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Mexico&st=cse

In the past 4 years 34,000 people have been killed due to issues with the authorities on the local, state, and federal level. In Mexico the federal and the state officials deal with drug trafficking and other serious crimes, while the local police force focuses only on smaller cases. On the local level the weapons are old, the gas is rationed and the officers receive about $400/ month. It is because of this system that there is a lot of corruption within the police department and many are bribed to overlook the narcotic affairs going on within the small towns. President Felipe Calderon wants to do away with these small local police department and implement state troops in place of them. Until then the motto is still "Plata o plomo," meaning do the police officers want money or silver, bribes or a bullet.

Lord,

Take over this situation. I know it must be so hard for the officers to be bribed and overlook issues that they know is going on right under their noses. Lord, give them strength and wisdom to decide what is right. It a very tough situation to live a small town and to know that if you try and stop gang members that it might be their last day. Lord, be their provider and encourager. Let the officers be bold and courageous. Also be with President Calderon to be wise in his decisions. He has so much pressure on his shoulders, Lord only you can show him how great you are. I know you are in this situation and your hand is upon the police officers and the criminals. You are unchanging God, and your power is evident.

Amen.