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.