City of violence, Jaurez, declared to be God’s city.

The lights are low, a Mexican performer sings on the TV in the background, the food is authentic (not a hint of Taco Bell replicas)’ our conversation is easy and laughter comes easily. Everything seems so normal… But all is not what it seems.

Leaving the restaurant, Poncha tells us that Juarez was once known as the “city that did not sleep.” Tonight there only the occasional set of headlights that pass us on our way back to the Marriott. Gated streets and barred windows tell a city story of fear and despair.

Statistics claim this city to be one of the most violent in the world and with an average of 5-8 deaths a day, the people are imoblilized by fear. Newspaper headline state that 40 people had been killed since Friday evening and today is Monday – that is 10 deaths a day.
Over a period of three short years this city has been reduced to a community of people bound by fear and hopelessness. yesterday 7 youths were killed at close range at a soccer game. The city of Juarez is controlled by two opposing cartels, who trade in drugs and daily war for the sole of the city.

Today we interviewed the youngest chief-of-police, Mariasol, in the nation. She is a petite soft spoken 20 year old, who took the challenge when no one else was willing to. She exhibits the courage of those desperate for change. Poncho Murguia, encouraged her by committing to repairing an old ambulance that has been inactive for several years. This is the body of Christ not just talking faith, but actively reaching out and exhibiting what it means to bless a city in the name of Jesus.

Poncho also took the bold step of driving to the highest place in the city of Juarez . There overlooking the city of Juarez in the foreground and El Pasa in the distance he boldly declared that he wanted to spiritually adopt the city. To pray for her people, to bless communities, to minister to felt needs and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christians in Juarez are facing trials that most of us cannot even imagine. They are facing the enemy. They are courageous. They believe that Juarez will be declared a city dedicated to God. They need us to pray with them. To cover every street in prayer. To stand against the enemy. This is no playground., and while our lives felt so normal as we sat eating burritos and enshalida the city was mourning. Nothing was as it seemed.

Surely this is our opportunity to help change the destiny of this city. God is able, are we willing to pay the price?