Juarez Trip Update

Dear CBC Parents,

Like many of you, I’ve been hearing/reading news reports from Juarez, Mexico that have referred to rising levels of violence. Obviously, this is concerning to those of us who are planning to be a part of our annual mission trip to build homes June 13-20, 2009. I’ve gathered from your e-mails that rumors abound. It’s my desire to quell the speculation and let you know where the leadership of Crossroads Bible Church stands.

First of all, it is true that Amor Ministries has re-directed high school mission trips for the months of March and April, 2009. This has affected some churches in our area as their student trips were postponed. I do feel it’s important for you to know that Amor took this action because of parental perception of the dangers rather than any actual danger their teams have experienced. Their college/adult trips are continuing as planned during these months.

Second, rest assured that we are actively monitoring the situation by talking to our contacts who cross the border daily as well as through “live chats” (you can read their official response to the U.S. Government Mexico Travel Advisory--NOT WARNING-- here)and on-line “conference calls” (you can listen to the audio of that call here)that Amor has provided in which they address the issues of major concern to churches and youth ministries. The Amor response has links to the official U.S. government web page.

Finally, know that it is our intent to do the very best we can to ensure the safety of our students. No trip or experience is worth putting their well-being at risk.

We are aware of most of the concerns and are evaluating our options through Amor in Juarez accordingly. We have assembled a committee consisting of CBC staff, mission board representatives and elders who will make a decision on this trip as soon as possible. We plan to communicate what we know at a PARENT’S ONLY meeting on March 22, 2009, at 10:45AM in the Dungeon. If you have any questions, that would be an excellent opportunity to ask those directly. Please plan on attending this meeting.

One last thing: We are actively looking at alternatives should Amor continue their current policy regarding students or should we decide it to be unwise for us to go to Juarez this year

Again, thank you for your concern. It’s comforting to know that so many of you are concerned for CBC’s involvement in world missions as well as serving our student ministry by providing us with information you come across. I’d invite you to pray for our leadership as we seek God’s will regarding this opportunity.


Brent McKinney
Pastor of Student Ministries