3 of 3

"The vision that God gave them has completely changed that community," said Dahlager. "When a church comes into a community and starts a school, the moral level, the safety level, the economic level all lift as people become believers. I've seen this happen in many communities in Mexico, and it is definitely happening in Kilometro 29."

Partnerships between evangelical churches in the United States and Mexico allow Gabriela Mistral's model of ministry to flourish. Four Juarez pastors started schools when Padilla did, and more have come to him over the years asking for advice. Juarez currently has 16 Christian schools, with 4 more in the process of opening.

Still, the staff at Gabriela Mistral believe God is not finished doing miracles at their school, because Padilla's vision is not yet fulfilled. The vision included a junior high and high school, and a second story on one of the buildings. Also, the school could handle 300 more students if volunteers from other parts of Juarez could afford to travel there each day and teach.

"Sometimes I get desperate for God to complete the vision," said Lechuga, "but God gives patience, because it is not easy to have faith that he will provide. I don't know how, but I know God will do it."

People familiar with Padilla's story want to share it with other Christians. "The fact that brother Padilla has a limited education and yet has furnished education to hundreds of children proves that obedience to the Lord can accomplish the unthinkable," said Wes Kelley, a construction missionary who helped Padilla build his first school buildings. "I think this ministry will continue until Christ returns."

Jeremy Weber is a journalist from Indiana.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

More articles on Mexico include:

Mobs Expel 80 Christians | Growing number of evangelicals threatens liquor profits. (Oct. 17, 2005)

A Peacemaker in Power | Evangelical governor sparks fresh hopes for lasting peace in troubled Chiapas. (April 24, 2001)

Healing the Violence | Presbyterians, Catholics try to reconcile as expulsions persist in Chiapas. (July 25, 2000)

first page |  3 of 3

share this page

December 2005, Vol. 49, No. 12