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Locals remain optimistic that Christianity will thrive despite the violence. Joe Borntreger, pastor of Jesucristo Es El Respuesta church in Juarez, says that while he has seen a decline in foreign missionaries since last year, his church hosted teams every week during spring break. He also said church attendance has increased as the violence has increased.

"We have had more people seeking after the Lord," said Borntreger. "People are more open to receive the gospel."

Despite the violence in some parts of Juarez, Borntreger said he is fearless. "If we get governed by fear, then what? We need to be steadfast in the Lord," he said. "We believe we are in God's will and we aren't afraid … the safest place to be is in the center of God's will."

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Christianity Today has more articles on Mexico and missions & ministry.

Other articles related to missions and safety include:

Border violence curtails mission trips to Mexico | Despite the Mexican government’s deployment of 40,000 soldiers to combat drug cartels, the security situation remains a major concern. (The Christian Chronicle)

Missions to Mexico a no go | Some churches cancel trips due to violence across the border (The Register-Guard, Oregon)

Delicate mission | Sour economy, violence test global ministries (The Journal Gazette, Indiana)

Violence in Rio Grande city Forces mission trips out | Escalating violence in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, prompted the Texas Baptist River Ministry office to issue a safety advisory for the border city and led some volunteer church groups to cancel their planned trips. (Associated Baptist Press)

Mexico mission trips successful despite safety concerns | The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Mexico in February as violence involving Mexican drug cartels escalated in certain areas, particularly along the border. (The News Review, Oregon)

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May 2009, Vol. 53, No. 5