At the beginning of the month, I packed into a truck with my wife and two church members for a scouting trip the Valley in advance of our Break For The Border mission trip. To use a worn out phrase, it was an eye opening experience. To begin the trip we met with Javier, our partner for the mission trip and our contact with Buckner. As he discussed the work Buckner has done over the last few years, he shared the story of a particular family. I’ll be honest – the story wrecked me.

The family’s routine included weekly visits to the emergency room. The young boy in the family suffered from allergies and severe asthma attacks … debilitating attacks. Buckner walked this family through case management – financial training, job training and eventually built them a home. This new home protected the family from the elements – no more dust, no more coughing. Suddenly the allergy issues decreased, the asthma attacks ceased, and the ER visits stopped. After Javier told the story he said, “And Jesus told his disciples they would have the power to heal.”

Wow. Just, wow. As soon as I had a few minutes alone I grabbed my Bible and read Luke 9:1-2,

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them the power and authority to drive out demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

The passages concludes with an action report in Luke 9:6,

“So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.”

God is at work along the border. You might only hear stories of doom and gloom on the news. Yet, for two days I was blessed to hear stories of God’s provision, grace, and yes, healing. God is at work in you. He also wants to work through you.