Matthew 4:19-20

Today was a blessing on several levels.   We did not have the typical “work assignment” day that has personified this POWER trip.  The drive from McAllen last night was uneventful.  We stopped & had dinner at Rudy’s BBQ.  This was my first exposure to one of the various Texas-style BBQ’s.  Great stuff –

We awoke around 6AM and were loaded & gone from the hotel by 7AM.  Breakfast @ Luby’s cafeteria.  These folks are not open for breakfast; however, they do open & serve this group.  We received our van / group assignments for Magdiel Bible School in Matamoros.

The City of Matamoros is quite close to the Rio Grande.  The downtown area appeared cleaner compared to Reynosa and certainly Acuna.

Once we moved beyond the central area, the roads & buildings quickly deteriorated.  This city is apparently an active area for drug cartel activity.  Our travel procedures were modified slightly.  After turning- off a dusty, bumpy industrial road, our vans entered the gated / walled facility for Magdiel.  The school has been training students to become pastors for 76 years. The students come from all parts of Mexico to study and graduate after 3 years.  They all have duties that include cleaning their own dorm rooms, preparing meals and keeping the grounds maintained.  It was truly a blessing for all of us to eat and pray with these students.  The day was wrapped-up with a live auction called by Lou Dempsey.  Funds were raised to benefit both POWER and Magdiel.  Sadly, our day (and trip) came to an end.  We ride  North to San Antonio with a beautiful setting sun.

Braden Burns