A chance recommendation in 2016 has brought Bryan Sanders, and many volunteers from Sandborn First Christian Church, into a long-term partnership with CrossRoads’ Mexico field. It is almost ten years later, and Bryan is more involved than ever! From planning trips to helping with projects to leading worship, Bryan and all of SFCC have become an integral part of our Mexico field.
Helping with Projects
From a small group on that first trip, SFCC has grown and started coming multiple times a year to serve in the Mexico field. “A lot of the volunteers are repeats and even make trips on their own to support our field one way or another,” explained Amanda Rodreiguez, Mexico’s Director of Operations. “Bryan has come down numerous times as support staff to help lead projects for groups that aren’t even his own.”
“What I find unique about CR is how they partner with local ministries to bless them and help them with needs that would be very difficult to handle on their own,” explained Bryan. “Over the years the focus has shifted alongside the needs of the community. When we began coming, there was more emphasis on Casa Bethesda, Casa de Paz, and serving food at the hospital. Due to the influx of immigrants, focus has shifted to caring for and doing things with the people at the Ranch, as well as continuing some previous partnerships. It’s clear that the CR staff has been faithful to go where God leads and to serve those He has called them to serve.”
Piedra Angular
One project that has been consistent is building homes in Piedra Angular – the community that CrossRoads started over thirty years ago. This neighborhood is a haven for Christian workers in the city to live in fellowship. “I also like the neighborhood system,” praised Bryan, “where they don’t just build houses to give to people, but the recipients have some skin in the game in getting to purchase their home and agree to use it missionally.”
Over the years Bryan and SFCC have put many hours into these homes. “I’ve always been blessed with a team of talented people to work with, and together, we have hung and finished drywall, trim, window wrap, fascia, soffit, and just about anything else. I am no expert at anything, but I’m willing to try most things. And I have been blessed to work alongside and pick up tricks of the trade from various fellow volunteers over the years.”
In the fall of 2022 Bryan was part of the ribbon cutting for a completed home in Piedra Angular. “Getting to see the first house in many, many years completed and the keys handed over to the new homeowners (Ignacio and Keila) was so neat. I know it was a powerful moment for the CR team,” shared Bryan. “I had seen the house through many different phases of construction over the year or two beforehand. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a special day for that sweet couple and for the Mexico team.”
Read more about Piedra Angular
Missions Minded
Bryan is a missions-minded leader who not only serves in Mexico, but works with other ministries around the world and encourages his groups to get involved in a variety of missions. This is a mindset he shares with our Mexico team:
“CR Mexico will forever be a place (in my mind) of equipping. As immigrants land in Piedras Negras temporarily and get connected with the CR staff who love on them, take them to church, and teach them Biblical truth, they are equipped to go on from there with spiritual tools they didn’t have before. And as volunteers who serve with CR, we are always equipped with both spiritual, language, and other practical/construction skills that we take back home and hopefully keep growing in, so that we can be a blessing to others in our own areas. Because of the faithfulness of the CR team, the ripple effect in the Kingdom of God is immeasurable. May God get all the glory for all that we do in His name.”
The Mexico staff feels equipped in return by great groups like Bryan and SFCC: “Bryan is an outstanding group leader who goes above and beyond to support the ministry of CrossRoads in Mexico. We are grateful for his support and the time and effort that he invests into our field, our partners, and our full-time staff.”
“If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11, CSB)
Are you ready to enter the mission field? Contact Amanda for more information on our Mexico field and how you can get involved:
amanda@crossroadsmissions.com
