
As part of a lay Catholic ministry, we traveled to Tijuana, Mexico every month. This story took place about twenty-five years ago.
Preparation
Each month we would get donations of 100-pound bags of beans and rice. This bulk product was sorted and separated into three-pound bags to be handed out to the families. We collected candy for the children and on many occasions we took-over-the counter medicine: aspirin, Pepto Bismol, cough syrup and whatever was donated. Sorting out clothing for families was usually; one outfit for a male, one for a female, and one child or infant per family. When winter rolled around we purchased blankets for the outreach.
The Fifteen-Decade Rosary
This was not a pleasure trip, so the head of our lay ministry always pulled out the world’s longest rosary. Yes, it was a 15-decade rosary. Sometimes I dreaded the ride; you could forget about napping because we all participated in the rosary. Today it takes me at least 20 to 25 minutes to pray a rosary, but a 15-decade rosary with intentions lasted all the way to McDonald’s in the border town of Otay.



Border Crossing
We’d met at a local McDonald’s to plan our entrance into Tijuana. Traveling in large SUV’s and vans was a red flag for the border patrol. The briefing was simple: “We are taking some supplies to a ministry.” In most cases it was smooth sailing. Sometimes when one of the vehicles was flagged we all had to pull over until they received clearance. In this instance the local police would confiscate some of our supplies.
Tijuana
I had been to Tijuana on several occasions but only in the city limits. The farther we traveled into Tijuana, it was an eye-opening experience. We drove through many decent neighborhoods but where we ministered was off the grid. It was a village called Las Flores, but there were no flowers to be found. Trees were scarce there as well. This area without plumbing – just dirt, loose, dusty dirt. Our path led us to poorly put-together houses. I remember that many of these dwellings had discarded garage doors from the U.S. as outer walls. The living conditions were deplorable.
The people that we ministered to were faithful and grateful for the little that they had. Their winters were brutally cold and the summers intensely hot.
Christmas In January
The ministry was so busy in the month of December, we could not schedule a visit until late January. Some of the team members decided to wear Santa hats on that trip but personally I thought this was unwise. So did the border patrol officers when we were detained. The exchange lasted more than an hour, so we were delayed. We had so many new toys donated, blankets, food, candy, and clothing.
By the time we reached Las Flores it was around three in the afternoon. We sang praise songs, had a powerful teaching, and then we prayed for those who needed prayer. By the time we had given out all the supplies we brought, it was dark. The spirit of God was powerful. When it was time to pack up and leave, the man that I was driving with, unbeknownst to me, was planning to bring his mother across the border. This woman had no legal documents but she did have a suitcase full of clothes.
The Crossing
We were in a Suburban SUV; I sat in the back seat behind the passenger seat, the mother of the man sat behind her son. He knew the law; if you bring an illegal immigrant, your vehicle will be confiscated. My thoughts were, “How in the heck did I get stuck riding back with this man? I’m going to get arrested!” Before we made it to the border, the man coached his mother on what to say. He tells her in Spanish, “You are going to pretend that you’re asleep, and if they ask you where you were born, say Colton.” Oh my dear Lord, the woman could not speak a lick of English, and saying Colton sounded more like Compton. Aside from not being able to communicate, she was the worse actress. I knew we were in trouble.
After questioning the driver, the border control officer flashed a light to the backseat. “Where were you born?” he asked me. I quickly answered, “Brawley.” Anyone with a brain could figure out that the woman was faking being asleep. The flashlight hit her face when he asked her the same question. Under my breath I kept repeating, “Please don’t say Compton!” She opened her eyes and said, “Compton.” We were asked to pull aside for further questioning. Rather than remaining calm, I wanted nothing to do with this illegal crossing. As we were detained, I talked to the man and his wife and told them that I wanted out of the vehicle. It was not that easy because first I had to answer several questions by the border patrol. I was not aware that the man was attempting to bring his mother over until the end of our ministry. After the interrogation, I was free to leave.
I had a cell phone and called my friend who was waiting for us at McDonald’s. I will never forget how dark it was that night and how I had to walk through a dark tunnel to cross over to the US. It was 11:00 p.m. by the time I reached McDonalds. As much as I wanted to stay calm, I was livid! I could not believe the danger this man put us through.
The Stupid Phone
On the drive home I could not stop talking about how careless these people were! Honestly, I must have lamented the entire way home. It seemed that the Lord had His hand on my dogging this couple because my phone was dialed to their number, and they heard the entire conversation. It was a lesson to all involved: don’t gossip about others and for them don’t bring people across the border illegally. I had to apologize for all the nasty words that spewed out of my mouth.
The Big Miracle
The man’s mother was sent back, and how this man and his wife talked their way out of this situation was a miracle. Their vehicle was not confiscated, but they were not released until 2:00 a.m. It was a different time; today if you tried to bring someone across the border illegally you would definitely get arrested and we would probably be in jail.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for all those who are operating in fear because of ICE. Lord, You are in control of everything, so we trust in You. In this perplexed world, we need Your direction. May we all be in one accord in pleading for peace in this matter. Amen.