A Celebration of History

The landscape in Mexico City is like a celebration of history. As we took our tour of this great city on Saturday, we could not help but notice that so much of the architecture, art and culture was a monument to great aspects of the Latin culture. There is a aura about this place that we really did not expect when we made plans to minister here. It's hard to describe but there is a feeling that this is a place of immense beauty. That is not to say that there are not problems here. There are and they are profound; crime, horrendous poverty, rude drivers and corrupt police. In some ways, the potpourri nature of this city is summed up in the Denzel Washington (my favorite actor) movie "Man on Fire." I understand the movie is based on a true story about a botched kidnapping here some years ago. The movie actually has a strong thread of Christianity running though it that compels people to consider the place of forgiveness, providence and the power of God's word. At the end of this very tragic movie, in the credits is a dedication of the film. "To Mexico City...A Very Special Place." Those are words in which, if you have ever been here, one can easily relate to. This is a special place and what a privilege it is to be called to serve here. We want to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the very special people in this very special place. Christ has come to save them from their sins.

Above are some of the celebrations of history in art and architecture. The first picture is of Plaza Madrid which is an plaza identical in size, shape and surroundings as a plaza in Madrid. It was built by the Spanish government to celebrate the close bond and affinity of Madrid and Mexico City. The second picture is of a metal sculpture depicting The Man of La Mancha, otherwise known as Don Quixote, the principal character in the famous Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The third photo is of the Monument to the Revolution that brought about independence from European colonialism in Mexico. Just a footnote; I don't want to encourage everyone to watch the movie "Man on Fire" because of the language and violence.