written by jimmy and genea horner
Safety Letter
Dear Friends,
Genea and I wanted to take a moment and reach out to all of you concerning the current safety conditions in Mexico. We have watched and listened the last few years to the U.S. media and political campaigns that are communicating stories concerning immigration and drug trafficking in Mexico. While there is always an element of truth to these articles and conversations, it is more than obvious that they are being presented with an agenda. Unfortunately, these stories have led to an ugly conversation that paints Mexico as a country filled with criminals and violence, resulting in a war-zone-type climate.
From our personal experience of 31 years living in Mexico, we can tell you this is far from the truth. Mexico is a country of great beauty. Its people are loving and it is rooted in family; it is a country with rising hope and a great future. Here is some perspective often not communicated through the media:
Nearly 40 million tourists enjoyed Mexico this last year without incident.
The U.S. State Department has issued the same level of travel warning for Mexico as the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Maldives, and France. I don't think most of the world would hesitate to visit any of these countries.
Mexico's tourism has been experiencing a growth trend of over 6% annually for several years with no sign of slowing.
Over one million foreigners live in Mexico year-round. Most of this number is comprised of Americans, and applications to move to Mexico full-time are on the rise.
While we do not want to downplay or ignore the fact that Mexico does have real issues pertaining to crime and violence, we ourselves and the thousands of people we are in relationship with have not experienced the picture being painted by the media.
What Genea and I can tell you is this: we have lived in Mexico for just over 31 years. We have raised our five daughters here. Our two oldest were married here. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, we can say that it is safer today here in Mexico than it was 30 years ago.
All of this being said, Mexico is a country in need. Our hope and prayer is that the truth would cut through the rhetoric and you, your children, and your churches would come and serve alongside us. That each of you would experience the move of God that is sweeping across our nation. Come and experience the power of saying yes to partnering with Him.
Jimmy & Genea Horner
Senior Leaders of The Mission
