Originally from Ohio, I thought I knew what heat was, having grown up in Ohio's hot summers. But here, the heat is on an entirely different level. Even the locals, who have spent their entire lives in this furnace, admit that they, too, struggle with the sun's intensity. For those of you who have experienced extreme temperatures, you might relate to the sensation of the sun burning through everything. Yet, for many readers, the heat you endure is fleeting and manageable, worlds apart from this scorching desert heat in Mexico.
I've come to Mexico to assist a local church in some important ministry. Each day, I step out into the streets to meet people and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sun beats down with such ferocity that it feels like a physical force prickling against my skin. The relentless heat exhausts me quickly, and it forces me often to seek any shade I can find—whether under a sparse tree or beside a building. It's as though the city is trapped in a furnace with no relief in sight, while the distant mountains often display clouds that only seem to taunt us with the illusion of relief.
This daily battle with the heat constantly brings to my mind the reality of Hell. The intensity of the heat gives me a little more understanding of the unimaginable eternal suffering there—that inferno where there is no shade, no respite, and no hope. Though I sometimes joke with others that we live in the shadow of Hell, the truth is far more sobering. The agony of Hell far surpasses even the harshest heat we face here.
Oh, the awful torment! The endless suffering and anguish are beyond what words can capture! My heart is deeply moved to think that those condemned in Hell will never find a moment's relief. They will never know the simple comfort of cold water to soothe their parched throats. They will never find a shade to offer respite from the tormenting heat. They will never look up and see a glimmer of hope. The depth of their suffering is something I can barely fathom, and this reality fills me with urgency to keep sharing the hope of salvation with others.
Despite these harsh, hot conditions here in Mexico, my heart is invigorated with a passion to keep ministering, loving people, and preaching Christ Jesus. The sweltering heat, rather than deterring me, fuels my drive with determination to reach those in need of salvation. The thought of souls condemned to eternal torment in a blistering abyss motivates me to keep persevering, for I am confident that there is a soul seeking the truth right around the corner. Therefore, I pray daily to my good God to guide me to those seeking salvation amidst this scorching Mexican desert. I often ask God: Who yearns to be saved among so many people? Who seeks to know the blessed Savior Jesus Christ?
As I endure the relentless heat here in Mexico, I'm constantly reminded of the greater mission we all share—to bring the hope of Christ to a world in desperate need. My experiences in this harsh environment fuel my resolve to keep proclaiming Christ, but they also serve as a call to each of us. Consider the challenges you face in your own life. Are they obstacles that drive you away from your mission, or are they opportunities to deepen your passion for spreading the gospel?
Imagine the impact of each of us, regardless of our circumstances, channeled our struggles into a fervent drive to minister to others. Whether it's the heat of a desert or the trials of everyday life, let these difficulties propel us toward an eternal purpose. We all have the potential to make a difference, to share the message of salvation with those who need it most.
So, as you go about your day, ask yourself: How can I be a messenger of Jesus Christ in my community? How can I turn my personal challenges into opportunities for ministry? Let us be inspired by the urgency of our mission and strive to reach souls with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the end, every effort, no matter how small, is worth it when it leads someone closer to Jesus Christ. After all, it is far better to suffer temporary discomfort than for another soul to suffer the eternal torment of Hell.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS