A MILK CARTON CHRISTMAS

A MILK CARTON CHRISTMAS

About 35 years ago Joan and I loaded our Bronco with our two daughters, a load of donated clothing and an expensive guitar amplifier and headed to Mexico. Brother Jarvis, a Baptist pastor with a heart for the poor, wanted the things for Jesus Aldaba Chavez who’s ministry he supported.

We rented a camper in San Antonio and headed for the border. We had been briefed on what to expect and got on our way with Jesus riding with us. Had He not been there, we might still be in Mexico trying to get home. All kidding aside, it was an experience that none of us will ever forget.

Arriving safely in Carderete, where Brother Aldaba lived, I could breathe deeply again. No one drove as they should for the roads were pockmarked with huge holes. All the vehicles seemed to be old; only the Lord knew how they were still able to go. Pulling the pop out trailer made our trip harder but since there were no motels, it was a necessity. We were told to place it on the sidewalk just outside the door. I kept thinking the police would make us move it. I guess the Lord blinded them to it being there.

Their house was over a hundred years old with walls at least 18 inches thick. The narrow interior walls didn’t reach to the ceiling and were more like barriers with curtains for doors. We had met some of the family about a year earlier when they visited our church in Destin. They were still the same, humble, loving and very kind. They knew and loved our Lord Jesus.

After unloading the gifts, with the family all looking to see what we brought, we prepared for the night. It was an adventure for someone walking down the street hit Joan on the b-hind while she slept. Her rear made a nice target as it rested against the canvas. Surely most of the dogs in Mexico lived near by and talked to each other all night long. When morning came the roosters awakened it like only they can. It sure was exciting.

We came to work for the Lord and soon found ourselves going to La Florida and other places where Brother Aldaba ministered. He would begin to sing with his accordion with the guitars adding to the flow of praise. It wasn’t long and the folks came out and were blessing the Lord in their simple and faith filled way. It wasn’t like the $50,000 organ in our church back in Destin but they surely created equally delightful music to the Lord’s ears.

One day we went to the market in Monterey where folks bought their necessities with their meager funds. We spotted a piñata and decided that with all the gifts removed we could bring it back to show the folks at home. When the Aldaba’s discovered it we were asked if the small children could destroy it to get the candy inside. These children were so poor they had never been able to break one of their own. So we gave them ours to enjoy.

You may have seen this in the movies where the kids are blindfolded and given a stick. The piñata is hung by a rope and when the kids swing it is lifted just out of range much to the delight of the onlookers. Before long it is lowered so contact can be made and candy goes flying. It was fun to watch and besides no one back home would probably care anyway.

Later we were taken out into the country where it was terribly cold. My heart melted when we passed what looked like an igloo made of brush and clay. Just outside the small door a child about 18 months old sat on the hard ground playing with a wooden block. She had no clothes on except for a thin shirt which offered no warmth at all. I began to see why Mexicans came to America for there was so little for them in Mexico. After driving a bit further we set up the amplifier and the music began. The folks began to come to sing and hear about Jesus. I was greatly moved for it was very cold. Our church buildings are heated and air conditioned but often empty.

On Christmas Day we watched the Aldaba children receive their gifts. A cardboard milk carton had been carefully fashioned into a truck. It only held some candy, nuts. one orange and a small toy. This was their only gift but it was appreciated. The family had Jesus, He was always their special gift. We watched in amazement for we knew back home under our tree there were many gifts of “stuff”. Any one of them was worth more that the total value of theirs. Truly we had way too many to appreciate each one as we should.

When we crossed back into Texas the girls asked me to stop for they wanted to kiss the ground in the USA, and they did. I know they have never forgotten what it meant to be in a country so poor and in so much need. Like the Aldaba’s we also had Jesus as our best Christmas Present. God still offers Him to all who will receive Him. Will you today? John 1:12

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

Captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com