Letter from the Co-Director

Coming to Mexico City over two years ago I had no idea what to expect. (And the unexpected certainly has happened during our time here, perhaps even on a weekly basis.) But I did have one clear objective upon arrival: Help lead an effort to start Christ-centered movements on more than 400 university campuses.

At the time, I felt that was a “big” dream, and one that would involve a lot of people and resources and a whole lot of faith. But as our group of leaders stared at this awesome responsibility placed within our small hands, God lifted up our chins ever so slightly and helped us see a broader horizon. What I beheld caused me to tremble. God wasn’t just asking us to seclude ourselves to the safe confines of the college campus, but He was requiring our participation in an effort already long underway – the transformation of His supercity.

I won’t ever forget that heart-pounding moment when the Lord spoke His will so clearly. We would launch movements on every college campus, but we must also focus our attention on the pressing needs of the whole city.

Fortunately for us, this really wasn’t so much of a pioneering effort as it was a collaboration effort. Without much ado, God opened up doors that would connect us with the rest of His body well at work within the city, and other believers from outside that would aide the venture. And in a short time, miracles happened as literally thousands of laborers mobilized together to raise up a network of over 50 campus movements and numerous other initiatives that encompassed everything from assisting the poor and caring for street children to engaging business executives and high-ranking government officials.

And now a new chapter unfolds in my own involvement in the story. As we began to come against the injustice of our city, my already existent passion for justice deepened, and old dream, long since buried, resurfaced. After prayer and contemplation and a period of seeking wise counsel, this passion for justice would lead me to apply to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Apparently, according to U.S. military measurements, I’m passing my prime and have reached the age limit for becoming an officer. This fact expedites the process, and the Marines have asked me to join the next officer class in January 2009.

So, as of December 31, 2008, I will transition from my role as Co-Director of Mexico Focus and will serve as Chief Visionary Officer, continuing to serve in a high-level advisory role in the citywide transformation process. Craig Johring, a truly visionary and gifted leader, will remain as the Director of Mexico Focus, overseeing an all-star team of nearly 30 fulltime staff and hundreds of volunteers.

This has been a wonderful journey that so many of you have shared with me. Although difficult to leave the immediate action of laboring in this awesome place, I look toward the horizon with an eager anticipation of the coming of the kingdom to Mexico City and continue my prayerful resolve in helping bring it to pass.

Ever yours for helping bring the Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven,

Joe "José Cruz" Cross