As darkness settled over the border city of Tijuana, Mexico, the narrow streets in the red light district filled to overflowing with the curious, the “johns,” the young women at every doorway and a police swat team checking the identification cards of each girl. In the midst of the crowd the three of us─Captain Vargas, a Salvation Army male staff member and me─stood out. Most of the women─teenagers, really, underneath the thick layer of makeup─carefully avoided making eye contact with us. Always watchful, they would not want to draw attention from their “keepers” by appearing interested in The Salvation Army.

Lacking the ability to speak Spanish, I approached our time on the street as a prayer walk, praying for the captain as she spoke to the girls and responded to others in the throng who initiated conversation. Often she simply whispered, “God Bless you,” as we passed the young women. One pretty young girl quietly said, “God will never bless me.” Captain Vargas took one quick, brief step back to say, “If you seek him, God will bless you.”

Economics and the escalation of violence in its streets have resulted in a significant drop in the number of tourists visiting Tijuana. The night-time activity of these narrow streets could easily overshadow the memories of the good-hearted people of Mexico. Tea and freshly baked sweet breads of every description are plentiful and offered at every opportunity. Women share their stories of hardship and perseverance hesitantly. Concern for the future of the youth of Mexico drives them to speak with passion of the need to do something.

There is something sacred about travelling and sharing life with new friends. It is a risky business; for in listening to their stories, I am committed to respond!

Major Gillian Brown was appointed as Associate Director of World Missions in June 2006. In this role, she travels frequently to other countries to observe projects funded by The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. She is married with three adult sons and has a daughter-in-law. Gillian has her Master of Religion degree from the University of Toronto and in May 2009 was elected as one of the three Vice Presidents of the Canadian Council of Churches.