I appreciate all of you who have reached out with questions, particularly about why I don’t wear my uniform during my video recordings in worship or share pictures in this email.

There are a couple of reasons for this. First, there are operational security requirements in the military. It is generally frowned upon to take pictures unless you are the public affairs officer and have received authorization.

Second, the military has various social media policies that we must adhere to. We need to be cautious about sharing images and details while in uniform, especially given the nature of our mission here. Unlike when I’m at the garrison at Camp Blanding, here in McAllen, we are in an operational environment, and I want to ensure that I respect all policies and procedures.

While I cannot share pictures of our activities, I am more than willing to share updates through words. In the upcoming week, I will be visiting Laredo to connect with some of the companies stationed there.

Our area of operations spans approximately 300 miles, and I drive to visit and encourage our soldiers regularly. If you are curious about the Customs and Border Patrol, I want to express my deep appreciation for their work. They are a highly professional group, and there are a substantial number of them—around 45,000 Customs and Border Patrol officials in the United States. This makes it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, routinely patrolling the border.

Given the vast geography of the United States, their job can be quite challenging. There are established procedures for seeking asylum, and many individuals crossing the border do so with the intent of applying for asylum. If their asylum cases are not adjudicated or found to be invalid, they are often returned to their country of origin or at least sent back across the Mexican border.

So, that being said, that’s the extent of what I know and have learned while I’m here. I’ve also been immersing myself in the local culture of the Rio Grande Valley, including its food and the wonderful people I’ve met at McAllen First United Methodist Church.

This past week, I had the pleasure of volunteering at a spaghetti dinner, which reminded me of all the times I miss serving dinner with you all. I truly look forward to being back with you. I miss you, and I hope you miss me too. As for when I will return, I’m not quite sure yet. I previously mentioned November 1st, but due to out-processing and various administrative procedures, it may be later than that. It will definitely be no later than December 1st. I appreciate your patience during this time.

Lastly, I want to share a word of the day: “Share”. We are called to share the gospel in innovative ways. This can happen in parks, fields, or shopping centers, just as it is happening right now. As we look forward to our 150th anniversary in 2030, let us consider how we are called to share the gospel in fresh and engaging ways, including through online platforms and videos like this one.

I hope you have a blessed week. Know that I miss you, and if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me. If I don’t respond to your email or text right away, I apologize—I may not have access to my messages at times. However, I always enjoy hearing from you, and I encourage you to contact the church office. Meria will ensure that your messages reach me.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Thank you for praying for me as I pray for you. God be with you ’til we meet again.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor David