Tuesday, February 24, 2026

     About Noon today, the governor dropped the Red Alert for Jalisco. Nearly at the same time, the US Embassy dropped the "shelter in place" alert for all Americans. We are not out of the woods completely because some areas even in our state still have major problems. Surrounding states are still involved in conflicts. That moves us to an orange alert which means eyes open to our surroundings and no unnecessary movements. There have been more than 200 tractor-trailers burned taking the lives of at least six drivers. I am sure the same can be said for drivers of private vehicles.

     Our city looks like a war zone (which it was). We hear all kinds of numbers of police and National Guards that have been killed as well as many "bad guys."  Local Mom & Pop corner stores were threatened at gun point to keep their shops closed yesterday. Carcasses of vehicles have been moved off the roads but are still beside where they were burned. New pavement now has burned holes in it from the fires. Many banks, convenience stores, gas stations and shops are just black holes, and the conflicts keep on.

     We breathe a little easier knowing that it has moved the needle a little closer towards normal, but we are being warned even with the above news that it is not over yet. We hear that certain leaders in the group have said they will pay large quantities of money for every official killed. 

     However, the trucks are rolling again. Certain areas of town have had the stores burned, putting more pressure on whatever might be open. Our deaf have said in certain parts, the shelves in the stores are empty. Hopefully, in the next few days this can be fixed. The two states next to us are about an hour from here. Both those states still have conflicts, not allowing traffic to pass. Our highways are open, but an hour down the road they are closed again, both to those coming and those going.

     IMPORTANT  - we want to thank everyone who has prayed for us and/or others here in Mexico. I am unable to verify the numbers of people killed, but I am sure there are a large number. In front of our house they shot over the tops of the houses rather than at them just to cause terror (I imagine). In other places, and perhaps other groups, were not so careful. Please continue to pray. Our President has said if they touch any American, the US will respond forcefully. The support is wonderful, but if they were to get involved, all of us would have to hide because the reprisal would be against anyone.

     Again, I cannot express enough our gratefulness for your prayers. Thank you for caring enough to take time. We have friends and other Christians in areas from which we have not been able to contact. We are eternally grateful for including us in your prayers. May God greatly repay your faithfulness.

Gary & Ann 

PS - Notice that we are not giving exact locations or names just to protect us and others.