Richard Dunstan, a former newspaper reporter and editor, has been visiting our community since 1989. He is the author of two books about us: “The Bible on the Border” and “A Poor Priest for the Poor,” a biography of Father Rick Thomas. Rich lost his first wife to cancer. He later remarried and had not been back to visit us in 13 years, since his new wife Lynn had no interest in coming. But a few months ago, Lynn decided she was ready, and they came for a visit in the spring.
This is what she wrote afterward:
“I have always been leery of visiting the Ranch, despite my husband Rich’s strong connection to it. I expected to sleep on a floor in a building like a garage while I watched the activity of tarantulas, giant flies and snakes. ‘I will be brave!’ was my self-talk. To my surprise, Ellen showed us a beautiful room, the kitchen supplied with food, and showers.
“We dressed ready to work when we went over the border to Juarez. Instead, to our surprise, we were treated like VIPs. Beginning with the Food Bank, we were given tours of most of the ministries. Volunteers run these ministries, and what a lot of work! Seeing the overwhelming lineup of people waiting for Rich’s autograph of his book on the ministries, The Bible on the Border, brought tears to my eyes. We had a tour of the atrium, which held the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd [this is the catechism program we use to teach the children]. All the hands-on instructional pieces were made of wood in the workshop at the Food Bank. I was able to handle [figurines of] the Good Shepherd, the sheep and goats, and St. Peter and the apostles. I kept saying, ‘What a lot of work!’ We saw the garden of vegetables and fruit trees, and the new soccer field. We saw the daycare center, school, and many other buildings. All volunteer work and the pride of the people.
“By the time we went home to Canada, I understood more about people living in community and supporting one another. I will look forward to my next visit, and I will not be ‘brave’ this time—I’ll be excited to reunite with this family and community that shares Christ’s love with His people.”
Lynn Dunstan Weedmark
