SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) -- Echoing much of what the U.S. Department of State said in a recent travel alert, Texas River Ministry leaders said the Texas-Mexico border remains safe as long as church groups exercise "common sense."

The State Department's announcement noted an increase in "violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnapping," from drug traffickers in Mexico's northernmost provinces. But the alert also said "the majority of the thousands of U.S. citizens who cross the border each day do so safely, exercising common-sense precautions."

For Texas Baptist groups, taking "common-sense precautions" means staying close to the Mexico church being served, said Loren Fast, Baptist General Convention of Texas River Ministry consultant. Volunteers should steer clear of bars and be careful around ATM machines.

Dexton Shores, River Ministry director, said the situation along the border is no worse than any of the larger cities in Texas. "I'm still going weekly to Mexico and feel safer there than here in San Antonio where there are homicides, random assaults and home invasions almost daily.

"I am not aware of anything bad happening to any church groups or tourists," he said. "There are always places and areas of town to avoid, so it is extremely important that church groups listen to the counsel of the Mexico leaders they work with as to which routes to travel and which areas to avoid."

The Mexican government recently sent more than 700 troops to Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros and Reynosa, where some of the violence has occurred. Mexico President Vicente Fox has declared war against the drug cartels.

The stepped-up federal presence has made the border safer, according to Fast, who also has traversed the region several times recently with his wife.

A United States travel alert should not preclude churches from ministering where God is leading them, he said. "Our Mexico counterparts are saying we need you...."

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