The Missions of San Antonio
Sue and I just returned from a delightful week-long trip to San Antonio. We’d never been to Texas, aside from stopovers at the Houston and Dallas airports in years past. I was impressed with San Antonio. We stayed at our timeshare on the River Walk and spent many evenings walking along the quiet tree-shaded river. I thought it had a real European feeling, with the arched bridges reminding me of Venice and the outdoor cafes of Paris and Rome.
People had warned us of being disappointed when we saw the Alamo – that it was small, in the heart of downtown, and quite “touristy.” But Sue and I loved it and it did not disappoint us in any way. We both love history and, as Baby Boomers growing up watching Davy Crockett (I actually had a coonskin cap), visiting the Alamo was a real highlight of our trip.
In fact, we visited the other four missions in the area and were impressed with all of them. They have been lovingly and carefully restored, and it really is like stepping back in time. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for what the early Spanish missionaries were able to accomplish. And I was truly moved by the sacrifice of the men who fought and died at the Alamo.
While the Alamo is, of course, a shrine and tourist attraction, several of the other 16th century Spanish missions continue as vital churches in ministry to their communities. It is inspirational for me, as a church planter, to think that the church I'm starting may still be a major witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ a hundred years from now. At least, that's my prayer.