JOHN & WANDA CASIAS Missionaries to Mexico 

Of the family that was created in Cercado Nuevo Leon Mexico.

Of the people who came to know Christ because of my parents intentions.

Of the awareness of a couple who maybe did not have the history, the finances or the educational titles to accomplish what they wanted to.

Whoever knew my Dad and heard his messages know of his message of "THE SHOE AND THE HAMMER", If God didn’t have a hammer at his reach then he would use his shoe. Dad was the shoe and it worked.

We all have the ability to be "THE SHOE".

My Dad welcomed everybody to his house, to his life and to his dinner table. Regardless of their class, their history or their presence. This is probably a component of the cause of their death. But if my Dad and Mom knowing what happened and the risk that they took by their kindness. They would do it all over again.

Dad, I want to thank you for showing us that we have the ability to be that shoe.

I want to thank you for showing me/us how to work . I remember when I was 15 years old, I was building cement walls, mixing concrete at the church my parents built. If there is anything in my history to be proud of, it’s the fact that my hands are in the history of my parents work and mission.

MOM, I want to thank you first of all for putting up with my Dad. For being at his side.

For never giving up on her kids. As much as we let them down, did things that were wrong, she never gave up on us. She always let us know that what matters is what we do from today on.Today is the rest of our life and what we do from today on is what truly matters.


For as much pain this causes us, we also need to recognize the great things that are going to come of this, due to the legacy and works of my parents.

I want the family that was created from the church my parents were used to build, to know, that even though there are alot of unanswered questions, alot of things that need to be resolved, it’s my intention to not only support, but to make sure this mission continues to grow and to show Mexico and this county of  Santiago, what great things can come of this.

My Mom and Dad were not young. They were no longer strong physically, but they were strong in their faith. This tragedy proved how weak they were physically, but it’s going to demonstrate just how strong they were spiritually.

When I found my Mom, obviously dead, even though I didn’t know yet the cause of death, what came to my mind and what hurt me a lot was thinking how my Dad would feel to find her like I found her. And how he would have to live without my Mom.

My Mom and Dad lived together, they accomplished together and they died together.

I thank you all on behalf of my parents, my family and myself for celebrating the life that my parents shared with us all.

Shawn Casias