JOIN US IN SAN ANTONIO ON MARCH 6TH!
My eyes were attracted to just one tee shirt. We were finishing up our time at the Alamo as we journeyed down the El Camino Real de los Tejas. Whether it be a myth or not, the act of Colonel Travis using his sword to draw a line in the dirt at the Alamo is still a powerful testimony. It is a call to make the choice to stand up against every tyranny that faces us - even to the point of death.
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Several times along the El Camino Real de los Tejas, I was compelled to take a sword and exhort intercessors and leaders in Texas to make the same decision. But our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of evil and death that seek to destroy us. Several references to the Alamo came up in our meetings (and none of those referred to our present or past relationship with Mexico). The context was always - are you willing to take the necessary stand for the Lord and His kingdom?
175 years ago, William Barret Travis and almost two hundred other defenders found themselves surrounded at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio in late February of 1836. Refusing to surrender, they held off the invading armies of Mexican Dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna for almost two weeks.
On March 6, the courageous Texans were overrun and slaughtered by well over 2000 Mexicans. The resulting delay of Santa Anna's eastward movement gave other Texans more time to organize, both politically and militarily, and to ultimately defeat and capture Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, fought April 21, 1836.
The letter below was written by Travis soon after the Mexicans first appeared in the area around San Antonio. It is often referenced as a supreme example of the virtues of courage and self-sacrifice.
To the People of Texas & All Americans in the world —
Fellow Citizens & compatriots —
I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna — I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man — The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken — I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls — I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch — The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country — VICTORY OR DEATH.
William Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. comdt.
We shall never surrender or retreat. Victory or death! What will you choose?
We will take a stand for victory on Sunday, March 6 in San Antonio. In the afternoon we will visit the Alamo on the 175th anniversary of its fall. Sunday evening at 7 we invite you to join us for worship at the:
San Antonio Apostolic Prayer Center
8308 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas
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