Tomorrow we leave-it feels as abrupt as it sounds. We are off to another Ejito to meet with, pray for and encourage Pastor Juan Lopez and his congregation at Templo el buen Samaritano. We are very excited to be moving “out on our own” into our own house, to cook our own meals and drive our own selves places. We will be in Santa Adelaida for one week and we hope to inspire the community in any way we can. Currently we have no set “schedule” for ministry activities but I don’t want to fill that time with activities anyway. We will ask God to guide us and reveal the work He has set out. We pray for boldness and inspiration from the Spirit. Eleazar says that we have two purposes when coming to visit and “do missions.” 1. If the people are not believers, to bring them into the light and secondly if they are, to encourage and inspire them in the faith. We hope to spur them on into living lives abundantly in Christ’s freedom and walking as children of light.
Pastor Juan is glad for our wanting to come and help. Last Sunday we went to their evening service, attendance was high and everyone really excited about God. Countless people came up singing their songs of gratitude and thanks. Most who attend are new believers but there is a lack of discipleship and not enough knowledgeable leaders. I anticipate organizing a children’s ministry for the 50 some kids from the service, speaking over the congregation, attending studies and participating in the girls ministry as well as work projects and home visits however we have no expectations. Please pray that we will be clearly directed and useful in the community. Pray for humility as a group and a compassion for God’s people in Santo Adelaida. Pray that we will receive words of truth and have courage to challenge our brothers and sisters.
WOOOOOOOOOOT. Away you go!! God, very God-speed to you and your team. Certainly will be praying and being exited for you!! looking froward to hearing all God did in and through you. Many blessings, prayers and much love.
Dad.
Jenessa!
There is a big smile upon my face as I write this; just like your picture : ) I thank our Lord Jesus for having the chance to have met you and to write you this note.
Speaking of faces, I saw your “About” pictures and was comforted by looking at all the children pics you have there. They really made me happy; so full of light, joy, feelings so deep to explain.
As I saw the pictures I remembered an experience I had about 5 months ago. I had been preparing some Bible lessons for the Summer Vacation Bible School, so I had been reading the Bible a lot. As I started to pray at night, I closed my eyes, and deep inside I could see a child’s face so vivid and bright that turned around to look straight at me; His face brought a sense of comfort and happiness to me as I could feel it was Jesus’ face in his childhood years (about 9 years old). His look was bright and peaceful, but at the same time, it reflected wisdom. His gaze was penetrating as it could see everything inside of me. It brought a big smile upon my face! So beautiful! My sense of praying changed tremendously ever since that moment.
When your team and I were worshipping together that night I kept seeing His face in His glorified body, as described in the book of Revelations 1:12-18. And I believe we always have to remember the fact that He resurrected and He is sharing this glory with us.
Nevertheless, His face as a child was like a special gift for me, to strengthen my faith I believe. Having found you and your team was another huge gift from Him to me, to teach me and show how the Way, His Way, is much more powerful, beautiful, and gracious than any other way of life we could come up with. I bless His name because you are part of my life now as sister and brother in Christ. I continuously pray for you and the things God will do in and through you over there in Africa. The other day we were ministered by a Mexican missionary in India; I prayed for you deeply and we prayed fondly together in that same spirit of missions: living to fulfill the Great Commission as you are!
Keep searching for the face of Christ Jesus every day. As you are filled with His glory, with His Holy Spirit, you will be able to share His Word, His gospel, and be an extension of His works. “…Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:9) : ) !!
God will bless you so much. I send you and the team a big hug! Please let them know they are always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay in touch whenever you have a chance.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all”
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