Testimony/ Anniversary

Getting my hair cut by a friend whose family I help in Guaymas

A few week ago I was at the community church and as the elder was speaking I took some notes, and that last thing I wrote on the paper was that I wish the people there at the church, really got to know Me (Christ). After the message, I talked with some people while we were having cookies and ice coffee. I even offered one member the book called, The Shack, to read. Then Howard, an elder and a minister, came up and asked me if I would come next Sunday a give a brief testimony. I said I would be glad to. I also asked him if he had read The Shack. He said, "No, but his wife had. And she had implied that the author had a very creative imagination, but questioned his theology." By the expression on my face, he saw that like the book, but I didn't say anything more about it.

When I came to church the following Sunday, there were more people there than I had seen in a long time. Some American were returning back to San Carlos for the winter. However, I was told not to talk for more than five minutes, by the same elder. Bummers!

To start off, I felt led to read the same passage Jesus read in the synagogue, in His hometown, from the book of Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

(Luke 4:18-19).

When I finish reading, I gave a very brief testimony about my name change and the vision of coming to Mexico. Then some of the things that I had been doing and a little of God's heart, and how much He loves the people of Mexico. I also told them I was grateful for this church and certain members who have helped me over the past six months since I had been in San Carlos.

There was much more I wanted to say, but the Lord said another time. However, I was grateful for what I was able to share.

I have also be communicating with Jerry, my landlord, and we are making much progress there. He's hurting and he hungry for the Truth. So I have been able to encourage him with some words from the Lord through our emails.

First Anniversary

I had been several months seen the Lopez’s family, and when I did it was very brief, because they were on their way to the hospital to have Lewis and Nanelly’s baby. So I was able to pray and bless them before they got in the car and left.

The beginning of a new family

Then a couple weeks ago, I stopped by again and talk for a little bit, and was able to see Lewis and his wife’s new baby. He was out of work and so they were living at his parent’s house while Ana Gabriela was finishing her college education in southern Mexico. I was greeted with big hugs and affection, which is always nice to experience. However, Gaby (a nick-name for Ana Gabriela) had just broken her leg in a motorcycle accident, while she was down there, but she was doing fine now even with a cast on her lower leg. (So many of my friends now have recently lost jobs and are still looking for one. I try to help the best I can, as they trust God to provide for them.)

While I was at the Lopez's house, I told then I will have been in Mexico one year in a few more days, on October 1st. So they invited me to come back and celebrate it at their house that night at 6:30, and we would have pizza. I said great, I’ll come. When I arrived there were other family members there. Plus Arantza came a little later, which was great because she speaks perfect English. However, Lewis was also improving on his English and he wanted me to help him to speak it better. So I told him I would bring movies and books next time. I also brought my computer with me to help us communicate and he got his also. Lewis has a real zeal for God so I had him put Cloak of Zeal on his favorites list. Sheldon's writing may be a little deep, but in time they will grow to understand more. It’s exciting to see these young Christian's love for God as they study His word and lessons from books. Lewis talked about the Lord all evening and even sang along with the worship music as we went to get pizza.

When we arrive at Domino’s Pizza we got to meet Felipe, who we had just read about on my recent blog article. Felipe works there as a parking attendant, and so he got to meet Lewis. They talked for a bit, and commented on how I was a very good friend theirs. I told Felipe I had brought some fresh fish to give to him after the party, because no one was at his house when I stop by on the way to the Lopez’s house.

Back at the party, we had pizza, chips, a delicious bean soup and coke to drink. Ricardo, who I had giving my sword to, had to leave early to go to work as a janitor at a casino. I had a wonderful time with my friends who love the Lord, and I stayed until almost 11pm. Then left to take the fish and some crackers to Felipe’s house. As I drove home I told Abba Father, that I loved days like this, I was excited seeing how God is working in people’s lives that I have touched, and I know it's going to continue to get even better.