Fighting the Enemy

For the past few months, I have had to deal with attacks in many forms, some spiritual others physical, mainly my van or my health. In the past, when I had problems regarding my health, I stood my ground, by declaring, that by His strips I have been heal. Then when I came to Mexico, I chose to walk in Devine health. However, various attacks still continued. So I took it to God and told Him I was tired of always fighting the enemy, satan. Then God reminded me of King David’s life. David had to fight various battles before and after he was king of Israel. There was his natural enemy the Philistines, then there was King Saul who was jealous and then one time David’s own men wanted to stone him, because the enemy had raided their camp and stole all their possessions, including their wives. But, David always sought the Lord in what to do. He also had to fight the emotional battle of “how long.”

The only time David ran into serious trouble was when He chose not to fight anymore. And we all know what happened then. As a result it led to many serious family problems. Seeing his own son become his enemy was something he or any father could never imagine. That could have been his greatest pain, but another may have been when he realized he took his eyes off the Lord, and looked somewhere else for his pleasure and comfort. We’ve all been there sometime in our life and probably more than once, but thank God for His Love and Grace and Mercy.

Dealing with health issues (attacks) I have chosen to handle them differently than before.  God is my physician, dentist, and also my mechanic. I don’t want to stop giving to help the poor in order to meet those needs, and in most cases I can’t even communicate to others what those problems are anyway. Plus, I know that God can do a better job too. For example, one morning I felt something in the area just left of my stomach shift out of place. I saw and felt it happen and it was painful. Instead of focusing on the pain or fears, I started praying for the Body of Christ that might be experiencing something similar to that. Whenever I felt the pain, especially when I coughed or sneezed, I would repeat the prayer. After about a week it went away. Then a tooth and my gums on one side of mouth became very painful especially when eating. Another time I felt a painful lump in the middle of my foot. All of these problem and some others I now deal with in the same manor. The Apostle Paul said, when one part of the Body of the Body is hurting we all hurt for them. So I have chosen to reverse that thought and it's working. I no longer focus on me having the problem, but others in the Body of Christ—wherever they might be.

However, last week I had a battle of a different kind. One I didn’t expect nor would I like to see it happen again. Two of my M&M’s showed up at my van, when I was reading my Bible. They were very happy to greet me as usual. But, a few minutes later an older women, in her mid 30's, came by. I had never seen her before nor had the two younger girls. This woman came over to my van while we were talking and I was sitting with my door open now. She tried to get in on the action she though was about to take place. First, she asked me for a cigarette. Then she wanted some water, so I gave her some. Then she said, I didn’t want these two girls and offered to take a shower with me, with the water from my water jug. Then she pulled up her top garment and exposed herself to me in front of the other two girls. I tried to be nice, but I told her to go. I was annoyed and saw the embarrassment and frustration in the other two girls faces. But the women, whose four top front teeth were missing and was not very pretty at all, still would not leave. I thought maybe if I give her some money she would leave. So while I’m still sitting in the front passenger seat I reached into my jogging pants that I was wearing, that only have front pockets for money. I took out my wallet first and then gave her all my change, and put my wallet back in my pants. But she wanted more money, but I said no and told her to leave again. Then she wanted to have sex with me in exchange for more money and I said no. But the women then poked me in the crotch and said that I did. Now my youngest M&M (Bless her heart) said, “Don’t do that,” as the woman poked me again as I tried to stop “He’s not like that. He’s a man of God.” So when I heard her say that, I reached for my Bible on the dash to confirm it. However, as I reached for it, the women moved in closer and grabbed my crotch with one hand pretending to be giving me pleasure. Now my attention was totally focused on carefully removing the women’s hand off me, which was not easy. However, with her other hand she was busy removing my wallet, which I could not feel happening, because her body was pushing up against my leg and my mind was focus somewhere else.  As she was doing this, her body was also blocking the view of the two girls as to what she was really doing with both of her hands.

Finally I thought I got her hand off me, but I think she just let go, because she had what she really wanted all along—money. However, as she was walking away, to my relief, the Lord told me that she had taken my wallet. I slid my hand down over my pocket and sure enough it was gone. I quickly got out of the van and went after her. She was only about 18 feet away, and from behind her I could see she was trying to put something (my wallet) down the front of her pants. So I reached around her waist with my left hand to keep her from running and with my other arm I reached over her right shoulder and grab that middle of my wallet, which I could see was unfolded. Now, she couldn’t get the money or the wallet, but there was still a lot of resistance. I had to physically pull her hands off each end of the wallet, which wasn’t easy, but I eventually won. Then, I gave her a hard smack on her backside with an open hand. She immediately, turned around and gave me her middle finger and some ugly words that I didn’t understand. I slowly return to the van and then watched all three women walk away. But the youngest one eventually turned and waved goodbye, for now I hope. I was glad to hear what she said, about me being a man of God.

Silently, as I sat in the van and put my wallet back together from the struggle. I was shook-up to say the least, even though there was no damage or money missing. I had gone to the bank early that morning to get my money for the next month uses. I put half of it in my other Bible. However, there was still a lot in the wallet for any thief.

I was not happy about what just happened or how I had to handle it. But, satan lost anyway, first he tried to steel my wallet and then my peace, However, he lost on both accounts. I quickly forgave the women and I asked God to set her free. Then I took a walk with my Father, and we talked about it some more.

The bottom line of our conversation is that I will always trust God and I’m here to stay in Mexico; nothing will discourage me. And I will complete everything He has planned for me regardless of what the enemy tries or does. Hopefully I will never have to use my hand again for discipline. I would rather see them use for love, healing and restorations. I would also like to believe that my two M&M’s told the other woman she was wrong and that I was a good man. And how I helped them and other poor people in Mexico. 

The week before this experience, a man stopped by my van at 3:30am and tapped on my window, I could not understand what he wanted so I slid him a twenty pesos bill out the bottom opening of the sliding door window. But he gave it back and said he wanted more. I said no and slide it back again. Then he said he was cold and wanted in, but again I said no. Then he said he was hungry so I gave him a granola bar and he finally left. My doors were not locked and seldom are when I'm in it. I trust God for everything even while I sleep. 

Then a couple night later there was tapping on my window again, this time it was the police. The officer shined his flashlight in and could see a shinny white man in bed, I told him I could not understand him and that I was an American. Then he left, that was the first time they have checked on me here in Guaymas, even though they pass my van everyday many times. They haven’t done it again, but it’s nice to know others are watching out for me too. God said He is with me wherever I am; I just have to believe that, regardless of who shows up. And He’s also there to help me in every battle.

Jesus also had His battles, both physical and spiritual. And in every situation Jesus Christ was the victor, regardless of who the enemy was. We to can share in that victory, in whatever battle we face, as we place our complete trust in Him. Amen!

The youngest and sweetM&M

Her name is Victoria and she only 14,  God loves her and so do I
 (picture was taken by her sister after we all had hamburgers)

I thought this was the end of my article yesterday afternoon, but a week after the women took my wallet, the Lord brought her back. I was sitting in my van again, but on the drivers sit, working on an article and wearing a different pair of pants. When I hear someone coughing trying to get my attention I think, I looked up and saw a women standing about fifteen feet away, but she was not facing me at first. Then she slowly turned, for some reason I knew she was a prostitute, but I didn’t recognize her has she fooled with her hair.

"God help me," I prayed. Then I asked her what she wanted. She said some words in Spanish that I didn’t understand and then she looked away again but moved a little closer. I then asked if I could help. Then she turned and slowly came to me. As I sat in the van I open my door and she came up next to me still saying word I didn’t understand. For some reason I knew she was emotional hurting, as she stood there. So I slowly reached around her and pulled this poor broken child of God next to me and gently stroked her dark coarse hair, and prayed for her. Then she asked for some water. I didn’t bother looking for a glass; I just gave her my one-gallon water jug and let her drink. Then she asked for some food, so I reached over and gave her got some cookies, which she quickly ate. 

Then she started gesturing that she wanted to have sex with me. But I told her no and pointed to my Spanish Bible and told her, in Spanish, that Jesus Christ was my best friend and that He loved her and that I loved her. But she was still persistent about having sex of some kind, but every time she said the word or gestured, I said no, love. No sex, I love you. Then I reached over and got the little bottle of oil on the dash and anointed her forehead and prayed for her some more. Then she wanted music, so I played my worship music and just held her. Finally, she stared to settle down and relax in my arms. We listen to the music for over thirty minutes and then I shut it off to save my battery power. Then she persisted about having sex again, and that’s when I noticed for the first time that her top front teeth were missing. I started to get upset, and asked her to leave and but she kept wanting sex and I said no again. But she said, that she was hungry, so I gave her a granola bar. Then she said, “No, she wanted me to go get her a hamburger.” That confirmed it; she learned that from my M&M’s. 

However, her attitude was much different this time and she really knew now that I was serious about not have sex and that God loved her. I wasn’t going to get her a hamburger, so I gave her 50 pesos to go buy one or some other food, and the granola bar I handed back. Then she thanked me. As she left, I told her I was sorry I slapped her last time, and she understood. When she was about seventy feet away she turned around, smiled and waved to me. I realized then that God gave us both a second chance to forgive. That day she got what she really needed—food, money and most of all God’s love. By me demonstrating His love, grace and mercy I no longer had an enemy, but a new friend. It took a lot of courage for her to come back and now I understood why she acted the way she did when she first came. She was scared that I would be still mad. She was probably telling me she was sorry too, but I didn't understand, but it all still worked out for good. That day, she learned I was really kind, gentle and generous. And I love her too.

A few minutes later as I was rejoicing over what just happened, another young lady and her boyfriend showed up. She asked me for water and I gave her some from the same water jug. Her friend didn’t want any. This is Mexico, my life and I loving it.

Touching lives, Part II

Beach near where I park in Guaymas

A couple weeks ago I gave some clothes to a tall Mexican woman. I had see several times and I had given her food and money. She was wearing a dirty pair of orange work pants and a dirty old coat and a tank top. She also had long dirty matted blond hair, so a few days before I bought a nice woman’s hairbrush to give. I also gave her a colorful pair of sweat pants and a blue colored “V” neck “T” shirt that I liked. She thanked me, but she also now wanted sex to show her gratitude, but I said, “No.” However, I did have something else for her. I reached in my van and got a small bottle of olive I had prepared and anointed her and prayed for deliverance and restoration. She didn’t understand a word I said as she stood there, but God did and so did satan— as her head jerked when I touched her forehead.

Then later that same day, I had the opportunity to do the same thing with the oil, to another woman who I met two other times. But she usually wanted a cigarette. Then the next time she wanted food, so we shared a large can of stew that I was going to have that night. Then the next time she wanted food, sex and money. I told her that sex was for husband, but she disagreed. She left and wasn’t very happy, but she got something else better, an oil mark on her forehead.

Then later that evening a drunk came up and I gave him the other half of my deluxe hamburger with fries that I had saved just for him, he didn’t know it, but God did.

That night, when I walked with God, I asked Him why all this was happening. He said, “As you give, heal and restore and set others free, so I am doing the same for you.” I thanked Him and said I was glad to be His friend, and it had been a very good day.

My M&M’s

The three very young prostitutes, that I have declared them the new Maria Magdalena’s. I also call them my M&M’s for shorter reference. I see them every week and take them out for hamburgers or pizza and a coke. However, they are always still hunger after the meal. When we get back to my van, and I am driving, they go through my box of food and eat my snacks too. So now I keep them in a different spot. One day I drove them into town and dropped them off where they want. However, it was cold and a couple hours later they came back to my van, in a taxi, which they had told the driver that I would pay him. I said, “no.” Then they begged and pouted. Finally, like a good father, I paid the taxi driver. But, the girls still wanted me to drive them to another place and I said, “Goodbye.” They begged and pleaded again, but I said, “no,” again and meant it. As they left I said, “see you next week,” and one of them turned around and waved. Another time they wanted me to drive them further than I wanted to go, and finally said, “I not a taxi, time to hitch hike.”  

Maria and her four children

I’ve known Maria for over a month, she has four children and no husband. The first time I met her she was walking into town with one of her daughters, so I went over and talked to her. Then another time they were walking again even though it is on a bus route. So I offered them a ride and gave them money and a granola bar. Then another time, they came to my van and wanted a ride to their house, because it was cold and windy. When we got there I saw her three other children waiting outside, but I also saw their house. I was shocked that anyone could even live in a place like that. No real windows or doors to speak of, and certainly not fit for anyone much less a family of five. I gave her money and asked to take their picture and the children were excited about that and some brushed their hair or got a nice coat to put on. I took their picture, and then gave each one a big hug. 

Then the last time I drove them home, when I went to let the little girl out of the back door and she pointed to my box of cereal and wanted to have it. I said it was my breakfast, and I had very little food and money left at the time. However, I still gave Maria more money anyway. When I left I couldn’t get the little girl wanting my cereal out of my mind. So I went to the grocery store and got another full box and took it back. When I got there, they were all still sitting in the same spot I had left them, even though I had been gone over twenty minutes. I handed it to the little girl who was about six, and sat down beside her. I gave her a kiss on the top of her head and then just sat and held her for a few minutes. She liked that and then I gave all a hug and said goodbye. For some strange reason it seemed they knew I would come back and I glad I did. 

After a full Sunday, I had a couple quiet days. Then my “poor lawyer” friend showed up again. Earlier that day he stopped by and said, hi. Then he said, “When some one greets you, you’re supposed to give them something back.” Oh really, I replied, so I gave him a small snack of cookies. But now he was back again and wanted me to drive him into town to a friend’s house and then to his other house, and he would pay for the gas. I said, 50 pesos. He said, “I’m a very poor lawyer.” “Okay, 20 pesos then,” I replied.

He keeps telling me he wants to buy my van when I leave Mexico. Anyway, when we arrived at his friend’s place. It was a nice well-furnished house, but it was not in a very good neighborhood. His name was Hammandy, and he was 32 years old an engineer and a lawyer too, who lived alone. He also spoke English very well, and we got along great. I told him why I was in Mexico. Then he mentioned that he had difficulty hearing, so I immediately went over and put my hands over his ears and said, “Restored, complete restoration.” Then I told him he would hear better, because God honors my word’s.

Hammandy  at his computer with Cloak of Zeal on his computer screen 

Then they went into the other room where his computer was with a large screen monitor, and did some lawyer stuff. As they did that, I went back to my van and got one of Sheldon’s cards. I had just closed the van door when a pretty young prostitute with short bleached hair came up and propositioned me. I said, “No thanks, I’m with friends.” Then she asked for money for food. So I gave her 25 pesos and gave her a brief hug and headed back to the house. But before I got there two other women passed by, and one of them smiled and waved at me. Boy, I could go through my money very fast helping people in an area like this.

Anyway, when the men were through with their work, I had Hammandy type in Sheldon’s Cloak of Zeal site. I showed him the “Returning Home” site also. Then I showed him how to get to my blog site and scrolled down through a few articles and photos. After that, he added Sheldon's site to his favorite list. Then I said to him, “Although you may not believe in God now, because many others don’t. But I know He is real and someday God will speak to you and He tell you to do something. What you do after that, is up to you. However, I think you a pretty smart man.” He thanked me, and then we left. When we got to Fernando’s house, he fixed us some scrambled eggs with onions, peppers and tomatoes, along with toasted white bread and coffee. He also gave thanks to God, and I followed with my own prayer and blessing. The meal was all very good. He also offered for me to spend the night. But I said, “No thank you,” and left to sleep in my van. It was another great day, and I did not charge him for gas.

Touching more crippled lives for the Kingdom of God.

This man lives just a few hundred feet from where I sleep, but on the nicer side of the street

One morning, when I was taking a walk I met a friend's husband who was out getting some sun rays too. I've seen him out using his walker, but this morning he was just sitting. So I stopped to greet him. Then I noticed he also had a tub coming out of his throat so he could talk. I greeted him and told him I knew he was Primy’s husband and I laid hand on him and declared restoration and prayed. Then later that day I prayed for a retarded young man that could only walk with the use of crutches. A little later I saw him eating and he offered me some of his food. I was touched and said, “No thank you.”

Another time, I noticed a man setting in a wheelchair, when I was on my way to have lunch. When he turned to crossed the street and come to me, I noticed he had no legs from the knees down. When he got to me I greeted him and gave him some money. He thanked me and then I put my hands on his legs and declared them restored. After I left him I told God I’ve done my part the rest is up to you. Whether I speak to people or just touch them, God’s love and power is changing lives in Mexico and mine.

Then a few days later God brought another young man by my van. He was peddling himself on a special cart that worked by using his hands and arms. He had no legs at all, and only a stub on his left side. I bent down and gave him some money. He could not believe a stranger would do that. Then I put my hand on his broad shoulder and told him that God loved him in Spanish. Then I put my hands where his legs should be and declared restoration. Then I put my hand on his shoulder and head, and repeated the word restoration again and again. He was getting choke-up over the fact that someone showed so much compassion. He thanked me very much and then I left. I went to my van and got some cookies and took back to him. He thanked me again. I watched from my van as he sat under a small palm tree near the water and ate them. 

This is what my life is all about. Touching, loving and restoring lives and no one has ever objected, they seem to know that I’m there to help them.

Touching More Lives

Another beautiful sunset from my camp sight

Three weeks ago I left La Manga. It did not end the way I had hoped, but it was time for me move on. However, I still believe that some day I will return with something to say and demonstrate more power of God’s love. However, before I left I was able to makes some more new friends by eating at a small restaurant a couple hundred feet from Juan’s house. I had fish tacos there two days in a row, and they were really good, but no one spoke any English there. I learned that they didn’t even know my name. This surprised me since I have been there four months and walked by their place nearly everyday and even said, hi or good morning, when I saw them.

While at the restaurant, I saw a beautiful women sitting in a wheel chair doing work at a sowing machine, in the kitchen, where my meal was being prepared. She was the sister of the cook and their mother owned the restaurant. I had seen her before around town and even at the little church a couple times. I got some information from an American friend, at the restaurant, who spoke Spanish. He told me that she was crippled in a bad car wreck, and her two-year old daughter was also with her. The daughter's name is Linda, and she is nineteen now and very pretty too. However, she showed no signs of the accident, but the American, said that she had a metal plate in her head and sometimes she acted a little different.

Anyway I had a couple of thing that needed to be sown, and so I asked the cripple lady if she would be willing to do them and she said yes. So I got the two items, one a coat with a seam coming apart and the other was a nice shirt with a button missing. I told her there was no hurry and I would come by the next day. However, a little later a young girl contacted me to come back. The lady had finished the work and said it was quick and easy. So I thank her and asked how much. She said, “nothing.” That was sweet of her, but I wanted to give her something even though I was very low on cash. So I pulled out some change and gave her five pesos. (Yes, I know. What was I thinking.)? But she thanked me anyway. After a while I felt awful, that was like a slap in the face, it would have been better to give her nothing than that. So I went back and gave her 10 more pesos and said, “five pesos es muy muy poco” (very very little). She laughed and thanked me again. However, that night I was still bothered by what I had given. I was leaving La Manga the next day and the last thing I wanted was someone thinking I was cheap. Which another person had already accused me of the week before, yet I knew that wasn’t true. So the next morning, I went back to the nice lady in the wheelchair. I had only two one hundred pesos bills left in my wallet. When she arrived, I placed one hundred pesos in the palm of her hand. I said, “15 pesos was still very small,” and then they all laughed. She gasped with surprise, and thanked me very much.  Then I told them through the American, that I was a prophet sent by God to Mexico. But that I was leaving La Manga for now, and that I would miss them very much. They were sad to hear that I was leaving, but I told them I loved them and so did Jesus Christ, and I hope to be back again to see miracles. Then I knelt down and placed both of my hands, one on each of her legs, and said, “miracles.” You see her face light up with hope and joy, as she repeated the word “miracle,” and placed her hands on mine. I said good-bye to them and placed my hand on her daughter arm that was standing next to her and she smile at me. You’ll never know how much that meant to me.

Then I went and said good-bye to others in La Manga, including Juan and Manuela. They where all surprised to hear I was leaving and I wouldn’t be back for a while. I made a lot of friends there and helped many others. I just didn’t have what I had hoped for, and so it was time to move on. However, I felt much better this time knowing that God is in control of their lives, and He is guiding me as well, wherever I go.

The nicest fine art gallery in San Carlos

For the past two weeks I have gotten to take a real hot shower. This blessing comes from and unexpected source. One day on my way to La Manga, I stopped in by a fine art gallery, where the own came out to greet me. She saw I had some painting sitting in my van passenger seat where I usually keep them in a box with some other items. I was not going there to show or sell them, but she wanted to see them anyway. She was very impressed.

After looking around Pilar's art gallery, we sat down and talked. I told her a little about my life and why I was in Mexico, and she told me about hers. She speaks English very well and so does her two lady helpers.

Martha, Pilar and Rosea all very nice ladies

Pilar and her much older husband, owned the gallery, he is an American and is living in a house they also own in San Diego, California along with their seventeen-year old daughter. She has worked hard from the age of ten until now, and they have done every thing with cash, but he no longer able to work and she is very tired of working. She prays for strength each day, she is also a Mormon, but her helpers are Catholics, and they have been friends for many years.

Even though Pilar hardly knew me she wanted me to feel welcomed and to use her bathroom to take showers, in their apartment above the gallery, while she worked down stairs. Then we could visit after she closes if we want to. I show her faith-based movies, and she has a dessert or some homemade soup waiting, and we enjoy just relaxing, conversation and seeing a really good movie. Tonight we will see State of Grace, a great Mormon movie that all Christian should see. I have also offered her money, but she refuses to take it. It’s nice to have a special friend like Pilar, and I thank God for her hospitality, and have asked Him to bless her and her helpers.

Last week Martha husband came in while we were all talking. I learned he had a bad knee, so I went over to where he just sat rubbing it. I placed my hand on his sore knee and prayed for it, and declared it restored.

The week before, an American friend of Pilar’s came to the gallery also that she had not seen for a while. It turns out that she was severely burn from her legs down to her toes when she when to light their gas oven and there was a explosion that threw her across the room. She wasn’t able to walk the whole month of December, because of the burns. Both of her legs where still sore and they looked like deep red leather. I went over and placed my hands on them and prayed for complete restoration.

I have not told them I was a prophet, but they know I’m a man of God and He answers my prayers. They also know I care about people and their needs and God loves them, and wants them to be set free and completely restored.

  

(to be continued)

Alone With God

Welcome to my crazy world and unique life. 

I’ve wrestled with God for many years regarding my calling. I’ve also tried to compare myself with others and that only frustrated me. Many of the prophets, we see only the highlights of their lives condensed into a few pages or chapters or a book. In the book of Jeremiah we see more of his personal life and struggles than any other prophet, yet I’m not like him either. Even though I have shared much of my life, with it’s up’s and downs.

Jesus was and is the greatest Prophet of all, and yet we only saw the highlight of His life on earth. Very little was said about His private life or even his personal thoughts for as many pages that were written about Him. But we do know that He often spent time alone communicating with His Father. That time of communion was the most important time, and one of the best examples, I believe, He set for us.

I’m learning to accept my calling such as it is, even though some people may think it strange for a man to walk and sit in his van as much as I do at this time. However, I believe this time of solitude and communion is a part of God’s plan and a way to intercede for a people, a city and a nation. The learning process for each of us will be different, but to find true contentment we will have to accept God’s plan, and spent lots of time alone with Him.

Lately, I’ve done some thinking about Elijah, and although his life looks impressive, some things can be gleam from those moments when he wasn’t in the spotlight. Those were the times he spent alone with God, and I mean alone. For example, Elijah was feed by ravens, and got water from a brook, until it went dry. I don’t think that happen in a couple of days or even weeks. Then God provide food for Elijah through a widow in a foreign land, but in both situations his diet was limited and probably so was his social life. Most of us can’t even imagine doing anything close to that today. However, no one can spend too much time with God.

In my adventure with God, I could just drive around Mexico and see more sights, eat in nice restaurants and touch more lives, but then I would have less food and money to give others, and would I really be accomplishing what God wants—I don’t think so. And so I sit and wait and walk alone with God. At time it can be a challenge for my fresh that wants to be more active, but God has reasons and plan, even though I may not understand. But it’s becoming some of my best times too and it will prepare me for the days ahead. Besides, He is my only true friend and I trust Him.

There are some special times too. I find it fascinating what I can accomplish, even when you don’t speak the language. I have been able to bring healing and restoration to lost and broken lives with just a touch, little money, food, or even a hug to convey God’s love and compassion. As the Apostle Paul said, some sow, others water and some reap the harvest, but it’s the Holy Spirit that makes it grow. So I’m blazing a new trail for others to follow, and declaring restoration, life and liberty for the Kingdom of Mexico.

God’s love is so powerful that it even brings people to my van for all kinds of reason, sometimes just for a ride to another part of town. Sometimes I feel like I’m being used, but then Jesus must of felt that way many times. However, He said, “It is better to give than to receive,” so that’s what I do. I would like to help people more often, but the most important thing for me now, is spending time with my Heavenly Father, which I really enjoy

                                       Special Treats

Last month I got an extra special treat. A pod of Fin Whales past near La Manga and as I watched them from shore I saw a small boat come in that had been out close to them. I knew the young people, so I asked if they would take me back out to photograph the whales, and they did. There were nine whales and we got very close to some, in fact to close. But you never know where they might surface. I was taking pictures of one beside us when a very large one surfaced fifty feet behind us. It was over sixty feet long and it’s dorsal fin stuck out of the water about eight feet high and it look like we were being attacked by “Jaws” only larger. The driver put the boat in escape mode as I took my pictures of the other one when I looked and saw what he was running from. I didn’t get a picture of that one, just the memory, but a great one just the same.

I was taking this picture when there other one appeared behind us.

A couple weeks ago I also got to do something special for a friend in Guaymas. I met her at Angelieta’s house the first night and she goes to the same church, and now I have gone there too, even though it’s in Spanish, but their worship time is great. Her name is Francesca, and she has two boys that still live with her, ages 8 and 12, and three married daughters. She speaks very very little English. Angelieta had other plans after church, so I offered to take Francisca and her boys out to eat, even though we could barely communicate. I drove the scenic route to La Manga, which she enjoyed seeing while her boys sat in back and listen to my worship music, which they really enjoyed even though none of them understood the words. I took them to a very nice and popular restraint in La Manga, at the other end of town. I have always wanted to go to before I left there.

However, as we drove through La Manga I pointed out a couple of shacks that some people still lived in. Then Francisca commented that she too was “poor people.” I didn’t know how to respond, so I just kept quiet. At the restaurant, we were able to get a table that overlooked the ocean with the extinct volcanic mountains in the distant, which she and the boys really enjoyed. Plus the boys enjoyed seeing the live lobsters in a tank at the entrance of the building.

After eating we went to the beach, but it was cold and windy. So we then went to Edward’s house back in Guaymas. He’s the brother of Angelieta who is now a home pastor. Now Francis, Francisca, had someone she could talk to again. After a while, Luis Angel showed up and was able to help me communicate some. I told them I don’t know why God sent me to Mexico, when I couldn’t speak the language, but He obviously has His reasons. I’m still waiting to hear more on what all He has planned for me to say and do, other than He loves then and wants to set poor people free. In the meantime I give love, food and money.

It was getting late, so I drove Francis home. It was dark the last time Gabrielo drove her home and I didn’t see her house then. But, when I got to her house this time, I saw it. Francis was right; they too were poor people even though she has a job. She told me it was her sister house and then she thanked me for the special dinner. We hugged each other and said, goodnight. As we did I thanked her too and told her I loved her and I was so sorry, but she didn’t understand what I said or meant. After I left them, I told God it wasn’t right for one of His daughters to live like that and that somehow and someday, He would give her a real house of her own.

Francis is a lovely lady and the thing I love most about her is the way she worships God, you can tell she really loves Him. She is truly a daughter of the Heavenly Father. She told me that Jesus Christ was her husband. I agreed, and someday we will all know Him even better.

The Wedding

Last week I went to Luis Angel’s and Nallely’s wedding. They are a beautiful couple and it was a simple wedding, but special. It was an honor for me to be invited and I was glad to go. And it was an opportunity to touch more lives for the Kingdom of God. But even a simple weddings can have its problems. In this particular one Nallely is the only one in her family that is a Christian the rest are Catholic, so most of her family didn’t come. 

However, her father and a sister came, he was able to walk with her and gave her away in the ceremony, as the sister sat with her father.

It was a disappointment about the mother, but I told Ana Gabriela that the mother and family would change in time as God worked on their hearts.

Luis and Ana Gabriela

After the wedding there was a reception at another location and more people came, but there was still another problem. The building for the reception as in a neighborhood and so all the parking was on the street and as more cars and guest came so did so uninvited guest—the police. It seem to be an bad practise of the police wanting or extorting money for themselves at events by making it an embarrassing situation for others. But Gaberilo stood his ground as more police came with flashing light, and I prayed that the Higher Authority would prevail. Finally after an hour they left, but no money was given.

The Reception Room

Father dances with the bride

The celebration with music and dancing

It seems every wedding and marriage has its problems, even in the Kingdom of God. Some guest don’t come when they are invited and other don’t come wearing the proper attire or garment. Some don’t even have enough oil for their lamps to stay lit and most fall asleep while waiting, not realizing they can be in the wedding now and enjoy the marriage feast and the celebration by faith.

As the Bride of Christ and sons of God, we are One in Him and the Heavenly Father. And everything He has is already given us now to receive by faith. Most of these truths are lost due to lies and deceptions from an uninvited guest, satan and his demons. They even tell people they’re not “good enough.” There are also other reasons for this, such as bad teaching and religious leaders who set bad examples, and extort money from them and tell people they have to die before they can receive the “Good Life” and their mansion. As a result many people still live in bondage and in fear unnecessarily.

However, as His Bride I am free and I’m feasting with Jesus. I eat and drink Him and with Him, even if it’s just a can of Campbell’s soup, and so can ever son and daughter of God. I’m sitting at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and my Husband who sits at the head of the table. I have already received my robe, my shoes and a beautiful ring and a sword from Him. I also have a crown, which I have laid at His nail scared feet. 

My Husband has restored my soul and filled my life with many wonderful things and promises. And I walk with Him in the cool of the day and we share the same authority, house, faith, hope and vision forever.

Regardless of how anyone’s earthly marriage goes or ends, our marriage to Christ is full of Love, Peace, and Joy that will last for Eternity.

More New Friends for Christ

The bay near where I camp in Guaymas

Meeting the Lopez family has opened so many doors. I when to a church where Angelieta’s brother and some other men were to receive a blessing by the laying on of hands by the pastor and elders. Then the pastor spoke from Exodus 33:18, on Moses wanting to see the glory of God. I thought it was a very timely message. Then we went to the Lopez house again.  But things didn’t go as I had expected, as I watched more people still coming. I knew that God was in control despite my plans, which I soon abandoned. I met another women who want to invite me to her house to meet her husband who spoke English. Then Ana Gabriela sat next to me and just to two of us talked.  I told her that my presence is changing people’s lives in this room, and even if they are not listening to the things I’m sharing with her. The Holy Spirit is able to communicate with the others even though they are not aware of it, because He can speak all languages including Spanish and their spirit is listing.

After our talk I decided to show the movie “Faith Like a Potato,” with Spanish subtitle. Many young people had come too and they gathered in the kitchen while the adult watched the movie. When the movie was over Angelieta said it was a wonderful day and invited me to their church the following Sunday. So just like Juan, she is being used by God to bring more people across my path and the presence of God. What an awesome way to minister and the best is yet to come.

The next Saturday, as the sun was setting, a young boy and I spent time together building sand castles on the beach. Then his mother called him. Juan had gone into town and had not come back yet so I decided to call it a night and go back to my spot on the bluff. But an unexpected thing happened.

I had met a cute couple camping on the beach bluff a few weeks’ earlier, names Moria and Ryan from Central Oregon, and had got to witness to them for quite while each time when they came back to the same area after traveling to other spots in Mexico. I also gave them one of Sheldon’s cards. When we met again for the second time, I learned that she was 40 and had had no children and Ryan was 38. She loves God, but admitted she would like to know Him better. I asked her if she had read “The Shack.” She said, “no but that she had the book.” I encourager her, to read it when she got back home.

I don’t know how long they have been going together, but I could tell they really loved each other and enjoyed living a simple and healthy life. I felt they were very special and had told them that their lives would change and get even better. And someday when they’re talking to their friends and family about their love for God, it was because they met this strange man who talked about God, and was also prophet. Then I took a picture of them with a beautiful sunset behind them. Anyway, the next night I could see that they had a campfire going. I was also still hungry and was trying to decide what to fix myself, but felt I was to go and see the couple again. Yet I was a reluctant, a little envious of Ryan and afraid that they might be getting tired of seeing me—even though I got hugs from each of them. I started to go over, but turned around. However, I felt I was to go despite my feelings, and so I did.

When I got to their campfire, there was another man named Archie, who I had also met the day before with them. I said their fire looked inviting, and they replied it was their first campfire and that I was welcomed. Then Moria asked, if I was hungry and would like to have dinner with them. I said, “I love too.” We sat and talked by the warm fire for a while. Then she got up and went to the camper to prepare the meal while the guys talked. Then Ryan got up to help bring out four full plates of food. There were fresh crisps green, a type of lettuce with dressing, baked potatoes with sour cream and pepper, a cooked yellow squash with seasoning and butter, and a large cooked chili pepper. It was all very delicious. I told Ryan, now I’m really jealous, Moria is not only beautiful, but she can cook too. Then we all laughed.

We talked some more and then Ryan got up and went to the camper to fix our dessert. When he came back it was four large bowls of pineapple ice cream, with fresh sliced strawberries on top of it and a crisp pastry underneath it all. Wow! I mean wow! What an awesome way to end the day and our time together. It was getting late and I thanked them very much and hugged both of them. I will look forward to seeing them again in heaven.

As I wrote last week there are some very sad times when one deals with the lost and poor. I even debated whether to write what I’m about to share, but I feel it has the Father’s heart. This week three young girls came to my van as I sat in it; two of them I had already met before a few weeks earlier when they asked me to buy them chicken, and I wrote about that experience. I had wondered if I would see them again and here they were again. But this time, the talkative one had brought her younger sister, that I learned was only 14, and the other two were 15 years old. I asked about their homes and parents and was told that neither of them had parents or a home and they didn’t go to school. So I asked then where they slept, and they gestured out in the city. I was heart broken, but I also wonder if they were telling me the truth. They were very friendly so I gave them a granola bar and asked if I could take their pictures down by the beach near my van and they were very happy to do that. They look so pretty, sweet and innocent, but also too friendly. We talked a little more, and then one asked for money to take the bus to her grandmother’s house.

Three young girls I'm claiming for the Kingdom of God (I will delete this photo in a couple weeks)

(It breaks my heart just writing about these girls.) Anyway, I gave them some change and they left. I watched them walked to the bus stop three hundred feet away. But then they came back and asked me to take them to a school on the other side of the bay a few miles away. However, I notice something different this time. The two older girls had very expensive nail work on their hands, and I made a comment, but they ignored it.  Maybe I’m naive or just a fool for Christ, but I had nothing else to do, so lets see where this adventure leads.

However, when we got to the other side they couldn’t decide where they wanted to go. Finally they asked me to stop at the side of the road by a building that was not a school. So I got out and open the doors for the one in front and the other for the two that road in back, to let them get out. As we all stood there, they asked for more food and something else, which I didn’t understand at first. Then they started talking among themselves and asked me again. Finally, I got the drift of their conversation and I told them that I now understood them in Spanish. She said, “You do,” as they all stood there with big smiles on their pretty faces and very nice figures. I said, “Yes, I understand“ (In Spanish) Then I struggled to put the word in my mouth as my heart was breaking. “You want me to have sex, with one of you,” I softly forced out. “Yes,” replied the one excitedly, and pointed to the oldest one now standing every close to me. But as I stood there in silence and looked at each one of them and asked God, “where are their fathers?” Then I answered, “No, I will not have sex with any one of you!” Then the one next to me, no longer had a smile one her face. What I saw was shame, or maybe just disappointment. She knew I had a lot of money on me when I started to give them more earlier, but decided not to. I didn’t know what else to say or do. I didn’t even ask them, why? I just said, “No,” again. Maybe that’s what the Heavenly Father wanted them to hear and then they walked away. As they walked away, I said to them in Spanish, “I respect you.”

I prayed for them as I drove back to my usual spot on the other side. I sat there for a while in silence and then asked God how can we change the hearts and lives of these people? As I sat there praying a drunk came up to my van, which I had already given money to earlier that morning. He saw that I was sad and wondered what was wrong. I told him “I want to help the people in Mexico, including him, and set them free.” He denied needing help or having a problem as he stood there with blood-shot eyes. Then he asked me for more money. I said, “No,” this time, “Because you’ll just go and buy more beer or wine.” So I gave him an apple and a banana instead. He thanked me and then he left too.

It was hard to go to sleep that night, I’m meeting and touching more peoples lives, and sometimes they fill my heart with great joy and others great sadness, but I still hoping to see them in heaven someday. Then I wasn’t content with that prayer, so I declared their freedom and restored heart's. I wanted to see it, so I declared their lives are changed so much that they are blessed, prosperous, and have an incredible impact on the Kingdom of God. Apparently God liked that prayer, because two day later, they came back with an older friend that was twenty: the youngest one wasn’t with them. I was wiser and more relaxed this time. They wanted food and the same thing they asked for two days before. But my answer was still the same—no. Then I pointed to my Bibles on the dashboard and said I'm a man of God and a prophet. Then the one understood and interpreted that to the other two. I said, “ I loved them and that God loves them and I want to respect them.” But that still didn’t stop the offer. We talked some more, and I learned that the two youngest ones were still virgins, and they were all still very hungry. So I gave the oldest one some money, and told her to buy her friends some tacos. As they left, I stood by my van, then one of them turned around and waved. This time there was not the sadness I felt before, but a great hope and joy. You see I don’t believe the issue here is about sex or money, it a matter of survival. Many girls and women who can find work, will only get paid a hundred pesos ($8.50) for a 12 hour day. These girls have always come to me for food first, but the real need is for them to know their Heavenly Father.

The Glory of the Father is coming to Mexico

I don’t think this will be the last time I see them, at least I hope not. They are the future saved Maria Magdalena’s and I would like to see that happen in my sometimes crazy journey with God. My giving is radical, and so is my love for all God’s children.

The Glory of the Lord keeps getting better and better