Part of the Family

Sunrise from where I park at night.

Last week Juan invited me into their house to have some hot milk with some creamy flavor add to it and some muffins. We sat at the kitchen table where we also eat some of our meals, since the weather has gotten cooler. Otherwise we eat at a table outside under a cover patio. At first I though the milk was made with oatmeal which I have also had with them before, but when I realized it wasn’t, I went out to my van and got some coco mix that I made before leaving Washington. We all added it to our drink and really enjoyed it. Then Juan told me how grateful he and his wife were for helping him get his truck fixed and that if I had not come to La Manga it may not have gotten fixed. And now he is able to help others and take his family into the other cities and other places as well. I really appreciated seeing and hearing their gratitude.

Juan and Manuela in their bedroom 

Then we moved into their bedroom, which also act as a family room, because it is larger 20'x10' and has a 12volt TV and a light overhead; Manuel bedroom is in another separate area off to the other side of the kitchen. Then I asked Juan if they had any wedding pictures of them together, since there were none hanging on their walls. He said, no because they were not married in a church, but through a court system where they got a certificate of marriage. However, Manuela got down a large envelope full of photographs and Juan show me all their family and baby pictures of them and Manuel growing up. I really enjoyed that; it made me feel like a part of their family. I can see that they both really love each other and are very happy and content. Juan said they have a roof over their heads, good food and nice clean clothes; all the other material things matter very little as long as they have each other.  Something you rarely see today in many families in the United States. However, the next day satan tried to discourage me by telling me, they would get tired of having me hanging around and they would want me to leave. But I cast those thoughts away, I have so much to tell them and this community, and God will be the one who decides when its time for me to leave and not until then. I just need to be patient and trust in God’s timing.

A couple days later, looked as though it would be just another quiet day, but that afternoon after lunch, Juan asked if I would like to get together with Russ and another American couple for some better communication. I said, “Yes.” So he called his friends to see if it was okay and then he went and bought some lobsters to take and eat while we visited. This was what I have been praying and waiting for. So we all then over to his friend’s house in my van, including an adorable little niece. She really likes me and wanted to come along also. So Juan sat up front with me and the other three sat on my bed in the back. They all thought that was fun too.

When we got there it turn out the first couple spoke very little Spanish. I told the man why I was in Mexico and he let me know right off from the start that he didn’t believe in a literal translation of the Bible and that he believed it was mostly historical and Jesus was just a good man. I told him I understood his feelings or beliefs and I was not there to change them.

However, when Russell the scuba instructor and next-door neighbor, finally came over with his Spanish wife, Aloisia, thing began to change. While we sat around a large covered table outside waiting for the lobsters to cook, I talked and Russ translated for me. Juan and Manuela could then understand me better. Manuel and the little girl sat at a different table nearby or played with the huge German Sheppard that lived there also. First of all, expressed my deepest love and appreciation for all they have done for me. Then we talked a little about the cultural differences in family and in husbands and wives. I talked about why I was in Mexico and in La Manga, and shared some of God’s love for each of them sitting there and all the beautiful people of Mexico. I could tell Russ’ wife was really touched by what I was saying and she asked Russ in Spanish, what my faith was. He replied that I was a Christian. Then I got bolder, and clarified that I was not like many other ministers or preachers. I was a man of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. I was also not tied to any denomination or organized religious organization. All these religions were man-made. Where many men tell people what they where taught, how serve God by doing certain things, and where to give their money. I said we should be lead by the Holy Spirit and that it is up to God to change us and not man. We were to follow Jesus Christ example on how to live. Jesus met people in homes, fields, on mountainsides and even by the seashore. Just like we are tonight, He wants to live in us and communicate with us, because we are his temple and not a building made by man. 

I’m here to demonstrate God’s love, by helping and giving to people. And to speak God's heart and to be His voice when He has something special for me to say to them. And I believe we will see many miracles in the days ahead. But for now, I too am waiting on God for His Presence and Grace to come to Mexico.

When I was through speaking I thanked Russ for his help. Russ said that I expressed exactly what he felt and that he felt the Holy Spirit helping him interpret my words. Wow, I was not expecting him to say that, but praise God anyway!

Aloisia, Juan and Manuela

It was a great night, and then we enjoyed have our lobster dinner along with green beans, rice, and of course Coca-cola the main drink with meals for many people in Mexico. And Russ had his beer along with an after dinner cigarette. The rest of the evening was spent in casual talk with the men doing most of the talking about fishing and hunting.

I told Russ that I believed God would use him to help me with the language problem, and so the Lord has and maybe in the future as well before I leave La Manga.

Yes, that's my sword, sticking in the sand and claiming Mexico for the Kingdom of God

Later that week, I got to witness and bless three more Americans couples; two at the beach in La Manga and one at their home in San Carlos. The husband there was a former American rodeo champion and witness to them, and even with his wife for an hour while they worked on get his boat motor fixed. I even prayed for one of the moms at the beach who was pregnant and she thanked me for doing that as well. Yes, it was a great week and God has much more instore. Much more!

Note: Next week a special treat; more photos and less talk.

Needing Miracles and Expecting Miracles

Sunset over La Mango

The presidential election last week did not go as many of us had hoped or expected. Over a year ago the Lord spoke to Sheldon and I one night about our government and the president. I don’t remember the exactly all the words, but it was something to the effect that the Democratic Party would come to an end and the presidential race would not be as close as some people thought. Plus, there would also be no more abomination. As you can see, one can jump to certain conclusions that were not really said. But he is the president again and we should honor him as the man whom God put in authority over our country. So now we wait for the sons of God to rise up and bring forth restoration. We need miracles and we should expect to see them if this world is going to really change for the Kingdom of God. But it maybe not be as fast was one would hope. So we have to take it one day at a time as I have had to in La Manga, Mexico.

Kids playing on soccer field in front of church

This past week has had its ups and down for me also, but all those circumstances will bow also. First, I when to an English speaking church in San Carlos, were about 150 people there. Most of them are retired American who now live in Mexico. However, about twenty-five people were visiting there from a sister church from British Columbia, Canada. The people were friendly and sang some songs I was familiar with. I will probably go again, just to touch more lives and see what God may have me say or do there. I enjoyed it and needed this kind of fellowship for now, even if it is in an organized church. The next day Juan and I, helped a man buy a new motor for his boat and we were able to use his truck to get it.

However, a day later, a poor man had just given me some candy to show his appreciation for money that I had giving him and his wife the day before, and while I was chewing on it a portion of a tooth broke off. Then the next day I was cleaning some watermelon rinds off the soccer field that I had spent sever mornings clearing the rocks, garbage and broken glass off it and got stung by a bee on my finger, and then later I heard about the reelection. Bummers! Then the following day, a rock chip that was in the center of my windshield that’s been there for over four years decided to spread left and right several inches. Plus the whole week I was dealing with deal some old emotional issue.

However, despite the disappointments and inconvenient circumstances, God is faithful and He is restoring all things. I don’t know about you, but I want to see more miracles and the miraculous. Then we won’t even care who is the president or silly little miss haps.

Leaving shrimp boat

In the meantime, God has also given me some exciting adventure and experiences along the way. That week, I also got to go with Juan to unload some shrimps of a boat and take thirty large bags weighing close to a hundred pounds each to shore where a truck was waiting to take then to market. I also got to meet and bless more people in the process. Then the next evening, I went to an concrete block building, where single men meet and some sleep who have no family or home in La Manga. Most of them are also older. While I was there, I got to talk to the contractor of the men, about the Lord and His desires for here and all Mexico for over an hour.

Family working on palm roof

The next day a bus with students from a university in Mexico came to La Manga and Juan and his uncle got to take them out for a joy ride on the ocean, in their boats while the bus was being worked on. Since I have been here I have seen God bless Juan in many ways other than just fishing since it has not been very good for him lately. Then that night I was invited to come in and have some cold milk and fruit yogurt with Juan and Manuela at their kitchen table. While eating, I got to share more about the Lord and His desires for them and the people here. I even got so excited at one point when describing how God wants us to express our love to Him, that I raise my hands and spoke in tongues for a few phrases. Unfortunately, it was not in Spanish, this time, but anything possible, right. I could see in their eyes the hunger to know and understand more of what I was saying as I talked to them. I even told them, they would see their faith and love for God grow much more. So that someday they would see and do the miracles of Jesus, including restoring peoples’ arms, legs, eyes being restored and coming out of their wheelchairs.

School teacher washing children's hair after class

After I left them that night, I was so excited I could hardly go to sleep. By the end of the week all the other little issues seemed so unimportant. I can see that God is setting the stage for the visitation of the Father and miracles. And I’m so grateful just to be a part of it.

All these rock are cemented into an old lava flow going to the sea. It reminded me of the Body of Christ, we are all different sizes, shapes, and color and yet we are all cemented into the Love of Christ.

I also left my laptop on after I posted my article last week, and changed it into Spanish, so that when I got back to Juan's house they could read it in their own language and understand more of what I'm saying and doing in La Mange and also see the pictures I have taken there.
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P.S. Next week it still getting better.

The Extra Mile

Amigos

Many times in life we find ourselves in situations where we offered to do something, but in the process it cost us more than we had originally planned or expected. Some people will bailout because it’s too difficult, or requires more time and/or too much money. Still others will help, but complain. However in the story of the Good Samaritan, the man Jesus talked about was different, he even when the extra mile and more.

This past week I had the opportunity to help Juan with his truck. It has many issues, but the main one was it has not been able to run for the last four months, and did not had the money to fix. So I asked him, what was wrong and how much to get it running again? He said part of the motor was no good and he had a friend to help, but he was away fishing at the time. The labor alone would cost about a thousand pesos and the parts, maybe a little less. I told Juan I would like to help him with the cost. So we wait for the right time, which was a lot longer than I thought, but somethings down here works at a different pace than in America.

Finally Aaron, the mechanic was available and he took Juan into town to get the parts. However, when he started to put the motor back together, he noticed that the alternator was “no good.”  So I took Juan into town the next day and bought him a new one and some anti-freeze too. On the way into town, we heard a strange sound in the backend of my van near the rear wheel. So we check it out, and noticed that the rear wheel was a little loose. So when we got back from town, I took the wheel cover off and found that all the lug nuts were loose and about to fall off, so Juan tighten them up again and checked to others to see if they were tight, and they were.

Then Aaron put everything back together on the engine, but when they started the motor, but it didn’t sound good and there was no compression in two of the four cylinders. So Aaron decided he and his helper were going to have to take it all apart again and find out what the problem was, if Juan’s truck was going to run right. It turn out that the head gasket was blown and two lifters may have some issues. They worked after dark by a 12volt light connected to the extra battery that I had given Juan for his truck, since there wasn’t one in it. Then we stopped for the night and all went to bed.  

Then next day when I went to get Juan, but found out he had already left with Aaron. So I decided to go into town with God and we had a good time just the two of us and got some things for Juan’s family and me to eat. I have never seen such a generous family as Juan’s. It seems like they are always inviting people to eat with them, including me.

When I got back, Juan had already returned from town. Aaron showed me that the head to the motor had to be resurfaced and two lifter valves were repaired. They continued working on the truck until after dark again, but finally got it running. I knew all this was going to cost more, but I just didn’t know how much. So I asked Juan after Aaron had left, just how much. He said it would be 2000 pesos ($160.00 in American). I was happy and surprised after all the work Aaron and Luis had done, (over 24 hours) plus two trips into town. Now that’s what I call, true friends.  

The next day, I gave Aaron his 2000 pesos and an extra 500; he was very grateful. Then I gave Juan 500 peso to buy new motor oil, filter and a light to replace a broken headlight. Then I threw some water on his truck and told him to wash it, which he gladly did. After he was through washing, I got an old undershirt, which I tore it in half and can of Carnauba Cleaner Wax, and told him how to “wax on and wax off” and he gladly did that too.

Then we drove into to down in his shinny red truck to get those things that still needed to be replaced. There are many other things still broken on his truck, such as no way to get in or out of the passenger side, only the gas gage works, and the windshield has several cracks, plus both taillight covers were broken, but for now at least the truck ran good and he was very happy. Seeing the smile on his face as he drove into town made it worth every peso I gave, and God was smiling too. On the way the Lord told me I was just beginning to see the fruit of my labor.

The next morning as I headed to Juan’s house I saw he was going fishing. So I grabbed my camera and headed to the beach just as they where pushing off. Juan said they would be gone only a few hours and that was fine with me.  

All of this is just part of sowing into ones life and building a relationship that will last forever. I believe Juan and his family will have a great influence on this town and in Mexico for the Kingdom of God. 

I've also enjoying helping others, since being in La Manga, I have given away most of my food and money to the people here, and I hope to continue to do this and more for them and others in Mexico as God leads me. 

"All creation awaits the appearance of the sons of God."

The miracles are coming one step at a time. In the meantime, God is also restoring my soul too. Everyday I see expressions of His love and faithfulness for me. I keep pouring out my love to God’s children and He just keeps pouring His love back into me as we walk hand in hand in the land of Mexico. Day or night He is always there by my side and in me, and this I believe is the most important thing I’ve learned; my Heavenly Father is also my, mucho Buenos Amigo. (Very Good Friend)

A beautiful sunset to end another wonderful week in La manga

Note: Next week, some comments on the president reelection.

Sunrise to begin a new week 

Reaching More Lives

Ministry group from Santa Clara

Last week I shared about getting to talk a little to Juan and Manuela about God’s love. A few days later God took it to another level for this whole community. Sunday even (Oct. 21), God brought in a small Spanish Christian group from Santa Clara to minister in La Manga and they presented the Gospel message, along with Christian music.

First, they sent out two young ladies who went around the town and past out gospel tracts with scripture verses from the Book of Romans and one from Revelation* and they told the people about a meeting at the entrance of town by a restaurant just two houses from Juan’s house. Then about a half an hour later they started playing music and sang songs through a good sound system. There were testimonies between songs and a short gospel message and invitation at the end. I did my best to seem interested as I stood or sat with others, even thought I didn’t understand most of what was being said. (I even took picture of the group before and after.)

People listing from back of truck

At first no one came, but then the music drew them, and other eventually moved closer from where they were. Some people sat nearby who homes were close by and others sat in their cars or on the backend of an old truck. Others just listened from the little store while children danced to the music.

At the end of the preacher message and invitation, I wanted to see if there was any response. So I told Juan I was going closer, because it was dark and the lighting was poor, and he wanted to come with me. As we walked closer, the preacher started to get excited. Then I realized that the he though we were coming forward for salvation. So I turn to the side to meet with one of Juan’s friend who was from the ministry group. Then Juan explained to them, who I was and introduced me to the young people. Then I met the minister who came over to us. We shook hands and then I explain that I was called by God to come to the poor in the Kingdom of Mexico, even though I didn’t speak much Spanish. He was very kind, friendly and then left.

Young people from the ministry group being silly

However, the young people where more excited and friendly and they gave me their names and talked to us. I shook their hands and gave each of my sisters in Christ a big hug; they all laughed and liked it and so did I. Then I took their picture and they loved that too. (I have really missed the warmth of Christian fellowship and worship, but that will change in time.)  

Now the Gospel message has been presented in Spanish at La Manga, but the results only confirmed my belief. It will take more than words, even in Spanish, to change the hearts of people. It will take the power and presence of the Heavenly Father demonstrated through His sons and daughters, and that is why I believe I’m here.

The next day was restful and nothing exciting had happen yet, until that even when Juan asked me to go night fishing with him and his helper. He said it would only be a few hours, because he didn’t like to fish when there was too much moonlight; it seems to limited the success of fishing, but he would try it anyway. We when out in his boat to a cove a few miles away and put down a long net and then we went a couple more miles away near some cliffs and rocks. Then Juan went down in his diving suit with an air hose attached to a makeshift air compressor. After over an hour he had only caught three fish, but he was still in good spirits as he sang and whistled on our way back to where the nets were. Juan then caught a few more fish by diving, and said there were about 20 other fish in his net, but he would leave it there to catch more. While I was out in the boat under the half moon, I though of how the disciple must have felt when Jesus was with them on their boat. He was also there with me and we enjoyed that night being together.

Walking in the moonlight with God

Two days later I met Russell, a middle age American and a very good friend of Juan. He lived in the next city, San Carlos and was a master scuba instructor. He also spoke Spanish very well and he had brought with him some boxes of new schoolbooks that were bi-lingual for Manuel’s school. He was able to convey for me some of my feeling to Juan, including that I believe Juan would be a great spiritual leader like the Apostle Peter. And that God was going to really bless the community of La Manga. Russell for some reason loved the book of Ecclesiastes and it was his favorite book in the Bible.

Russell was able to give me some history on La Manga and the people. The church was built by the community in 2006, and it was not own by the Catholics. The community’s efforts were written up in a number of Mexican newspapers. In 2002 there was a big hurricane that came through this area and the storm surge of water put sand on the second floor of some resorts; you can imagine what is did to La Manga. The city was cut-off and people had to be rescued; some men stayed behind to protect what were left of their homes. That is why so many homes are made of scrap wood and metal, because that was what they had left to work with. La Manga II was abandon after the storm. Then after the church was built there was years of droughts until this past year. These people are survivor and know how to help one another. He also told me, how good and friendly they are and being invited to eat with them was considered an honor that one should not refuse. Russell said he would eat whatever was put before him, and then related one of his first experiences when he ate with some of them. There was octopus and sea cucumbers for meat along with some vegetables and it was all cooked in a big rusty barrel.

I told Russell that I too would try to eat whatever was put before me. Then I shared an experience that I had that past week when I was offered some barbequed meat in a tortilla. It smelled good so I took a few bites. At first it tasted okay, because of the seasonings and sauce, but then the aftertaste hit me, and my stomach said no more. So I gave the rest to a dog nearby when no one was looking. Later that day I saw where it was cooked and tried it again when they offered me more. Maybe I just had a bad piece of meat the first time. However, my reaction was the same and so was my option, though I told no one. So Russell asked Juan, who was listen to us, what it was that we all ate the other day. Then Russell explained to me, that during the night someone hit a wild pig (boar), with his or her car. Then someone else found it the next morning and to them it still looked okay to eat, so they butchered it and then cooked it in a very large saucepan over an open fire and everyone else ate and enjoyed it. (That right, I ate road kill.) Russell explains that even pork in Mexico doesn’t taste the same as pork in the United States, and I for one can agree to that one. I thanked Russell for helping La Manga and sharing what he did. Maybe God will use this man to help me communicate to the people later on, but whatever happens, I asked God to bless and use him.

A couple days later, I met Megan and Jack, at the beach not far from where I park at night. They were in a mini-home so I ventured over to meet them that morning. They are a lovely couple from Vancouver, British Columbia and they keep a 35-foot sailboat dry docked in San Carlos. I got to witness to them, for about three hours, of the love of God and what He has done in my life over the years, including many miracles, the changing of my name and my calling to Mexico. I blessed them and even prayed with them and told them their lives would change, because of God’s divine appointment and that God honors my words. I also gave them one of Sheldon’s cards with my blog site on the back and then gave each a hug from God.

Mac's little house

Juan with Mac

Wednesday, I met Carolyn and Mitch, Americans who have known and have helped Macemeno, the blind man whoi I prayed for. He also goes by the name Mac. This couple, just told me that they prayed that God would sent an angel to help this community and that I might be their answer. Over the years, they have also helped Mac and even built his little house for him, along with things to store food, clean around the place to make it safer to walk around, and they’re adding a patio and a roof over the bathroom tomorrow.  They visit Mac many times and take him into the city to get shots from doctors to help his health problems. I told them that God was going to bless this community and that He was going to heal Mac eyes. (Which is already done by faith.) I also witness a little more and then I blessed them and gave them a hug. 

More beautiful children

Everyday God keeps bring more and more people into my path and life to touch, that are meant to have an encounter someday with the Heavenly Father and that give me great joy and pleasure to be a part of that process.

* Most of the verses references from Romans and the one from Revelation dwelt with sin and judgment. Only one Romans 5:8 spoke of God’s love and that’s what I believe more people need to see and hear.