The Last Straw

Ever have one of those days when some little thing happen or was said and you lost control of your emotions? I’m sure you have and maybe more than once in your life. Well, I had one of those days a couple weeks ago and I lost it or should I say I thought I did, my wallet and my temper. However, that’s not a little thing when you’re in another country by yourself and don’t speak the language. But my emotions this time were not director at a person, but God, my Heavenly Father.

These kind of events or blow up usually happen when things get kept inside far too long. As you know, I have lived under unusual circumstance and situations for a number of months now, and yes I made that choice to do so. But saying “yes” and actually doing and living it, is another thing. Living in a van is not the must ideal situation, especially if your over six feet tall. Getting dressed is just one of the challenges, However, sometimes I have to change several time a day, because of the temperature changes and often things fall out of my pocket during the process which includes my wallet. But I usually find it quickly. This time I didn’t and I thought I must have lost it some other way or place.

Not being able to speak much Spanish has been frustrating to say the least, and seeing the way people help or treat the poor Mexicans was another and then I lost Rota’s phone number and left my Bible at church, which I thought was lost too, until the next Sunday, and most of all the disappointment from certain expectations. But loosing your wallet, which contained all the money I had left, a debit card, tourist permit and my driver license was no small thing. But it was the last straw on my back, which had also been hurting from a pounding boat ride with Juan one day. I tried to stay calm and pray; seeking God’s peace and wisdom, but it didn’t work this time. Finally after going though the van several times, I broke-down and let it all out.

I told God I was tired of waiting and I was ready to quit, but now I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. I knew this would all somehow all, but I didn’t even want to deal with trying to replace what was in my wallet. I also said a lot of other things too that morning that I won’t repeat. This went on for quit a while. But, when all the emotional words and the anger were gone I told God I still loved Him even though I didn’t understand from my broken heart and aching body. And even if I did found my wallet it still didn’t change what I said or the way I felt. I was numb and speechless; I didn’t want to eat, see Juan or do anything.

Finally I when to Juan’s house and told him I lost my wallet. We even drove around looking, then I started to search through the van again and the he said, “Did you check on other side of bed?” as he pointed with his hand. I said, “ Yes, I even took the blanket off and looked.” But for some reason I laid across the bed and looked again, and there it was, right under my nose. I was silent. Juan asked again if it was there. I replied, “Yes” and held it up so he could see it. Relief swept over me as tears filled my eyes. I want to do so much for the people here; I just have to be more patient.

Then later that day I took a walk on the beach and talk with God. I told Him, that it didn’t change anything that I said earlier. Then He told me, I understand your anger, frustrations, disappointments and expectations. I feel that way at times too. But we have to wait just a little longer for just the right time.” I told him, I still loved Him. He said, “I know that, you always have. You left everything and you’ve given everything you have and that‘s still not enough. The only thing that will satisfy you—is Me. And that’s why you please Me.”

God told me, that He wants me to be free to talk to Him and say whatever is on my heart or mind, even if it came out in frustration or sometimes anger. Someday people will understand that the most important thing in life is not the physical or spiritual things that they strive for, but a relationship with Him. (Sure we have these panic attacks from time to time. Jesus even had one in the Garden of Gethsemane, but after three hours He had the peace and strength to get-up off the ground and continue doing His Father’s will and the journey to the cross.)

The next day I didn’t see Juan’s family at all, they had to town and where gone the whole day, so it was a quite day; just my Father and I alone in La Manga. But is my spirit I sensed something had happen and things were going to change rapidly. Then the following morning I met Evan as I was walking on the beach.

Evan

Evan was 41 years old and he had never been married, he lived in Denver, Colorado for 25 years, but was born and raised in the country of Chili. He was a construction engineer and had taken a couple months off to get away from the hectic city-life and camp on the beaches of Mexico. I told him, ”You found just the right place and more.” All he had with him were two black carry bags, which held a tent, air mat, sleeping bag and his clothes. A taxi cab had dropped him off there in La Manga. Over the next four days we had many opportunities to talk and he also help me to communicate with Juan’s family and others. I also told him that God brought him there for a reason. I shared many things including my calling as a prophet, and planted seeds for the Holy Spirit to water in God’s timing. Before I dropped him off to catch a bus I told him, “His life would change someday, because of our divine appointment.”

The night after I met Evan’s I had a dream, and in the dream God should me how to set the poor free. The Lord also said, “I don’t care how they got poor, whether it was because of drinking, gambling, or giving all their money to a fast tongue talking preacher, I want my people free of poverty.” Then that morning, I took another walk on a different beach and met three young people camping they’re first day in La Manga, one of them lived in Denver, but he was born in Chili. Hum-m, I wonder if God is trying to show me something, only time will tell as He continues to direct my life.

A few days later, I was becoming discouraged again, and so I decided to put on some worship music. However, as I went looking through my selection of CD’s I saw one that said Israel on it, dated 8/27. So I listen to it. It turn out to be a prophecy from God, telling David and I that night, not to think like American thinks, they always expect something in return for their efforts, but for us to be content with a audience of One. And, don’t worry about what others think, plus a lot more that encouraged me. After I heard it again the next night, it lifted my spirit so much that I got out of my van and prophesied from the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. I spoke the Heart of God regarding the people in Mexico and setting the poor free, it also set me free. 

Note: Feeling a need to give Juan’s family and myself a break, I will be going back to the United State for about a week to do and get some things I need and for extending my time in Mexico or any other country God sends me. I am looking forward to going back that you will read it in my next article. Have a happy new year, as you seek to know Him more and His awesome love and plans for your life.

P. S. Things are changing rapidly, but not the way I expected. Three days ago my van wouldn’t start. Aaron did the best he could, he fix Juan’s truck and he put new plug and points new rotor cap, but it still would not start. So we towed it to a Chevy dealer. They are working on it and this may take all the money a I have, but God is in control and I have his peace and trust Him. No melt-down this time. They have to check the timing, which requires taking everything off the front end of the motor. So my plans to go to the U.S. have been put on hold. Sorry not more pictures. Low battery power.

Christmas In Mexico

The poor people decorate trees with colorful beer and pop cans

 At the beginning of this month someone at the small church in La Manga, placed a small ceramic nativity scene at the base of a large statue of St. Mary. It’s sets next to candles people light when they came to pray for others. All the usual figures in the nativity scene were there, except for one. The little manger with baby Jesus in it was missing. A small child may have taken it home, and no one has replaced it with another baby Jesus. 

A small picture of St. Mary put in baby Jesus place 

However, I find it all rather amusing and even prophetic just the same, since Jesus Christ; King of kings and Lord of lords is no longer a baby nor has He ever been a part of the religious tradition. But religious people will still continue to celebrate Christmas, even without Jesus Christ being there.

 (A Catholic priest came to the church on the afternoon of the 19^th and held a service for a small group of people who came. What was interesting or should I say sad, was he pulled up to the church in a new Ford Escape, but before he went into the church which was unlocked to put on his priestly attire, he locked the doors to his new car.)

Then a couple weeks ago, I went to the Community church again, in San Carlos, with all it nice cars parked out in front. They sang some Christmas songs and the pastor spoke on; “Who Jesus was before He came to earth to be just like us,” (Wow, that’s what many people think.) Anyway, on the way out I noticed something I had not seen before. It was an architects drawing for a new sanctuary that was probably three times larger and had a balcony that would be added attached to the already existing one. Right now, they have only one service on Sunday and a women’s prayer group during the week. What a waste of money and resources and they still want to expand. God help us, the church is so blind to God’s ways and the needs of others.

Christmas celebrated at school with American people from Arizona

Then there was a group of American tourist from some rotary club in Arizona that came to the La Manga School. The teachers and parents had been told they would bring toys and lots of food to celebrate Christmas with the children. Apparently this was something that had been planned for quit a while, because the children had learned songs, dances, and had costumes to fit the occasion. There were lots of photos taken of the children dancing and sitting or standing with a man dressed as Santa Claus. 

Fernado is the young school teach watching the children celebrate Christmas; along with a couple of his older students.

However, what they gave was one toy per child, a large sugar cookie, a cup of warm Coco-cola, and a one-pound bag of dried beans. I was not impressed, and neither was Juan. Yet when the American left in the new air conditioned tourist bus and their big clean late-model cars to go back to their hotel and have a nice dinner; they were probably very proud of their achievements that they will be able to right off their taxes come next April.

Russell's gift

Then a couple days later, Russell came to Juan’s house with a sofa and love seat that he said he was bringing to give them. However, when he got there and pulled it out I was shocked. Then he told Juan he could do with it whatever he wanted; let the dogs have it or take it to the dump area. I was so upset and sadden by what I had seen that one of the men notice my sad countenance, but I couldn’t tell him why, because he was also a friend of Russell. Later that day, I ended up giving money to three different families, and then I felt a little better seeing the expression joy on their faces. The last family was to a young mother who was walking with four small children and she was pregnant. As I continued to watch them walking, I saw that they were heading out of La Manga on foot. I was about to get in my van an offer them a ride when someone else in a white pick-up heading the same direction stopped and all five climbed in the back and rode Mexican style to wherever they were going..

Americans in general are so spoiled and so are many Christians. They have or build big houses, plus have two or more cars, and if they have any money left over they spent it on things to fill them or add to them. And at Christmas time, they will still spend more money on themselves or their family rather than helping others who are really in far greater need than they are.

I too was like that, but thank God I’ve changed and I am glad I did. I also pray that they will change also. Today, I’m much happier, helping others who have so little, than I ever was before, and God still meets all my needs.

Someday when people get over all their emotions attached to themselves, Christmas, Easter or any other man-made holiday or their possession and get a true revelation of the Jesus Christ, they will find themselves embracing the Heart of the Father and His festivals of Love, Peace and Joy in the Kingdom of heaven on earth. They will also be expressing His is Goodwill toward others who have much, much less than they do.

Jesus said, “If you see your fellow man without a coat and you have two coats, you should give them one of yours.”

A few days ago I saw a man with his family visiting Juan’s family, he was without a coat while the others were bundled-up in coats and scarfs, or sweatshirts with hoods and long pants in the lower temperatures. So I went to my van and got one of my two coats to loan him. However, I knew that if he accepted it I would probably never wear it again. He accepted it and thanked me, however, when he got ready to leave he offered my coat back to me. I said, ‘No, it’s your. He started to refuse and I said, “You like it don’t you.” He looked at it and said, “Yes.” Plus, it actually fit him well, so I replied, “Then its yours.” He thanked me again with a big smile and surprised look on his face.

Rrojelio is wearing his new coat from me

Note: Back in Biblical time a coat represented much more than just a piece of clothing, it was a man’s security and often his covering at night when he slept. Getting one from a prophet was another thing also. Only God and time will tell how this mans life will change, as you notice him in the picture wearing the coat and standing next to his son who was wearing a big silver cross around his neck.

Note: This year, I have been invited to participate in a family festival on the 24^th of December, and I will gladly do it, because of the awesome grace of God that wants to be there, just as He has been for many others during carnal and religious festivals, even though many are ignorant of the truth or chose to ignore it. I have learned that true Love, sometimes requires us to do things we may not like doing or even agree with; but then our Heavenly Father does it all the time. May you find the Prince of Peace and Joy in your giving this coming year and always. God Bless You.

Sunset over a calm sea with fog coming in

Better Than Money

Riding into La Manga

When I left the state of Washington, I had wondered how well I would eat on this adventure with God. As I traveled through the United States, I camped and ate simple meals; cereal, bread with peanut butter and honey, and fruit in the Morning and a can of soup at night with some bread. Some days I was able to grab a burger and fries at a fast food place when I was close to town or on the move. But I rarely ate at restaurants.

However, since I have come to Mexico, God has provided in numerous way for me to have food. Fist there was Juan’s and Manuela where I often eat at least one meal and sometimes twice a day. Lately fishing has not been good and Juan has had a lingering cold that effect him diving so I’ve helped with food or money, because we are family. However, I have had the opportunity to not only eat ate the Buffet with people from the Community Church, but they had a pot-luck on Thursday and on Sunday someone invited me to their home after church for another pot-luck dinner with some friends. I have indeed been blessed and I’m not loosing any weight.

Russell, the American scuba instructor called me and asked if I would be willing to help a young Spanish friend, who was a single mom that had lost her job a couple weeks ago. Under the circumstances he first suggested and the amount of money they wanted, I was reluctant, but I said I might be willing to help some. However, the next day when we were to meet at 1pm, it turn out that his home was just three houses away from where I had been invited to eat the pot-luck after church; the timing was just right.

When I went to Russell’s house, a fifth wheel trailer, he told me the girl had not arrived at the bus stop yet, so we had a little time to talk first. I told him I wanted to do things differently than what they had suggested. I said that I would like to go for a little picnic on the beach where we could all talk and he could translate, and get to know the young lady, and share Christ and His love for her. If she was not interested, I would give her 200 pesos for her trouble and leave, or if she felt comfortable after our picnic I could drive her home. Russell said, that sounded fair enough and then we went to the bus stop to meet Rota. He then explained to her what I had suggested, because she understood only a little English. She agreed and she went in his truck and followed me to the beach.

At the beach we sat on the sand as she sat on Russell’s coat. We ate Nacho chips, apples and granola bars. Russell also brought beer and they both smoked. However, it turn out to be and awesome time as we talked about many things and then I told her God loves her and that He wanted to bless her in every area of her life. He also wanted her to talk to Him and He wants to talk to her so she could know Him better. To do this, she need to ask Him into her heart so He could be her husband and He would take good care of her, because He loves her so much. He would never hurt her like others have. I asked her if she had a Bible. She said, yes, so I encouraged her to read the Gospel of John as another way to know Jesus better too. When I was through, she said she liked what I was saying. She wanted to talk some more, but we had already been there about two hours and I said, “I believe I’ve said the most important things for now, and I would like to give her time to think about what I’ve said already. Then maybe we could meet another time.” She told Russell that she felt comfortable having me take her home. Again I thanked Russell for translating for me. He was so moved by what I said and the way I said it, that he said to me, “my house is your house.” A little later, Russell also told me that Rota told to him, “that this was better than getting money.”

As I drove Rota back home, she turned on the van radio and listen to Mexican music with a big smile on her face. Then she leaned back and said, “This has been a very good day.” I was also glad the way things turned out and so was my Father. However, before I got to her house, she got a call from a friend whose child had cancer. I told her I would pray for the child and God would make the little one well. Then she asked to have me drop her off at a bus stop to go to her friend, but she would like to see me again. Before she got on the bus, I gave her more money than what I told Russell and she thanked me again.

More beautiful people

I also share an incident with Russell that happen earlier that week and I had him share it with Rita: One night I was on my way home from a church pot-luck and I saw a young woman walking by the side of the road where there were no houses so I thought I would offer her a ride. However, the passenger seat and floor where full of stuff, but I stop anyway. I got out and asked if she wanted a ride and if she spoke any English. She said, yes, and pointed down the road and to the right. I showed her that the front seat was full and offered her, if she was willing, to get in the side door and sit on my bed. I knew this was asking for a lot from her, but she got in and sat on the bed and I closed the door and then went around and got in the drivers seat and drove away. I also turned on and overhead light so she would not be afraid of being in the dark with a stranger. After a few miles she said, “Aqui,” which means here in Spanish. So I stop and turn right on a right on a dirt street and she said, “Aqui,” again. So I stop at an old rundown house and let her out. She thanked me and went to the house as I turned the van around and I past her house again, I could see her at the front door gesturing excitedly to someone inside, that an American stranger gave her I ride home in his van. I had I big smile on my face and totally blown away by what had just happened. I saw God working in a way to where people could trust this man, a son, sent by God to Mexico.

Russell told me, that it was just unheard of for a young lady in Mexico to do that kind of thing. Yet, with God anything is possible. Amen!  

The future of Mexico is beautiful

Miracles

We often say we would like to see miracles, not realizing that we see and do them everyday and don’t realize it. We take many things for granted, but they are still miracles just the same. Being able to talk to God and hear his voice is an awesome miracle or seeing a baby born. So is fulfilling is will by doing the simple things in life and getting through each day. Living in His grace is another miracle, just as sharing God’s love or praying for others. Making friends.is also a miracle. Experiencing God’s joy and peace is another that we often take for granted. Then there are times that God lets us see or experience something special, and that is what has been happening for me lately in Mexico.

A couple weeks ago, two buses with students from the University in Hermosillo, came to do a work project, digging a water diversion canal, in behind the town of La Manga with picks and shovels. The young men and women worked all afternoon and they were tired and sore when they were through. Many had blisters on their hands, including one young man who had torn blister on both hands. As he showed us, I notice his left hand was withered so I reached over and held it and prayed for him and declared it restored. Then I went and got some hydrogen peroxide and put on his blisters and he thanked me. I told him Jesus Christ has healed his hand and that he will see it completely restored. This young mans name was Jesus Roberto.

This is Jesus Roberto

Sunday after church, I was invited to join about ten people from the community church at a restaurant, near the beach, that has a Sunday Buffet with the works, just like in the United States, but it only cost $6.75. They go every Sunday and I’m planning on doing that also, Lord willing. It was also a great way to meet other Americans and some Spanish people and be able to talk.

The pastor of the church gave me a new English Standard Version Bible that is also written in Spanish so I can help other Mexicans. And another lady gave me two Spanish New Testaments and some Spanish Christian booklets to give. God is providing all I need each day.

The Community Church of San Carlos

I had also wanted to help Juan get a new tire, but I can do everything for every one, and I felt God wanted me to wait and trust Him. Then the next afternoon I saw three young Americans standing nearby, one was a woman. So I went over to talk to them and asked where they were from and how long they were staying. I also shared with them why I was in La Mange and told them how I had helped Juan get his truck fixed, but now he needed a new tire, (the tread was separating on the almost bald tire and would no longer whole air in it) as I pointed to the truck parked behind me with a flat rear tire. Then one of the young men said, how much would a new tire cost. I said, about sixty-five to seventy-five dollars. He said that’s no problem and reached into his pocked and pulled out a roll of bills and gave me 700 pesos. I was shocked and happy for Juan. I hugged each of young Christians and thanked them. The girl was also engaged to the other man and so I blessed their marriage and told the one who gave me the money, that he would be use as a mighty man in the Kingdom of God.

I went over to tell Juan, whom was about fifty feet away talking with others at that little market. Juan found it hard to believe that total strangers would give me money for a new tire. Then we saw the three Americans drive away in their car. We both thanked God, who is so good to us. Another miracle!

Then later that day, we heard Delia was in a car wreck, during the night. She had bruised and cut her forehead over the right eye from hitting the windshield, but otherwise she was still okay. However, her car was totaled. The other driver was in a truck and he was too was from La Mange. He is still able to drive his truck that he just had repainted a month ago and neither had insurance to cover their losses. But when we saw Delia’s car after it was towed to La Manga, it was obvious this was a miracle that she was even alive.

There was no air bag in the 2004 Nissan and she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt, her head hit the windshield, shattered the glass and created about a 2-inch bulge from the impact. The other driver was not hurt at all. Friends and family gave Delia money so that she was able to buy another car this week. God is so-o-o-o good.

Praise God for keeping Delia safe

The next day, Inrekay, came by Juan house and asked us to go to his ranch and have dinner with his wife and mother. His mother was 86 years old. The next thing I knew I was asked to get in the back seat of his car with his mother and off we went. They spoke very little English, and Juan wasn’t with me. I didn’t even know where we were going and I just had to trust God on this adventure; as his wife handed him another beer while he drove. I thought we were going to a house in San Carlos, because that was the direction we were going,. It turn out that we were going to a grocery store to get food for our dinner. Inrekay offered a grocery cart for his mother to hold on to, but it seemed she would have preferred to hold onto me instead. When we finished shopping, I opened the doors for both the ladies to get in the car. As the old mother went to get in the backseat, she reached for the doorjamb with her right hand at the same time the wife got in front and closed the door on the mother’s fingers. I saw what was going to happen, but there was nothing I could do; it all happened so quickly. I immediately reached down and grabbed the front door-handle and reopen the door. Then the mother was able to sit down in the back seat. Then I got in the car from the other side and took her hand and prayed for it, but there was no blood or broken bones that I could tell as she gently bent and rubbed all four fingers; they were only sore. So I got out again and got some ice and a plastic bag for her hand.

Then I was taken back to Juan’s house, where I was dropped off and I explained to him what happened after the others left for the ranch where we would meet later for dinner. (This was another miracle. It seems God is protecting the people I’m around and I’m very grateful.)

Juan didn’t know where I had gone and so he ate with Manuela, but I reminded him that we had been invited to go to the man’s ranch and they had gotten food for us to eat. So we went to the mans ranch which turned out to be a place that I’ve wanted to go since I’ve been here, because it was at the base of the awesome mountain behind La Mange that for some reason it reminds me of Mt. Sinai. The ranch has about a hundred cattle that roamed his property, plus the streets of La Manga and even the beach where I park at night.

Juan sitting by the pool

As we waited at the range for the man to come back from a short trip, Juan and I walked around. There was a small old concrete swimming pool nearby that was filled by a spring that provided water for the whole ranch. Juan sat down and put his feet in the pool water, which was now cold, because the weather had gotten much cooler. He then proceeded to clean and pumiced his feet while I look around and took more photos of the ranch property and the view from it. As I walked around I asked God, what I was doing here. And He said, “I’m expanding your territory. I replied, “But I don’t even know what to do now. Then He said, “You will when the time comes.” That was nice to know.

When the man came back with his wife and mother, the wife helped the mother out of the car to find a place for her to sit and smoke her cigarettes. While the men got a fire going in the barbeque pit, the wife then took a pan over to the pool to get water to rinse the vegetable she had just bought. As I watched her, she got the water from the exact same place where Juan had just sat half an hour before. Oh well, this is Mexico.

Mother eating with her right hand and Inrekay's wife that prepared the meal that night.

That night under a cabana with a bright moon shining brightly above us, we all enjoyed our beef burritos and vegetables. It was all very good; must of be that special seasoning Juan added that nobody else knew about. The others also drank beer and smoked their cigarettes. This again reminded me of how Jesus must have felt as he ministered to sinners as He traveled around the country.

View from ranch

View looking up the palm covered ravine of the mountain.

The next day, Inrekay came back by Juan’s house again to buy fish from his father. I double-checked the door jam with my fingers around it and there was absolutely no way to close the front door, without doing serious damage to anyone’s fingers. I even tested it with my smallest fingers and with Inrekay’s fingers, to prove it was a miracle. He was hollering long before the door was even close to being shut and the others who watched were laughing. Again I told all of them, this was a miracle regarding his mother’s fingers. Inrikay also told me that I was always welcomed at his place.

It was an awesome week and I have personally experienced a physical miracle too. I’ve taken garlic tablets daily for over four years to keep an infection at bay in my mouth caused by a bad tooth that that turn out to be only partially corrected by a dentist. If I didn’t take the garlic I would have extreme pain in my jaw and sometimes I even had to increase the amount. However, I told you that when I came to Mexico I was going to live and eat by faith. Three weeks ago I took the last garlic pill I had brought with me, because they didn’t carry them in stores around here; just fresh garlic. So I chose to place my trust in God rather than take other alternative and God has been faithful. My jaw and gums had been healed. Praise the Lord and I’m expecting to see more miracles and even the miraculous one.

Amen!

My Expanding Family

Welcome to my home and my family in Mexico

Last week I showed you a picture of Juan and Manuela in their bedroom and they showed me their family pictures. I have now been in Mexico two month, and I would like to show you just some of the people whose lives I’m touching here and consider by faith, a part of my and God’s expanding family in La Manga. 

Corn on the cob served Mexican style; out of the back in of a car.

Women preparing the dinner

The young couple that sells the corn on the cob

Teenagers are also my friends

Angel turns 13 and has a party. He Juan's nephew and is an orphan raised by family members















After the party the older one went down to the beach and built a bon fire and roasted marshmellows













Hope you enjoyed the photos