True Humility

"On great occasions kings put on their finest apparel, but God rapped Himself in dust when He entered the world." Stephen Jeffery

"Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person. Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought:

 Christ was truly God.
But he did not try to remain
    equal with God. 

 Instead he gave up everything
    and became a slave,
when he became
    like one of us.

 Christ was humble.
He obeyed God
and even died
    on a cross. 

 Then God gave Christ
    the highest place
and honored his name
    above all others.

 So at the name of Jesus
    everyone will bow down,
those in heaven, on earth,
    and under the earth. 

 And to the glory
    of God the Father
everyone will openly agree,
    “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

Much of my younger years I though mostly of my self and acted accordingly. This unfortunately is almost basic to human nature. "Me first. Don't I deserve something. Sure I want to help others when I have more time and money," are common expressions many people have. However, these kinds of thoughts come from a selfish nature. When we receive Jesus Christ into our heart everything should and will change. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) Our minds will be conformed to the mind of Christ's, and everything else should change as well. Through Christ's eyes we will also see to the real needs and depravity of others, and our thoughts and actions will change accordingly.

Learning from the Master's Example

 When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.“You call me‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-18)

The Children

The first time I came to the children's meeting, I was there just to observe what they did. There was something special there, many beautiful children, and they started off with prayer and worship. Several children danced to the worship music. Then later many more children got up and did a choreography dance routine and sang with the music. It was beautiful to see the joy in their faces, and it also filled my heart with joy and hope. 

As the children sang, Maria would go around and put her hands on the children’s head and shoulders and pray for them. She is a true saint and a powerful woman of faith and love. This is where the future of Mexico begins. 

There were about fifty children that day, and most were very happy and friendly, but there were also a few shy ones. After they finish singing, Maria introduce me and had be say a few words. I told them that God and I loved them very much, and they were very special to Him, and the future hope of Mexico. I had watched them sing and danced to the music and I was very impressed. It was better than some churches I've been in. I told them that and it made them very happy, and their Heavenly Father enjoyed it too. 

When I sat back down, some children came to me and wanted to sit by me and talk, but that was still a problem. However, they didn't seem to mind. At the end of the day some children gave me hugs and couple girls even wanted a kiss on the cheek. Wow, did I feel loved.

One of the things that impressed me the most that day, at the mission, was Maria and her love for the children. Her prayers are also very powerful; encouraging, speaking life and hope into innocent minds and hungry hearts that will eventually mold their future. She is definitely a "mama warrior," and has God's heart and vision. The other things was the love I received from the children who hardly knew me, and I loved them too. 

Maria praying for one of the children

"I like you"

              This happy girl was the first, to want to sit next to me.

 a future son of God

I'm cute, don't you think.

A smile is worth a thousand words

reaching the next generation, is just around the corner

Mother Teresa often said she saw the face of Jesus in those she served and in her children and all who were suffering and lonely. I have felt the same way, especial since I have been in Mexico. 

God is preparing to do a might work here, and I can see these children going out; changing lives and healing people with power of love and anointing on their lives. Their simple faith will send shock waves across Mexico. This is my declarations for Mexico, and thus the Kingdom of Heaven will be established on earth in power, grace and mercy; we yield our hearts and lives to Abba Father.

Children's Mission

the children mission

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)

Last week I went to the Community church again, wondering what would happen that day. However, I almost left the early, but decided to stay until it was all over. And I’m glad I waited. After the service, I greeted a few of people and then as I was about to leave a lovely older Spanish woman came over and greeted me, and we talked. I had seen her almost every Sunday and had admired her, because of her love for God and children. She always had a half a dozen or more children with her that I assumed were part of her family.  But I was wrong.

Her name is Maria Magddlena Arechiga, and she speak perfect English. She lived in the US when she was twelve for a while. Now she lives in Guaymas, Mexico and has a mission at her home and one next to it that was her mother’s. She is the director, and along with some other friends and mothers they help teach fifty to a hundred children every weekday from 3pm to 5pm, after school hours at what she calls "a children's mission."

The reason Maria came to me was because she had heard me give my testimony the week before and was wondering if I would be willing to come and help her once a week. I would mainly be ministering to children, 9 and older, and she would interpret for me so the children would understand everything I said. I told her I loved children and that I would be glad to help. We set up an appointment to meet at my house in a few hours, and then she took me to her place in Guaymas. Wow! God keeps opening doors. 

When we got to where she lived it was a number of small houses connected together and a couple larger buildings, one 20'x45' used for sleeping at night and a meeting hall during the day, and another building for cooking and eating. She said the children were of all ages, and a few were orphans and they lived there. The children all gather in the largest building at 3pm for singing, group activities, and once a week they watched Christian movies. Then they break down into smaller groups and go to other rooms, in the complex of small houses, for lessons. 

The meeting room

This ministry is near the heart of the city when there are many older and poor peoples homes. Thus it's a place where the children can play games, have snacks, and worship and it's safe for them. They are also taught English, and respect for themselves and others, and on Friday they go on field trips. But most of all they learn more about their Heavenly Father and His love for them; so beautifully demonstrated through this lovely lady, Maria. It is a place where the parents know their children are loved and cared for, and it is also changing some of their lives as well. 

Mexico's most common form of transportation

Maria drives around the city several times picking up the children in her pick-up truck and takes them to the mission. She also wants to turn one of the rooms, next to the street, into a small coffee café to help them learn some business skills as well. One house was hers and the others she has inherited, and with God’s help along with friends, churches and contractors she is able to operate this ministry. It was a vision that the Lord gave her many years ago. And by faith she has seen it grow into what it is today; a place where children and parents can find Jesus Christ, His love and fellowship. When she brought me back home, she prayed an awesome prayer for me and I prayed for her. Wow, this little Spanish mama, is a real jewel in the Kingdom of God. I will really enjoy working with her and seeing what all God has in store for this little mission.

Testimony/ Anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

(Luke 4:18-19).

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

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

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

First Anniversary

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

The beginning of a new family

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

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

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

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