So, we haven't posted in awhile. Sorry about that. Good intention is always there but as we all know, life gets in the way. It is definitely time for an update. It has been just over a month since we opened the church doors and we can honestly say that we have counted it all joy. That very first Sunday we had no visitors. Our daughter, Sarah, was in Costa Rica visiting family so there we were: Dustin, Rachelle and Meg having church. Dustin will tell you that there were an additional three--the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and I will say a definite "amen" to that! We were so happy to be in our own building and to actually be doing what we came here to do; it didn't matter that there were no visitors. Don't get me wrong, of course we would have rather seen people but on that day our overall sentiment was joy. And then, we were off and running.
We haven't quite reached 1,000 members yet but people are coming in. (Yes, I am smiling !!!) As we drove home after this past Sunday evening's service my thoughts turned to an older gentleman that has been coming. His name is Noe and he has been with us when there have been many and again when not so many. I was tickled wondering what he thinks about the gringo pastor, his family and this church Centro Cristiano Victoria. I don't know this man, really, but already he is precious to me. Why? Because he comes to this church that is barely in its beginning stages. I feel like giving him a big hug every time I see him and telling him thank you but that would be totally inappropriate and probably send him running. We don't want that; We like Noe.
Thinking about Noe led me to think about some of the others that have become familiar over the past weeks. I thought of Rafa. He is a man that has forsaken an immoral lifestyle and has surrendered to Jesus. Rafa is very sick but is believing for a miracle healing and we are believing with him. I thought of Nidia. She is a woman that is very quiet and has a true lady like presence. I think she is beautiful and I like to hear her laugh. Thinking of Nidia makes me think of Silvino. He is Nidia's husband and what a character is he. How do I explain Silvino? Silvino is larger than life. We actually met him at our home; he fumigates it once a month. One afternoon that he was working at our house, Dustin invited him to take a break for some lunch. Dustin gave him corn dogs and how happy it made Silvino. Corn dogs changed his life! Silvino was so pleased with the corn dogs that we sent him home with what remained in our freezer. Anyhow, Dustin took that opportunity to share Jesus with Silvino. He told Dustin that he was a Christian but as the conversation continued the Holy Spirit must have convicted because he then opened his heart and told Dustin that he was a backslider and wanted to rededicate his life. See!!! We do our part and God does do the rest. Dustin invited him to church and Senor Silvino came and has been coming since.
These are people that will always be a part of this work's story because they were at the start. That makes them special. And to think, this is just the start. We've only just begun. We are encouraged and cannot wait to meet all of the others that have yet to come through the church doors. God will build His church; He will. It is a privilege to serve here and once again, thank you for allowing us to do so. With your love, support and prayers the kingdom of hell will not prevail.
Here are some pictures of the work. The couple you see is Silvino and Nidia with their grandson, Alexander.
