This month has been very hot and humid, with lots of rain and lightning displays. It's been fun to watch the light show and see God's handiwork through them. It's quite beautiful here to see the darkened sky above the farmlands nearby light up the nebulous clouds overhead.
Our Palos Verdes ministry continues. Some of the Fridays we've had less kids show up as families have been doing summer traveling, but with school now in session we are seeing them return. The moms involved have recently taken a more active role to make sure the kids come and listen (and actually pay attention) and it's a blessing to see Kevin disciple and teach these kids the bible. And it's beautiful to watch the kids actually listening. It's one of the many areas of our lives where we see God's faithfulness as we stay on course.
For those who don't use Facebook, Sunday mornings Ryan has begun preaching in English with Daniel translating in Spanish and posting it live. I'm grateful that Virtue has one solid teaching a week that she fully understands. And as many in this city have shown an interest in the English language, it's another way to offer something of interest to them.
During this summer, many of the people we've been ministering too have expressed their financial burderns to us. This month has been a test to us all, as even with the helps we'd hand out, we would hear of other financial needs continuing to arise. I've always admired the scriptures so close together in Galatians 6 where it first says to bear one another's burdens and then three verses later says that each will have to bear his own load. This is definitely an area that God is growing us in church planting and sheperding. We do appreciate and covet your prayers as we seek to make disciples that Christ is worthy of.
One of the families that we've been discipling has had several members dealing with addictions. It's been challenging to find the right balance especially with our children involved. Yet, we continue to find comfort and strength in scripture.
Another trouble we've had this month is with Ryan's phone getting stolen. His driver's license with two most used cards were in the case. We were able to track it until the battery died, but the last location didn't bring any success. We returned at the park a couple days after where it was stolen and began praying for God to guide us. Just a couple minutes after a young man walking on top of the metal dome bars got our attention as he wasn't using his hands to balance himself. Sure enough he fell awkardly, but so did 3 or 4 phones out of his side bag. He took him some time to grab all the phones (some looked like they fell apart) and Ryan casually walked up and started talking to him. The young man said he knew who took our phone and would try to get it back for us. It's been a couple weeks and we've touched base with him several times, without succeeding to retrieve the phone and cards. From our understanding, thought he didn't admit it, it seems like he pawned off the phone very cheaply without realizing it had the cards. The guy he pawned it to left for Guadalajara and we haven't tracked any movement since. Meanwhile we've had the chance to pray with him a few times, give him both of our gospel tracts which he says he's read, and invited him to church. We can definitely see God at work in his life.
We actually had planned to drive back to California for a wedding in the family, and thus we will be able to order a new driver's license and cards during the short days we'll be there. While the experience of the phone with the cards stolen hasn't been pleasant, we are grateful for at least God connecting us to the person who took it and hear what happened to it, and even more for the opportunity to witness to him. His name is Carlos and it's been good to pray for him and his salvation and trust the Lord with the personal matters at hand.
We do appreciate your prayers and partnership in the work we do here in Mexico. It's a privilege to serve the Lord here, and though this month we've had moments of feeling insecure, God has continued to be our security and peace. He is so worthy! Thank you for your prayers and financial support! May you continue to find God's security and peace through the troubles that life brings! May you see Him using them to bring His truth and the Holy Spirit's conviction even when there are loose ends to mend. Let's continue to cheer each other on, for Christ has overcome this world. Cheers, friend, for God is in control!
Comentarios