Well, day one is done. We have just returned from a night of ministry at Iglesias Christiana Pentecostes here in El Paso.
We spent the morning in personal Bible study time. I was focusing on the Proverbs and God really talked to me (and me to Him) through it. One passage in particular was Proverbs 22:6 (ASV).
Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I was reminded that our children learn their character from us. If we worship half-heartedly, or serve half-heartedly, or minister the Gospel half-heartedly then we are teaching our children to do the same. If we spend time in the Word, in prayer, in service, in worship with our children (AND we give our all to those things) then when they grow old they will do the same. Merely teaching them ABOUT God is not enough. You have to LIVE the life of God in front of them — all the time.
That is the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20–make disciples and teach them to make disciples).
We then spent a wonderful time of catching up (and being disciples) by MJP. Love that time.
In the afternoon, MJP taught a small group (Steph, Timothy, Susie and I) on the wonderful truth of 2 Corinthians 1:20. God makes us a promise. Jesus makes it good through His blood. We put our agreement on it. God fulfills it. Wow!
We then had dinner (Barrigos) and headed to church.
Steph and I were asked to sing. MJP got us out of it (until tomorrow). I’m excited to be able to sing one of Steph’s “Trailernacle Worship Songs” with her!
MJP began her two day (continuing early tomorrow morning) on the Power of the Spoken Word. Great truth from the Scriptures about what God says and what we say in response.
After the service, Steph and I had an opportunity to minister with two of the youth in the church about the will of God.
All-in-all it was a fantastic day of ministry (both receiving and giving). We are so blessed to get to do this!
Our prayer needs tonight:
> For both of
us to have an increased understanding of Spanish
> For Steph to regain her Spanish abilities
quickly
> For MJP as she ministers
> For us as we have opportunity to minister
> The pastoral leadership here at ICP
> The founding pastor hasurgery this afternoon. It miraculously went very well. Please pray for healing.
And, finally, pray for the kids. They are doing well and are in good hands!
Thank you all for your support! May the grace, truth, and peace of God reign in your hearts and minds!
Your entire team is in our prayers as well as the prayer that you accomplish what God has planned for you to accomplish on this mission trip. Your kids looked great at church yesterday. Smiling with their granddad. Thank you for all that you are doing.
Your entire team is in our prayers as well as the prayer that you accomplish what God has planned for you to accomplish on this mission trip. Your kids looked great at church yesterday. Smiling with their granddad. Thank you for all that you are doing.
Thanks, Carl! We sincerely appreciate the prayers and are anticipatory at the stories we will be able to tell upon our return! God bless you, brother.