Peckville, PA

This weekend we were in Faith Baptist Church in Peckville, Pa.  It was only a two hour drive, but we decided to go up a day early to spend time with Pastor Vigil and his church family.  As soon as we arrived we were whisked away to a picnic where we stayed for a couple of hours getting to know some of these brothers.   
 
Sunday was even sweeter as we spent the morning and into the afternoon in worship.  After the service I was offered what I consider an opportunity of a life time…to ride a Harley Davison.  That afternoon Pastor Vigil on his Honda Rebel and I on the Harley took a ride through the countryside.  As I rode along, I remember just thanking God for this small treat to encourage me. 
 
But there was one other encouragement.  Buster and Karen, long time friends of mine, drove two hours to spend the day with us and in their previous home church.  I met them over a dozen years ago while still a little boy in Peru.  Now they traveled to Peckville, PA to hear me preach.  God always has the right timing in encouraging us.

Tia (Aunt) Toña

When my mother-in-law, Belen, came to know Christ in her teens, she became the only believer in her family.  Many of them at first shunned her.  A few have now accepted her despite a different faith.  Tia (Aunt) Toña is one of those family members.  This week Lorena and I were faced with the decision of whether we should go back to Spain for a few days before Lorena’s Tia Toña passes away.

Some time at the beginning of the year Toña was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The cancer has now spread throughout her body leaving her only a short time to live.  This past week she was taken to a local hospital for patients who are terminally ill.  Since Tia Toña is so close to Lorena, we struggled at knowing whether we should go back.  I was ruled out because my passport just expired.  After praying and seeking advice, Lorena and I decided it would be best if she stayed home.  Many factors played into this decision.  One of which is that next week both Kent and Belen, my in-laws, will be coming back to the U.S. to visit.  We have determined to make their time as restful and relaxing as possible.

Please pray for Tia Toña and family.  

Islam in Spain

As part of our continuing preparation for Spain, Lorena and I sat in a class this week on how to share the Gospel in a Muslim community.  We cannot tell you how much this class has opened our eyes to the power of God’s Word and its ability to touch the hearts of those darkened by Islam.  Our Professor, Dr. Zaka, pounded into our hearts and minds the importance of preaching Jesus Christ.  Only He has the power to change lives. 

During the week we visited a local mosque and created conversation with those Muslims in attendance.  As we sat and observed their prayers offered to a distant Allah, we were struck by the number of men who showed up.  There were easily two-hundred and fifty plus men in this small building.  This doesn’t include the women who were left unseen behind the dividers.  

If the amount of Muslims in the Lansdale, PA area has surprised you, it should be even more surprising to hear of the rising Muslim population in Spain.  According to the book Operation World, there are over one million Muslims already in Spain.  This, too, provides yet another opportunity for us to share the joy of the Gospel.

Frankie

I am writing this while it’s still fresh on my mind.  This weekend Lorena and I celebrated our first anniversary a week late.  While on our little getaway trip in Baltimore, we noticed how many homeless people there were.  At one point during our long walks I sat down by a gentleman to take a break.  I struck a conversation with Frankie only to have him begin his chant asking for food since he, too, lived on the streets.  After asking him his name, I offered to buy him  a burger. 
 
Two days later, we ran into Frankie again but this time we had the thrill in sharing with him more than a meal…the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lorena and I sat down on a bench next to him and explained the Joy of the Gospel and how a homeless man may have a home in heaven with Christ.  We told Frankie how God desires to dwell with us in joy!  Pray that the Gospel would begin to convict this man.
 
What does this story have to do with our ministry in Spain?  The Gospel is God desiring to dwell in joy with us eternally (Rev. 21:2-4), and it is our joy and duty to give the message that transforms lives here or in Spain. 

Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD