Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: July 31, 2009

Greetings once again from hot and steamy Mexico!

This summer seems to be rushing by at the speed of light for us. There are so many things going on and lots of exciting stuff happening. We’ll try to highlight a few:

In our previous update, we mentioned “J” and “G” who have attended our cell group. Thank you for your prayers for them. They both returned the following week and once again, it was very apparent that they had been drinking. At the end “G”, in tears, asked what he could do because the alcohol was destroying him, hurting his family, etc. It is very hard when he receives such mixed messages from “J” who professes to follow Christ but sees nothing wrong with his drinking which is a very obvious stumbling block to his friend. Please pray for wisdom in how best to minister to them both. Please pray that they continue to reach out and in spite of the effects of the alcohol that God’s truth would penetrate to the very core of their beings. Pray that “G” will continue to want more and search for the truth and victory over his addiction in Christ. Please pray that “J” will acknowledge his problem with alcohol and how it is hurting his friend and that he will repent.

This evening, we will be showing the movie Fireproof at our cell group. We were able to stop by our landlords this week and talk with them for a while and invite them. There seems to be a continued interest in spiritual things. Please pray that this will be one more stepping stone to their faith in Christ. We would appreciate your prayers as well for all the people our group has invited to come and that seeds would be planted in many people’s hearts.

Several of our youth are struggling spiritually or going through some difficult times in their family or their family is struggling because of the economic crisis. Please, pray with us for them, that they would turn to the only place that offers true peace, comfort and direction.

Thank you so much for your partnership with us in spreading His good news!

Update on Enrique and Lesson in Getting "Dirty"

Thank you so much for praying for Enrique. After several days in the hospital and shortly after taking some medicine prescribed by a specialist to help with breaking up the kidney stones, he felt much better and has had no problems since. He even attended cell group with his family the evening after being released from the hospital. Both he and his wife gave beautiful testimonies of how they sensed God's presence with them througout and the prayers of many. They also shared that his boss was not going to penalize him for missing work because of how hard a worker he is. With the economy the way it is here, this is a huge blessing for him and his family. We do feel very blessed to have Magy and Enrique as part of our cell group and church family. I am posting a picture from a recent visit with them at their home of our kids with their two daughters, Elisa & Karla.

There is a gentleman who has been attending our cell group fairly consistently for a couple of months. Apparently, he had attended a Bible study in the home where we meet for cell group several years ago. Unfortunately, "J" struggles with alcohol. He has attended AA here, he has made a profession of faith and knows much of the Bible. We were saddened when he did not show up to cell group for a few weeks in a row and heard that he had once again started drinking. He showed up last Friday and even brought a friend with him, "G". They had obviously been drinking and part of me at first felt frustrated that they had come in such a state but then I remembered Jesus' life. I am sure he had drunken people come to him many times and He always saw beyond the surface to the heart. In that moment, the Lord really spoke to my heart about judging and grace. If it weren't for His incredible grace poured out in my own life, I could be there too because at one time, I was just as lost. So, instead of spending time thinking about how they should not be there in such a state, I prayed. I prayed that the Bible study would penetrate through the effects of the alcohol. I prayed that His Word would take root in the soil of their hearts. I prayed that they would choose Christ over drinking. I prayed that we would always extend compassion and encouragement to follow Christ without condemnation and judgement.

One of the things I have loved most about the new "adventure" we have undertaken with the cell groups is that we are getting out of the four walls of the church property, the comfort zones of our own homes and the homes of "church folks". Sometimes we are confronted with the not so pretty aspects of life and that is ok because I am convinced that this is exactly what makes Jesus smile...He was not afraid to get a little "dirty" so why should we? Thank you Jesus for this amazing opportunity we have to get a little dirty so we can share the water of life with those who thirst.

The story is not over yet...On Tuesday, when we met as a core group for planning and prayer, guess who came by? While we were praying, we heard someone shout outside the gate, "Felipe!" It was actually interesting to see different people's reactions. Some implied that Phil should just ignore him because he had probably been drinking. Phil chose not to ignore J and G. When he went out to talk to them, J was asking for money to buy food. Since Phil was pretty sure that this was not really what he wanted the money for, he offered to take them to a nearby store and buy some food. As they walked, G began to ask questions about our faith and actually asked about J (who at the time was drunkenly talking about the Bible and singing hymns). He asked Phil why J drank like that if he was a Christian. Very good question and a good reminder to live what you speak. Phil was able to share that we cannot look at people since we all have the flesh in us that is drawn to sin but that we must always look at Jesus as our example. He told Phil he was planning on coming back again to our cell group on Friday. Please, pray that G will return, with or without J, and that he will continue to hunger for truth. While Phil was talking with G, J happened to disappear and then reappear with a sack containing bottles of beer. While this saddens us deeply, we also know that Jesus can give J victory and ask that you pray with us that J will choose the path of victory over his addiction.

We are convinced that the story is still not over....