Cocal Gracias, Ministerio La Voz

Cocal Gracias

 

Youth Group Drama Night

Last Saturday, San Isidro Nazareno Church and our church, La Inglesia Del Nazareno, had a youth group drama night. San Isidro’s performance was full of music and orchestrated dancing and ours consisted of a drama with eight sinners, Satan, and Jesus. For our play, each person’s personality was considered before his or her role was chosen, with me ending up as Jesus. There was nothing I could say about whether or not I would like to be Jesus since our group already made the decision. I think a lot of being picked out to be Jesus had to do with me being a minimum of 20 years older than all of them and have a beard, a grey beard. My personality was secondary.

The night before our drama night, we rehearsed our play over and over, at least ten times, with each trial a little different, except they all led us to laugh and go crazy. The good part about this drama too was that we did not need to speak. It was our ways of presenting ourselves, exaggerating our movements, and portraying our facial features was what spoke our words for us. Because of this, I tried to move as I imagined Jesus did, representing Him through my physical movements and expressions. I tried to walk slow, the pace I thought Jesus would walk in the case we are acting out, and wondered where his arms were, and how He held His head. Were His arm opened wide? Was he looking up into the sky, praying to God before saving those who lie on the ground waiting? I thought about what his heart felt like when he would walk up to people who really needed to learn of Him and how it felt to know He could love each one individually, regardless of their backgrounds and past lives. In my part in the play, I bent down to pick up the ones I saved, and while doing so, I thought to myself how real this actually was 2000 years ago and how much of an awesome experience it was for those whom Jesus physically touched. Then a few stories in the Bible came to mind of when Jesus rises others from the dead (John 10), heals the sick (Mark 9:25-27), casts off demons from bodies (Mathew 17:18), and for those who witnessed these miracles knew, without a doubt, Jesus is their savior.

So there I was, playing Jesus, but what I did not expect to happen from our first rehearsal did happen. I took on a whole new perspective to think of myself as Jesus, saving people for themselves, teaching them the truth of God, and to have faith and trust that He was there for them, and only them at that special moment in their lives. As I walked down the isle during our play, people were clapping, knowing that my role is Jesus and that everyone I touch on stage will receive a new gift of life. I knew right then I was truly blessed to be given a chance to praise Jesus and to walk in His footsteps.

David says in Psalm 150:6

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!”

Glenda, Maria, and Honny

Over the last couple weeks, Honey and I have stopped by Juan and Alba’s house on our hike to Las Flores and have spent time with Glenda, Maria, and Honny, the youngest of their eleven children. While I am there, we just laugh and play with Honey and throw little snacks at the chickens that are running circles around us. They aren’t afraid to sit on my lap and even rub my beard when I puff up my cheeks. It makes me feel like they are my little brother and sisters and I am a big brother to them. They open their door and welcome into their house and into their lives. One time, last week or the week before, Alba wrote, “Gracias para vengas aqi”, on a small piece of paper as Honey and I were leaving to walk home. She was thanking me for coming over to their house. What is funny though is I wanted to thank her for having me at their house.

So, on Saturday I made a plan, a plan set on showing up at Alba and Juan’s house and playing with Glenda, Maria, and Honny. I wanted to read some books together, write our names, and color pictures of flowers, the sun, animal cartoons, and anything else they wanted. Because of this, I looked through the ministerio for a few things I could take up to their house. I began shuffling through the library in our English class and found many children books, one that has Spanish and English and is about animals. Then I found another that teaches kids about mothers and fathers. I also found some paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, and a pencil sharpener. These were perfect and exactly what I was looking for. My plan was set; I was going there for them, for us, and I was excited to get there.

On Tuesday afternoon, Honey and I hiked up and over the mountain to Alba and Juan's house. It was when Glenda, Maria, Honny and I were sitting on the ground and reading about animals, one of their big sisters turned the corner and almost tripped over me. Everything worked out ok and then five minutes later, another big sister showed up. Now I was nervous. I had never met these two before and they were sitting only a few feet from us, but Glenda, Maria, and Honny didn’t seem to care. Coloring a big flower I drew was much more important. Then, an older bother walked up and sat in the hammock, which is only a few feet away too. So, there I was, playing with the little ones, trying to read names of animals in Spanish, and was slightly scared because I knew they could all hear me. But then there is more: another older brother showed up on his horse, and he decides to sit close to me as well. Lastly, Juan gets home. Now I was sweating, sitting on the ground, right in the middle of nine people who don’t speak one word in English. The little ones seemed not disturbed at all. They simply sat leaning against me using their crayons and fighting over who gets to use the color they all want.

I ended up spending two hours with the family. We were smiling, talking, and sharing ideas and other things about ourselves. It reminded of the verse in 1 John 3:18 “…let us not love in word or in tongue...” In the past, I would have come up with an excuse as to why I must leave right away, but this time I didn’t. Then they asked me if I was coming back to Honduras, and because I’m not good at saying, “Good bye”, I said, “Maybe.” Alba then asked me if they will see me again before I leave, and that question was easy and I told her I’d see them next week.

Las Flores - slideshows

A Student In God's Class

It dawned on me the other day, while I was on one of my long walks with Honey, I am in God’s class. This classroom happened to be above Agua Caliente on the road up to Las Flores. I started to think that I began His class in kindergarten and will not graduate from God’s University while I am still alive. To graduate means that I pass God’s tests here on earth and then awarded with a seat in God’s temple. I know it is vital that I’m an  “A” student to graduate. I know I must never assume that I can do so at a “C” level, which would prove that I only put a mediocre amount of effort into learning about God and living my life for Him. I know we can all celebrate our graduation with God in heaven, and be given our certificate of salvation by God our beloved Professor and Father in heaven.

So, I asked myself, as sweat was dripping off my forehead and Honey was panting, what can I study, or do, to keep learning about God? This a simple answer, I thought, but I must never quit doing it. I can do my Bible homework (Romans 1:4). I can read the Bible habitually and pray everyday without ceasing (1Thessions 5:16). And if I feel I reached a point where I need help to understand what I am reading, I can ask God for help through prayer. God answers prayers (Luke 11:10). Betty Berg once told me a story about how God answered her prayer and the impact it has had on her faith in God. So it’s true: He wants me to learn and He gives me the opportunity to ask Him for guidance through prayers. Then there are assistant professors, those who are pastors, and in my case, it’s Pastor Dee. He is on the same path I’m on, but he is way beyond me and has a lot more understanding of God’s will and can help me discover ways I can talk to Him and how I can listen to what He is telling me. There are also tutors, others who are in school with me as well, those I can become friends with and share my thoughts, concerns, dreams, fears, and questions I would like to learn from. Tutors and I can learn together, and right now, Brian is my tutor.

Another way to learn is to go out and share my testimony, as I am right now, through writing. This makes perfect sense. When I am outside of myself and sharing my beliefs with others out loud, I learn more about what is inside me and what God wants me to know in order to strengthen my relationship with Him and become aware of His guidance. This is exactly what happened when I gave my testimony, “That Was The, This Is Now” at Iglesia Del Nazareno for its youth group. I realized I have plenty of experiences that I can use to illustrate the main idea of how I have changed since I was a child to who I am today through my spiritual growth (1Corinthians 14:11). When I coherently heard words come out of my mouth, I could even test myself and learn as I go. Just like Joseph Joubert said, “To teach is to learn twice” (1754-1824).

So it is true, I told myself when Honey and I stopped and rested on top of the mountain, I know that I’ll never stop learning about God and what He wants me to know in order to meet Him in heaven and graduate from His university, God’s University. I am committed to pass the class we are all in today by living my life for God, and putting all my faith and trust into His words. Moses says, in Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all of your strength.”  There is no doubt that Moses graduated with honors. 

Student in God's Class - Video Maker

Pray-To-God-Walk

Earlier this week I felt spiritually and physically restless so I decided to get outside, stretch my legs and go on a Pray-To-God-Walk. Honey and I went up a new road after crossing the river and I immediately began to organize my prayer plans. I felt this was the best time to pray - I was alone, and since I was so, I believed I could pray for everything that is on my mind. So after I thought of that, I tried to put things in order: whom shall I pray for first? There are plenty of prayers I could pray about myself since I need help with my medical conditions, decisions I must make when I arrive home, and spiritual growth. Plus, I could pray and thank God for still having here, walking in the morning’s light. But as I walked, I thought that I needed to not be self-centered and pray for others first and then come back to myself later. So, I felt better with this decision except I didn’t know whom to pray for first. Honey and I had gone at least fifteen minutes and I had not even prayed once.

I told myself to begin by praying for those I know personally and for what I know they need God to help them with. Some need reassurance since they are asking for forgiveness. Others are lost and need God guide to them. There are even those who need to look behind themselves and see where they once were with God and where they are now. I felt better until I began to think which of the people should come first and why. Of course, that was nonsense, I thought. They all need to be prayed for. Now, we were at least a mile from the house, climbing the hill, with the goal to be alone and pray, yet I had only reached one part of the goal: to be alone.

To help myself, I thought, maybe I should begin by blessing those who have helped me, and not just me, but those who I know have helped others as well. I thought this wouldn’t take long since it seemed easier to praise someone instead trying to pray for help for others who are facing trying times and difficult situations. So, I quickly made a list of those I want to pray for. But soon, like before, the list was so long I didn’t know where to begin. So many have made it possible for me to be here today, and those, along with an uncountable amount of others from all over the world, pray for me everyday and for my well-being, spiritual growth, friendship, and forgiveness.

After at least an hour, my prayers were still inside me. I had not begun to pray for anyone in need of God, or anyone I wanted to pray for, or even just for me. In frustration, I threw my arms in the air, wondering what I was going to do next. What I wanted to do is do what the Apostle Paul tells us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing…”, but I had not even started!

Finally, in desperation, I prayed. I prayed and followed more words from Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” I prayed for everything I wanted plus more and didn’t go by any lists or focus on the categories I thought needed to be prayed for separately. I realized that I didn’t need a plan with preconceived notions to pray to God but instead, simply pray. Every word I used, every thought I had, He understood. That is what He wanted all along, for me to just be with Him and for me to know He is always with me.

My Pray-To-God-Walk reminded me of the poster, Footprints, I haven’t seen for years, the one which tells of how Jesus was walking next to one walking on the beach, leaving his footprints. But when the one walking learned what God silently was teaching, the footprints disappeared. As I walked through the last river, I noticed that it were only my feet that made a splash. Without being surprised, I knew God was with me and I learned what He wanted me to.

Pray-To-God-Walk - Video Maker

Pray-To-God-Walk - Video Maker

Mina's Memorial Service

Last week Rinas’s long time neighbor, Mina, passed away. We went to Mina’s house to be with those who were suffering through the pain of losing her. But for me, I wasn’t sure how to act there. I was surrounded by sorrow, tears and crumbling voices that I didn’t understand. Culturally, this memorial service was different than what I have seen. Mina’s mourners were not those of blood but others in their small community and even more who are related to others in the community; a long line and web of a family. Many of them stay for more than one day, sometimes up to three, and I wondered what they do during their time together. Hopefully, I thought, they grieve with their hearts wide open, pouring out pain, but in time, turn and see the light of God that says to let go, everything is ok.

I walked into the tight, small room where the casket was placed in dim light. I looked down at the physical body of Mina and my thoughts changed. I didn’t notice what was going on around me but started to think about Mina. I thought of her spirit soaring high above us all, full of life and love, and telling everyone to celebrate for her. I kept looking down at her and thought of her being born, an innocent child, fragile body of life, and then how all of our lives are delicate and temporary and we live in God’s world. It is His world; He made it and everything on it. So we are all His as well. This made think of one the most moving verses to me, one given by Isaiah 40:6-8. “…And flesh is grass… The grass withers, and the flowers fade, But the word of our God stands forever.” And then I thought about Mina and how her spirit is at home, not a home we can see or touch, but in God’s home in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).

I stepped back outside into the bright sunlight and saw everyone hugging and shedding tears of what I thought were their memories, some full of happiness and joy and others of hardships and difficult times. I thought how quickly our lives pass and how each day is a blessing. I was sure Mina would agree with me. I walked back to Rina’s house silently praying for everyone behind me, but I also felt excited since I didn’t know what the next day would bring.

Nadar En El Rio De Los Encuentros

A few weeks ago, seven of us explored a new place, where three rivers merge into one, and there are two main pools of water to swim in. The water is like glass since we could see the bottom when standing on a rock above the pool. The water has a mild temperature, and the bottom consists of soft sand, the kind that feels so good when twist in turn and your feet become covered. The pools are surrounded by dark green trees, some of which are bigger than any I have seen so far. We all climbed up rocks and jumped into the river’s water. We kept our eyes open when we dove deep into the pools so we could see colorful fish dart from one rock to another. We all slowed down so we could float and feel the strength of the river pull us. And on the shore we rested.

On a personal note: I walked up stream and sat in a small pool. I sat with my back against a rock so I could watch the clear water rush towards me and see sun’s rays splash on the surface and colorful rocks that surround me. My purpose was to be alone and pray. I prayed to thank God for another day, for the minute in time, the present moment, and for introducing me to a new world, a speck on a map, a remote village filled with friendly people living in quaint houses. I prayed even more and praised Him for all He created. I looked all around and told Him aloud everything is His and the only reason I am there, witnessing the beauty of the outdoors, is because of Him. I thought about a verse I had read recently, Revelation 4:11, “…For You created all things, And by your will they exist and created.” So as I sat there in the swirling tub of water, I prayed and prayed some more, and looked all around me at the vibrant colors of the trees, rocks, clouds, and sky.

Nadar En El Rio De Los Encuentros - Video Maker

Las Flores Video

Las Flores makes known that Cocal Gracias’ goal is to supply Las Flores with electricity. Joel, Brian, and Pastor Juan let thousands of people and organizations know they can help Cocal Gracias provide Las Flores with the power to have light, water pumps, and communication services, which can all be used to advance healthier life styles.

However, what stands out the most to me with Las Flores is that I was there when Joel interviewed and filmed Brian and Pastor Juan. I watched kids run back and forth from the jungle to the church while Pastor Juan was interviewed. I looked up to the roof of the house Brian was interviewed and followed the rain gutter to where it is a few feet above the water tank. I looked into the tank and there was very little water left. (And even as today, it has not rained for over a week.) Everyone can watch this well polished video that uncovers the need of funds to help Las Flores, but what you don’t see is all of Brian’s interview. The video shows Brian stating the main idea in just a few minutes, but what is missing is one brief moment of time when the sound of his voice softens, when pure facial expressions pour out his feeling of hope, when his bright brown eyes, looked like they were glassed over with water. This is was what stopped me right then and there. I took a picture that is stored in me. It displays Brian’s unconditional affection that is pure and embedded deep in his soul. Las Flores doesn’t show this experience, but I know even if it did, no one would feel the blanket of love that warmed all of us around him.

Note: A few nights ago the family whose house Brian and Pastor Juan were interviewed in front of brought Brian and Rina a chicken. They were on their long walk down the mountain to Pastor Juan’s service when they stopped by. I looked at it as if we could let the chicken go and make friends with all the other chickens around here, but Brian and Rina said no. They said it was for lunch the following day. The family didn’t carry the chicken by its legs for two hours just so Brian and Rina could have a pet chicken. This showed me how the love for each other is given: the family gives a chicken to Brian and Rina and Brian puts himself in front of the family’s house and pours out his love for them and all of Las Flores.

Las Flores from Via Pictures (Joel McGinty) on Vimeo.

Pastor Hector

Last Sunday, at Brian and Rina's church, September 23, 2013, I saw Pastor Neptali pay tribute to Hector with a pastor certificate because Hector had recently received his Pastor's License. I witnessed the power of love and the bonding of three families when Pastor Neptali placed his hands on Hector and prayed for him, and Hector passionately expressed his gratitude and appreciation in his testimony. And when the testimonies and prayers ended, the three families became one. They embraced each other and cried together. The tears seemed to represent sorrow since the congregation will be broken, families divided and they will be worshiping in different churches; yet at the same time, they were full of joy and happiness since they knew that it is God’s will for Hector to be the pastor for San Ysidro Nazarene Church. What touched me the most was how much sincerity was put into the passing of the certificate and loving effect it had on everyone. I couldn’t understand all the words used that day, but it didn’t matter. I became part of the family and was hugged over and over by everyone.  

Ministerio La Voz

My goal is to write about meaningful experiences I have on this trip, but the list is already too long. I could write about a trip up the mountain with Brian, Jose the manager of an electricity company, and Pastors Chicas and Juan to map where poles can be installed to provide electricity for Las Flores. Or, I can tell you about my first day in my English classes at Ministerio La Voz where the students’ were surprised when I walked into the classroom. Some, I assumed, questioned whether they are happy or not because unlike Brian who mixes lessons with Spanish, I will only speak English for the next three months!  Poor students. I know they will miss Brian.
But, the most profound experience took place when I was with people from Las Flores at Pastor Juan’s church of Nazarene in Agua Caliente. The church is only a few minutes walk from Brian and Rina’s house, but it is two hours from Las Flores. Grandchildren, parents and grandparents walk, up and down the mountain on a muddy and slippery road, full of rocks and holes, that has no light. But they are not bitter and do not complain. They just make the journey. It is not their physical endurance, but the joy and loving words they use on their walk up and down the mountain that moves me. They readily give themselves to God. Their smiles lightened my heart. I see their dedication as a way to celebrate their love of God. I learned how those from Las Flores cheerfully give themselves to God to be at Juan’s church and to worship.
Had I seen their story on a National Geographic documentary, or read about them in an article, I would not have felt the unconditional, everlasting love they have for God. What I thought would be a burden or sacrifice to them is a blessing. There is no way I can put my feelings and warmth into this writing, but I know God put me here with the purpose: to witness the pure, devoted sacrifice others make to honor God and His Glory.
What I experienced reminds me of a song, Soon and Very Soon, written by Andre Crouch, says:
“Should there be any rivers we must cross,
Should there be any mountains we must climb,
God will supply all the strength we need;
Give us grace till we reach the other side.”