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.
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.”
