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.”