Ali ate Cow Stomach

Our team. Note the pastor's NINE children.

Let’s start with something that has a humorous bent to it before I give you a serious “missions” moment. Today I went to Javier’s home. He’d come to our children’s meeting on Sunday, and since he was the only dad to show up, I was really interested in following up with him. When I went to his house my translator mentioned that he really didn’t want to talk right now because he was scared of his mother seeing him. Yes, this man below who guards our portion of the neighborhood (he’s the overnight security guard) is scared of his mother. Or that’s what came through in translation.

He said he’d stop by as he was making his rounds and talk to me. Sure enough he came by to first check on me, then came again to talk to me about the gospel. He just soaked up the gospel. His eyes filled with tears when he heard that Jesus could take away his sins and he prayed to follow Christ while his children worshiped a few feet away. It was a great moment in a great day.

Ali

God continues to use her in unique, powerful ways. She’s really connected with her translator and several ladies in the neighborhood. God used her testimony in tonight’s meeting to show that this church in a home will be one of redemption, love, and grace. So many of the folks in the neighborhood have problems and troubles that we’re able to send a message to the people that this church, His church, will be a refuge and light.

Oh, and Ali ate cow stomach in the market today. Ha! The things we do for the sake of the gospel. Then she had to eat lunch about an hour later, and here you clean your plate. Good times.

Thanks for praying for our pastor, Angel. I’ve attached myself to his hip the past two days and seen a man with a real pastor’s heart. He fully understands how big of a job lies before him, and today he shared how big a vision he has. He has caught a vision to plant churches and wants to learn everything he can this week so he can replicate this process (Paul’s ministry with Christ’s commands) in the countryside.

What’s been encouraging is seeing Angel’s family share the gospel with the EvangeCube, and seeing them begin to lead all aspects of the cell group meetings at night. The Lord is doing such cool things to encourage him. We’re finding a sprinkling of believers in his neighborhood that we’re praying will come and, as mature believers, help disciple the baby believers. And God is moving. It’s still a tough(er) area, but today many made professions of faith, which was a shot in the arm for all us, but I think especially for the pastor.

A puppet show for the kids below.