Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
John 21:16
Pastor Peter, pastor of the church Iglesia Viva and my team’s ministry contact for Puerto Rico, takes care of his sheep. Pastor Peter arrived at the house of a recent widow with a car full of missionaries to help clean, care for, and encourage her. Pastor Peter welcomed her back to church after a year of absence and called the church to surround her in love. Pastor Peter pursues his sheep.
For my first month in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, I experienced the love of God through Pastor Peter. I was walking up to play guitar in the worship service our last Sunday in Puerto Rico. I sat down and began tuning my guitar. I looked up and saw Pastor Peter looking at me from the pulpit with a father-like love in his eyes. It was a proud kind of love, and it spoke to my heart that God was pleased with me. Pastor Peter sees his sheep.
Again, my team and I were in Pastor Pete’s van going to a symphony production in downtown San Juan. “It’s a surprise” he would say with the little English he knew. Pastor very much enjoyed surprising our team with gifts and outings to the various natural and historical landmarks in Puerto Rico. It was an expression of his love. Pastor Peter serves and loves his sheep.
Thankfulness, cheerfulness, compassion, intentionality, and a strong work ethic were characteristic of Pastor Pete every day my team and I were blessed to be with him. He worked hard with us, encouraged us, and shared much of his wisdom with us. “Gracias Senior” (Thank you Lord) was a common phrase of his. Joy and praise for the Lord was evident in his everyday life, on all occasions.
I won’t forget the love that I received from Pastor Peter during my time in Puerto Rico. He really cared. When I see Pastor Peter, I see the example of the kind of love Christ wants pastors to have for their churches. I see Christ’s love.
