What is ministry? I have heard and bought into several definitions over the years. I think, though, that it boils down to giving to others what we have been given. We are loved by God, so God gives love through us. I have an amazingly intimate and personal relationship with the God of the universe, which is the best thing in my life, so I desire that for others. God draws people to Himself through broken and imperfect vessels like you and I. I have been freed and healed, so God frees people up and heals people through me. It is so important to note that Jesus is the Redeemer, the Healer, the Freer, the Savior. I just give Him my empty hands and He uses them (what a miracle!)
Team Agapetos has partnered with Team Zeo (yay!) for the rest of our time in Mexico! Every Tuesday, we return to Eleazar´s to help him with work projects. We stayed at this location for training for about a week. Eleazar has an amazing, gentle heart for the Lord, and a HUGE vision to train area pastors. It is a priveledge to have him and his wife, Marta, as friends.
Every Thursday, we return to the Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center and spend time with the residents. This past Thursday, we played volleyball for awhile. Then we encouraged them in their faith and heard some of their stories. One young man, named Miguel, was rescued from his home a little over a year ago and brought to the center. As a teenager, he had been addicted to alcohol and drugs, and also made a habit of stealing. He had terrorized the community he lived in to the point that community members approached the family and essentially said, ¨Do something with him or get out of town.¨ His family decided to lock him up in a 6×6 shack in the yard with no windows. They never let him out and barely fed him. He was trapped in there for thee years. Luis, the director at the center, found out what was going on and they brought him to the center. Now, he knows Jesus and is free, but still suffers from the mental anguish of his experience. He thinks that he is older than he really is, because the three years in the cell seemed so much longer.
How heartbreaking. I am comforted only by knowing that it is people like Miguel that own the heart of God. These are especially precious to Him. Please pray for Miguel as he continues to recover and be healed.
For a more in depth retelling of Miguel´s story, visit teammate Erin´s blog post called ¨Love Conquers All.¨
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday we come alongside our brother Noe who is starting a church out of his home (church meaning group of brothers and sisters in Christ who want to encourage each other and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ). We are helping with these gathrerings. We´re also playing with kids in the community every Friday and Saturday. We´re doing a lot, but we´re also seeking God and spending time with Him so that we are also ministered to. I like what Oswald Chambers says: ¨Never hesitate to spend on others every ounce of spiritual energy God gives you.¨ It´s all for the Kingdom!
Below are some new pics! I´m yours for the journey.
The girls and I play Travel Settlers of Catan (no i´m not kidding!) I have absolutely nothing but sheep by the way. So fun!
Jake, Mary, and I on our travels.
The streets of Palenque. Normally, there are blue skies and mountains in the background!
