As sky blue fades to reds and oranges and deep blues and violets, the waves continue to roll, one after another after another. Last week we spent the late afternoon relaxing in the ocean. We enjoyed jumping over and diving under the waves as the sun slowly set. One by one, Matt (from the Surfing Missions media crew) took time to give us some surfing lessons. It was beautiful. It was paradise. Warm water. Black sand beaches. Aqua blue waves. Palm trees. Friends that are more like family than friends. And a gorgeous sunset. Everywhere we go it seems like paradise. Our hosts home looks out over the ocean. The coffee shop on the estuary. The cliff side restaurant. The natural salty pools along the ocean. Everywhere we go we are reminded of God’s creation. His beautiful creation.
“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”
— Genesis 1:31
Even though we are living in paradise, we are also living among the impoverished. Poverty of material wealth, but not of Spirit. Last week we helped deliver groceries to several families in the small, very poor community of Majahual, several miles from El Tunco. They live in small metal shacks with very little resources; when we gave them food, they were so grateful that God has blessed them. They gave God all the credit, all the glory for the food. They looked past our humanity and saw the Spirit of God inside of us. It was beautiful. It was paradise. To see them rejoice over the small gift of food God has given. They live with very little, but they are so joyful. I reflect back I can’t help but think of the beatitudes in Matthew 5,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are…”
— Matthew 5:2-11
These families, most of which are just mothers with their children, hunger for God. Every Tuesday 25+ women, most of them from Majahual, walk several miles or take the hot crowded bus to El Tunco for a women’s bible study. This is a time and a place where the women can take a break from the normal routine of life and rest in the Spirit. A time where they can learn about God’s love.
These families are so encouraging; they are joyful with what they have and they give God all the glory. Nature is so beautiful; it inspires me to praise the Lord my God. This is what paradise looks it, living with the joy of the Spirit and singing praises to the Creator.
La Red’s Women Ministry
Sunset at Playa El Majahual
Adventure Day to Lago de Caotepeque
Sunset at Playa El Tunco
