We are still in Palenque, Mexico for our last week of training. We are staying at Shekinah Bible College a short distance from the city. The college is ran by a man named Eliazar and his wife Marta. They served as pastors in California and New Orleans before feeling called to start this college. They realized that in many of the rural churches the pastors have no pastoral training so they set up a center for men and women to come for two months at a time and receive training. It takes four two-month sessions to complete the training then they send them back into their home churches. They started out with no money and no land. In less than four years, they received the land and have built a hall with men and womens sleeping quarters and bathrooms. They have also built a common area with a kitchen. They now have people coming from Mexico City and far distances to receive this training. The Lord has truly blessed them and continues to bless them here. We are so grateful for them allowing us to stay here. This is the first time that any group has stayed at the college outside of future pastors. It has been a blessing!
On Sunday, we all piled into four van taxis and traveled an hour away to another part of Palenque to attend church. We arrived to group of men, women, and children mingling in a common area. Many of us introduced ourselves to the people and played with the children. Many of us World Racers crammed into the church with the local congregation while others sat outside and listened. It was neat to see where God has brought this community and where He plans to take them.
After church, we stopped by an amazing place! It was called “Agua Azul” which means “blue water.” It was one of the most beautiful places. The water was blue yet so clear. There were many waterfalls and different areas where we could swim and jump off (see picture below-that´s me diving). I’m always blown away by God’s creation and His creativity. It reminds me of how big God really is. It is crazy and amazing to think that a God that is big enough to create waterfalls like this with their unique design, beauty, and power also created me and has a personal relationship with me.
Enjoy some of the pictures below!
