Here is a story about two young men that I have met here in Palenque that have been a true blessing to me. The first young man is named Miguel Angel Gomez Sanchez. I met him on our first night church service run by white people. Chris Telfer was speaking that night and did a great job. Afterwards he invited people up to receive prayer for anything they wanted. I was praying for several people when Chad caught my eye and signaled for me to come over when I finished. Chad was sitting next to this young man who was just sitting there crying. I came over and sat next to the both of them to translate for Chad. I found out that the boy´s father left his family for another woman. His two older brothers were married and out of the house. He was left to be the man of the household to take care of his three younger sisters. And this young man was only thirteen years old. He cried as he told us the heartbreaking story and how much pain his dad caused in his life. Chad began to speak truth into this boy´s life through me as translator. We told him that even though his natural father had left him and hurt him that his real father would never do that. He was soaking everything in that we were saying as he cried. Scott came up to us and told us that we needed to just hug him. As Chad got down on his knees to hug him, the boy reached out his arms and clung to him tightly. My heart broke instantly. I began to weep right there. As soon as I started crying Chad started crying and Miguel Angel wept all the more. I then got to embrace him. We both cried as we clung to each other. I told him that as I was hugging him, it was no longer me, but his father in heaven who was hugging him. I don´t really know how to explain this, other than I became Jesus to this young man. It was no longer I who was holding him but Christ through me. It was a beautiful moment. Three grown men and this young man were all crying together. Miguel released so much pain and sorrow and just gave it up. He was healed from so much pain that his father had caused him. Chad gave Miguel Angel his necklace that he had travelled with for the last year and a half. It is a necklace with a nail on it, to remind him of the act of love that Christ was crucified for us. That He would take on the pain of death for us, so that we would no longer have that pain. So now Miguel will be able to be reminded of his true father´s love for him every time he feels the necklace around his neck. God truly broke my heart for this young man. I saw him last night at dinner as well. He looked so good and healthy. He was pouring through the word and crying as he read Isaiah outloud to me. I know that God has something incredible in store for this young man. He is building him up to bring joy to some many others who have come from a background of heartache. Jesus is the only one who can heal our hearts. He has healed mine and has healed this courageous young man as well. Praise to God for the miracles He performs everyday!
