A few weeks ago we were dropped off in a community outside of Apastepeque. We drove into the community that is set in a field about one hundred yards off the little country road. There is a huge soccer field that kids are constantly playing in, but that seemed to be the most joyful thing about this community.
The community was built by America and the European Union after a flood came through San Vicente and destroyed the entire community that was living by the river.
Everyone that is living in the community has lost someone dear to their hearts, and it seems to be apparent from all of the hardship that entertains this community. The children are fully of joy but the adults seem to be trapped in a dark haze.
Misty, Jen and I (two girls from Team Cherished) began to look around to which way we should walk to minister in the community. There was a man and his family standing outside of their home, waiting.
They were waiting to speak to us, the gringos, and much to our surprise the father spoke perfect English. His name was Hector. Hector quickly invited us into his home, he was anxious to speak with us. He had lived in the New Jersey for twelve years, grew up as a Christian with the desire to be a pastor, but was still struggling with an alcohol problem. Jen and I shared with him about our struggles. Jen shared that the night before she celebrated eight months without drinking alcohol. We began to pray over him, that this addiction would be lifted. That he could find the freedom he once had in Christ. That he could raise his son and daughter in a lifestyle pleasing to the Lord. As he was crying, something really touched my heart. Really showed me what true love looks like.
His son, Diego, came up and wiped the tears from his eyes. He wiped the snot from his nose and then returned to his seat.
This is what the Father does for us. When we are hurting, when we are crying, He comes up and wipes all of our snot and tears away. He is our comforter.
We finished our time that day, not wanting to leave but to spend more time with Hector and his family. Not knowing if we would ever see him again, we invited him to church.
He came to church with his family the following Sunday. It was exciting and just great to be able to see them again. Hector is a very humble man, and when he is around I just notice his humble attitude.
A few days later we went back to his community to minister again. This time we planned dramas, testimonies and someone to share a message.
After Victor finished preaching to the community, he asked if anyone would like to receive Christ as their savior. Three women raised their hands and prayed the prayer of salvation. Then he asked if anyone wanted to come up to be prayed for healing, and four women came up and we prayed for healing.
I felt a gentle nudge to ask if Hector and his family needed anything. I asked and he replied, "I really need a Bible that is in Spanish."
I asked, "Cool, I can get you that. Does your wife need anything?"
He asked her and replied, "No, she says we are fine. But honestly we are really struggling to survive. She is too polite to ask for help."
This verse came to mind immediately:
Jesus said, "When you give a dinner, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors… But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind." (Luke 14:12-14 NKJV)
Even though we weren't hosting a dinner, I felt called to bless his family. Our team went to the super market and purchased a bunch of food for their family. We have been blessed so much and we just wanted to bless them. At church the next weekend, we gave them part of the food. We had purchased so much that they weren't even able to carry all of it.
Whenever they first saw all of the food, it was all Hector could do but to keep from crying. He just kept saying, "You guys didn't have to do this." Over and over he just kept saying thank you, thank you, thank you.
We are called to serve the poor. We are called to throw banquets in their honor. We are called to treat others better than we treat ourselves. We are called to serve.
Look for opportunities this week in your life to bless the poor, the lame and the blind. I promise you will be blessed in return.
