Glimpses: Kindred Spirit’s
Think. Think about a time where you have met someone and you felt connected. Their personality, interests, or situations/circumstances just clicked. You couldn’t be but blessed and encouraged by their encounter. You felt refreshed and rejuvenated due to your time together.
For me, this happened with meeting Pastora Norma. At our encounter she sat down and poured out her heart for the children. Immediately she went into sharing about her desire to teach/disciple them in Sunday school, and how the Lord called her back to the seashore where she grew up. Her ministry went from teaching these children about God and the bible, to the mothers inquiring about wanting to learn how to pray because their children modeled it, to starting up a women’s bible study. What led to a simple love and obedience is now a church plant to this small village on the sea. She has been with these families since the children were young and are now youth. She is able to speak into the lives of these children and women and therefore they are being raised into a solid foundation.
There is a prayer house church on the sand along with another church building which sets further on land. Our time with Norma and her husband Pastor Raul was to be spent cementing a floor for the church. This was a huge prayer request because when the rains come the dirt flooring becomes flooded and mud filled and then the church is not usable. It was great to be able to use “our” support to help this well deserving church.
The first day there were many workers (like too many cooks in the kitchen), so we gals found ourselves wandering the small alleyways of the village. We soon picked up on a few children who loved walking and searching for shells on the beach. It was beautiful and such a peaceful time of interaction.
After the stroll, I found myself being pulled into the prayer house on the beach. Pastora Norma knew my heart and love for disciplining woman, therefore brought in many to come in and fellowship with. I soon began meeting over a dozen beautiful women, one being named Jeanette. (Of course it was spelled differentlyJ). We chatted a bit and then Norma said “Do you have a word for them or prayer?” With honor, I asked if we could all stand up and hold hands. I than began to cover the community of women in prayer; from health, finances, to unsaved husbands and children. With hugs and handshakes, my afternoon was ended with being served fresh coconut juice and rice, and than taking an inviting swim in the sea with Molly (Yes with our clothes on!quite refreshing).Our first day with this ministry was over and we all fell in love with the sea, the village, and the people.
Our involvement didn’t end with the first day but continued on for two more days. We were anxious to get back to the well formed pathways, neat homes, and friendly community where everyone came out to greet you. The cement flooring was finished and it looked amazing.
On Sunday we had the privilege to run a children’s program, a youth time, a woman’s devotional meeting, worship and lastly covering the “new” church with prayer. It was a full day BUT a very blessed one. I was inspired to be apart of a ministry where there was so much love demonstrated for each other and for the Lord.
As we entered our last day, it was slowly moving into nighttime, and the view was magnificent. 
With the wind blowing, sun setting, and anticipation of the night to come I stood there embracing what God’s creation was offering. That night was an evangelism night; which held prayer, our DRIME presentation, and a film showing. The evening was perfect, clear skies, and an awe inspiring view of the stars. During the filming our team laid under the stars (since the film was dubbed in another language), and searched for shooting stars and soaked up the amazing constellations.
That evening many came up for prayer after the film showing, some seeking God for the first time , while others walked up in faith to receive healing and blessings from the Lord. We ended the evening with being served another amazing meal, pictures, hugs, and words of encouragement and prayer. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful time of service.
As I think back to the days that I fellowshipped and served with Pastor Norma and Pastor Raul, I smile. This couple has a heart for the Lord, strong faith and in all things glory is always given back to Him.
One last thought that tickles me…we were in our first initial meeting and they were talking about the weather, and how it was supposed to be big showers coming across the time that we would be setting in the new flooring. So here I am saying ” Oh let’s just pray right now and believe that God will hold the weather, I have sought His face many times and He has changed the course. So just ask Him and believe that there will be clear skies”. This was all said with sincere faith and humbleness, because we really did have limited time with them and this needed to be done. Well…later that day I didn’t realize the “rains” was actually a huge typhoon heading our way. Oh boy!!! My faith sure sounded huge when it was just rain showers, but you know what? Norma and Raul were right alongside of me with their huge faith seeking God’s hand over this time. Over the next days as the typhoon’s course changed so that it missed the area, I kept hearing Pastor Raul saying” God is so good, just look at that..” and praising Him for taking care of us. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by humble servants of the Lord. The strong faith, kindness, and genuine hearts made this time of ministry truly enjoyable and connecting.
