On Friday we went to the Pedregales neighborhood with Pastor Diego, Mama Olga, and their son Samuel. We met Mama Olga and Samuel the first day we arrived in San Pedro. They were with Pastor Willy and Mama Christina for our arrival. They are the pastors of the Assemblies of God church in this neighborhood about 2.5 miles from Pastor Willy’s church. I remember being drawn to Mama Olga almost immediately. She is a woman who is spunky, kind, genuine, fierce, and lovely. She loves well and oozes Jesus. I love that she wants to practice her english with us and she is always trying to help us with our Spanish. I can only imagine the kinds of deep conversations we would have if there was no language barrier between us because the depth of connection I feel toward her already. The conversations we have had have ranged from super intentional tear filled conversations to hilarious joking. She loves to dance, sing and is 100% mama Olga. I don’t think you could change her if you tried to. She is so comfortable in her own skin and knows who the Lord created her to be. She desires for every person she meets to know who they are in Christ and to live into the freedom He has for them.
Friday was the first time we met Pastor Diego. He is a quiet, kind, steadfast and wise soul. He is the perfect companion to a vivacious woman like Olga. Although I have not had many conversations with Pastor Diego I just know that he sees people for who they are. He looks you in the eyes it feels like he can see into your soul. He has that look that only a Dad can give that makes you want to spill your guts about anything and everything. I love that about him. He took my team out into the neighborhood to evangelize and the boldness with which he approached people and talks with them about Jesus is inspiring. These are people in his neighborhood. People he can and probably will interact with again. I know that when I was at home in the states I had a really hard time approaching people who I didn’t know, let alone talk to them about Jesus. So where does his boldness and courage come from? I know that he would tell me that his courage comes from knowing Jesus and wanting everyone in his neighborhood to know him as well. His heart for people is so BIG!
Samuel, Olga and Diego’s son has the lightest spirit. He can light up a room just by walking into it. Every time I see him he gives me a hug and is always trying to make us laugh. He knows very few english words but the language barrier is a very low wall, something that is easily jumped over with him. He is only 13 years old and is already following in his parents footsteps. When we went out to evangelize on the streets in his neighborhood he came with us and was not shy about meeting new people and telling them about christ. He brings joy, peace, and the love of Christ everywhere he goes.
I am so thankful to have met this family and connected with them so deeply. They are powerhouses for the kingdom and are making a huge impact in their neighborhood!
One of the days we were at their church was Suze’s birthday. We didn’t even think to tell Mama Olga until half way through I day with them. As soon as she found out she sent someone to the store to buy a cake, balloons, coke, and a candle to celebrate her well. It was the sweetest surprise party ever because it was a total surprise to everyone of us. This is just one of the many generous and hospitable things Mama Olga did for us.
Pastor Diego, Myself, and Mama Olga
Samuel
Pastor Diego, Connor, and Myself
Suze’s Surprise Party
