Wow! What an experience I have had here in Palenque and the surrounding areas. Sunday was our last day in Jerusalen, so we were able to go to church and worship and say good-bye to all of our new found friends. Sometimes as I would walk down the street I would hear the children just calling my name. I will miss them terribly.
I shed many tears as our team was called up to the front of the church to sing a song for them in English first and than in Spanish. After singing the song, Pastor Samuel asked me to say a few words to the church. As I looked out unto the congregation to thank them, I noticed them all crying. At that moment I was just overwhelmed with love and joy and tears as well. It all started to sink in that we were saying good-bye to our wonderful brothers and sisters.
Pastor Samuel, was able to talk to Cruz via my satellite phone. He was really excited because he was able to let loose and talk to Cruz in Spanish. He wants to meet Cruz and has invited us back for a vacation when Cruz returns from Iraq and me from the World Race.
During my stay here in Jerusalen, I felt God telling me that He wants my church, Hoboken Fellowship Chapel, to return here to do missions work. This area is very difficult, because in many of the villages Christians are persecuted. However, God wants to use my church in being a part of breaking down these walls!
Last week we were brought to a town, San Pedro, where Christians are not allowed. We brought the love of Jesus to them by just loving them and bringing joy to their lives. As we left, the children ran down the street chasing us because they didn’t want us to leave. God is just breaking down those walls and opening doors for us to share His name. AMEN!
I love you all and I miss you all dearly! May you be filled with God’s blessings! We leave for our next leg of the race to Guatemala on Thursday. We will be getting a new team member from South Africa. His name is Loyd. Pray that our wonderful van runs smoothly and that we are all safe on the journey. One more thing, Cruz is visiting me in Guatemala for 4 days! Yeah! I know I will post about that one….
