Meet Marco and his beautiful wife, Clara. Marco is one of the most joyful, Christ-centered men I have ever met. This unsung hero and his wife have dedicated their whole lives to serving God and building the kingdom. He works for an audience of One. He is not affiliated with or supported by a church or organization, but steps out each day in complete faith and trust in God to guide him and provide for him and his family. Marco describes himself as a traveling evangelist who connects with pastors in the cities and in the villages, encouraging them, spreading the love of Jesus and serving the poorest of the poor.
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to the jungle of Guatemala with Marco, Clara and two of my teammates- Bryan and Kaitlyn. On our 11 hour car ride (each way!) we had the chance to hear his story, learn about what makes his heart beat and how he fits into God's plan. Before God called him to be a “traveling evangelist,” he was a photographer and a palm reader. Early on, he identified that he had a gift for being able to speak life to people and was able to accurately predict their future. He believed in God during this time, but was not living a life fully surrendered to God. One day, when having some financial struggles, he began asking God why life wasn't going well. It was then that God first spoke to him. Marco describes it this encounter with God as a movie of his life and all his sin being played in vivid detail before his eyes. In that moment, he gained a new understanding and fear for God, desiring to know Him in personal way.
Since then, Marco has been living every day by faith. He asks God to point him in the right direction and starts driving. “God-incidences” are the norm in Marco's life. Before setting out on his evangelical adventures, he starts praying, expecting to hear from God. He does not work under a time clock, but lets God lead. While driving, he randomly bursts out in song, singing the song that God has written on his heart. He believes in a lifestyle of worship- not just a Sunday morning church service.
Marco also believes in the importance of using what God has given us to heal sickness, disease and prevent health problems. On the drive, he told us about many alternative remedies, including his favorite, moringa. He believes this is the answer to fight malnutrition and has been spreading the word about it on his evaneglical journeys. He wants us to spread it throughout Africa and other countries we visit along the way. Marco also told us natural remedies in charcoal, garlic &water, B17 vitamin, MMS & lemon and apricot seeds. He told us that one time he had cancer, took apricot seeds and prayed and was healed completely within 8 days. This sounds straight crazy, huh?! I want to do more research into this, but as Marco pointed out, God has given us so much on this earth, so why couldn't some of these be the answer to illness and disease? Just something to chew on :).
I have learned so much from the faith of this man. During our long car ride to the jungle, I could literally feel the presence of God traveling with us. He taught me that God really will provide. We did not have a place set up to spend the night once we arrived in Chahal, but Marco knew that God had a place in mind. Upon arriving, we met a man, Francisco, who offered for us to stay in the parsonage of his church. The following night consisted of the same scenario. We had been invited to stay the night at Rudy's house, a pastor friend of Marco's we had met on our journey. Marco wouldn't commit to this offer, but just said, “we'll as God and see what He says.” He truly lives out Luke 10 like faith, entering a town and staying with people who accept you, eating what they put before you and preaching the kingdom of God.
The parsonage where we spent the night in Chahal
Marco is so in tune with God which shines through in the pure joy of his somewhat sneaky little smile. He has definitely helped me develop a heart for Guatemala and invited me many times to stay here and work with him. His invitation felt like a direct invitation from God to stay here. I know it is early on in the Race, but I absolutely love Guatemala and feel like God is calling me here (more on that in my next blog!). His hospitality has gone above and beyond to serve us and introduce us to all of his pastor friends who are living out the same radical faith. I am so thankful for the lessons he has taught me, the faith he has demonstrated right before me and the ways I have seen God meet our needs. Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, God did lead us back to Rudy's house for the night. 🙂
