How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
For the 20 days that we are in Palenque, we are blessed to work alongside Iglesia Olivo, a local Christian congregation. We are helping out with Sunday services, youth group, kids programs, music, home cell groups, etc. The Lord is stretching us right off the bat and is moving in powerful ways.
A week ago, the ministry that was planned for our time in Palenque fell through. But God had other plans from the beginning. Iglesia Olivo was not only an answer to our prayers, but we were an answer to the prayers of Pastor Nestor and Selena (husband and wife co-pastors of the church). This morning during joint prayer between the World Racers and members of Olivo, Pastor Nestor testified to the faithfulness of our God Almighty…
After a while of corporate prayer, Chad asked if Pastor Nestor could share what was on his heart. Tears started to pour down Pastor Nestor´s cheeks and he humbly started to sob in response to our God who hears…hears our prayers, knows our hearts and rejoices in the fragrant offering of our tears. After a few minutes, he begins…
“Recently there have been some struggles with our congregation. My wife, Selena, and I have been praying for revival. But we knew that the only way that this revival was going to take place not only in our church, but amongst the people of Palenque, was to bring outsiders in. But we had no idea how God was going to answer this prayer,” he begins to tear up again. “We did not, and still do not, have any money to bring missionaries to this area. We did not even have any contacts to try to get a hold of. We knew this was the cry of our heart and that God wanted us to accept “strangers” into our midst, but we had no idea how this was going to become a reality.”
He pauses, sits back in his chair and continues with a smile this time, “The other day when I found out that you guys needed a place to sleep, I audibly heard the voice of the Lord, ´These are my children, you are to accept them into your church. Open your home to these “strangers” for they are carriers of my Word and they will bring revival to your church.´” He leans forward and places his elbows on his knees. Looking up at us, he begins to cry again, “God heard our prayers and in his mercy and perfect timing, he answered the cry of our heart. I am humbled by his faithfulness and goodness.”
Goosebumps rippled through my entire body. God has an amazing purpose for the people of Iglesia Olivo. He will reach the city of Palenque through them. They will remain and be His hands and feet and mouth long after we leave. He is raising up leaders and disciplers and evangelists among the congregation. He has spoken Zechariah 1:1-17 over them. With the basic understanding being “Return to me (Lord Almighty), and I will return to you and send you out to reap a harvest. You will once again overflow with prosperity.”
¡Gloria a Dios!
