I attended worship services first at Primera Baptista along with the mime team and about a dozen others. The mime team presented the plan of salvation; Bruce Callendar and Rocky led several songs. Approximately a dozen church members attended. The most significant memory at this service was Pastor's comments regarding how sad the church was at this time-- a teenager known by the congregation was killed violently by gang activity. Another significant memory was the joy and excitement that members of our group had as they showed the work done last year.
We traveled by bus to Mission Solo Cristo, where we were greeted by the pastor at the bus. This church had many people worshipping today. They were so kind, friendly, and welcoming. The worship was so genuine and very real. Our mime team presented the gospel with the Redeemer play. The most memorable moment of this service was when the pastor brought a man forward who wanted to speak to us. He had taken the time to try to write the English words he wanted to communicate. As he tried to speak in English, his words were compelling-- how he loved God, loved his country and this city, but was broken-hearted over what must be an acceleration of drug trafficking, gangs, and the violence associated. His words urged us to partner with them in caring for and praying for the people of San Luis Potosi. He broke down in tears. It was so emotional to me. Jose called us to circle the members of the church and pray for them, this beautiful city, for Mexico. I love this body of believers and this loving pastor... feel connected.
It seems that a common thread is weaving its way through the experiences of today's services-- there are broken hearts, a sense of urgency to pray and to present Christ, and to seek Him regarding the problems mentioned earlier. Church services ended at 2:00! It didn't seem that it could possibly be this late and no one was in a rush to leave.
We left for our block party at Mission Loreta at 3:00. This was so much fun! The kids were so enthusiastic and there were kind, supportive moms standing nearby. I especially have become attached to Brenda and Brenda-- two 5th grade girls, and Lupe, a little sister of one of the Brendas. We swung and played frisbee, and they were patient with my limited spanish, even laughing at my name! I really look forward to seeing them tomorrow when our mime team is at their location. Tonight, I must learn how to ask them if they know Christ in Spanish. I need to be able to say more!
At 8:00, we left for the plaza. We were on the steps of either a museum or a library-- beautiful plaza, beautiful architecture, and people mingling. We sang a few songs and a crowd gathered. It began to rain, but stopped very quickly. The mime team presented, and the crowd was so attentive! Gilbert Lozano spoke and prayed and at least ten people came forward to speak to him, Cindy, or Jose, saying they had prayed the prayer. Many of these were young men-- it reminds me of that common thread! My immediate impression was that God was already answering the prayers of our services today. There was one young man who watched for a long time in the crowd, wandered up the steps standing behind us against a column, and watched more. It seems that God was working because eventually he wandered down to Gilbert. What an incredible evening it has been!
I also enjoyed a little boy who sat beside me on the steps during the mimes and Gilbert's talk, with blue cotton candy as big as I've ever seen. He'd lean into me and we exchanged smiles. I found his parents standing behind us, amused that he'd found this spot in the middle of our group upon the steps.
I can't imagine what God will unfold tomorrow.
-Candy Altena
1 comment:
God has great things in store for the team this week. Satan is attacking because he knows the only hope of the city of San Luis Potosi and its problems with violence and drugs is the gospel ... so keep sharing it.
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