It is now week four down here in Rosarito, and I want to thank all of you for reading these newsletters, praying and supporting this journey, all to the glory of Jesus. It seems like there is still no shortage of incredible (and unpredictable) opportunities that we are all honored and privileged to partake in, week after week; opportunities to live out the gospel in everything we do. This week was a very busy one, in which I was stretched in new ways and the Lord was, as always, faithful to lead and provide.
First, in our week’s reading of The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer I was hit with a powerful quote, not by coincidence. As many of you know, and can read from my previous newsletters, my ‘thorn in the flesh’ is anxiety, which can be broken down as mentally wrestling with a lot of problems that I don’t need to fight or figure out. Tozer says, “Let the seeking man reach a place where life and lips join to say continually, Be exalted, and a thousand minor problems will be solved at once.” To choose to continually look to Christ, despite the immediacy and the emotions of current circumstances, whatever they may be, is to please God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” This truth should be an anthem for my life, as His faithfulness has quite literally never failed me; though not easy to maintain, by His grace it truly is that simple for us to walk by faith. I have so much more I could share about that topic, as the examples of Israel looking to the bronze snake in order to live, or Peter looking to Christ as he walked on the Sea of Galilee come to mind. But I have to share at least a glimpse of what the past week entailed.
The week was jam packed, and the ministry outreaches were so fruitful. Twice we worked with Calvary Rancho Santa Cruz and their faithful pastor, Martín. The church building is all brand new, with finishing touches still being done on the second and third floors; while checking out the second floor, a friend showed me Martín’s boxing gym, because he also coaches boxing, naturally! He’ll often coach classes for kids and adults there, or do park outreaches where he uses boxing as a means to coach and connect with members of the community; an incredible opportunity to share the gospel. While checking out the setup, Martín came up to me and said, “today, you’re gonna be my disciple,” and before I knew it he put me through a 5-minute Rocky-esque training camp. It was humbling to say the least, but very fun!
This past Saturday we got to partake in an incredible outreach with the Kumayaay tribe. A Church was planted in their community 20 or so years ago. We partnered with the pastor and some local friends and had food, fellowship, testimonies, clothing handouts, and gospel presentations. I had the honor and privilege of giving a message and giving the gospel presentation at the end. Between Saturday and Sunday, Pastor Tim and I each got to teach, and in our prayer for God to use us, we were encouraged to remember that God could speak through a donkey! (Numbers 22:21-39). God answered our prayers, and on Saturday two local men committed their lives to the Lord (Ángel and Fausto); Flesh and blood did not reveal the truth to them but our Father in heaven!
The busy weekend continued with us returning to Calvary Rancho Santa Cruz to run the service and help with all of the ministries. It was an awesome experience, as I was privileged to hop on the drum kit, with Alani leading worship and Caleb playing the keys. I don’t have the specifics on where I’m called on the mission field, but wherever it may be, I want to continue to worship the Lord, greeting His people in songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. It’s one of the best joys of this life. During worship practice, a new friend of mine had some fills he wanted to try out!
In addition to these outreaches and opportunities, we had excellent guest speakers in class this past week; my notes were hectic and scatterbrained, as the Spirit constantly spoke through them in such powerful and impactful ways. Both are current workers in the field, with decades of experience. I’ll end this entry with a lesson that one of the guest speakers (currently working in the Republic of Georgia) shared in his lesson on Christlike Servanthood. I had mentioned the painting in pastor Eddie’s office, of Jesus washing Peter’s feet, from John 13; this same passage was taught in class. In reference to the beauty and simplicity of Jesus’ humility, the speaker said, “It’s really hard to feel better than someone when you wash your feet!” This is the key to regarding others as better than ourselves, as Paul says to the Phillippians! The great commandment of the New Testament, “Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another,” (John 13:34).
Praise Reports
- Angél and Fausto coming to know Christ on Saturday, and all the seeds planted throughout the week.
- The incredible speakers, and all that the Lord showed us through them.
- The unity in Spirit of this group of believers!
Prayer Requests
- For Angél and Fausto to stay connected with the Kumayaay Church; that their faith would bear lasting fruit!
- For each member of our staff and class to continue to trust the Lord in all things as we prepare for the next outreaches.
- For the Lord to hold my complete heart and focus, as He guides me more into His will.
- That His will be done!
