Running on Empty

16Jul

¡Hola familia!

This week was packed full with outreach, learning, and fun bonding with our team. We are daily in awe that with each opportunity to grow, even as new challenges emerge, God continues to teach us what it means to lay down our lives in submission as an act of worship to Him. Although it is not easy, those ancient yet forever relevant words impart courage to us as they echo in our ears: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.

The team at the dump

Kicking off our week of outreach, we were at the dump Tuesday and it went very well! Unlike what one may imagine upon hearing that name, where we were in the dump wasn’t all that filthy. Upon first driving in, there is a little community where each resident has repurposed junk into a shack of a home. Surrounding the homes, we found heaps, mounds and repurposed tarps filled with anything of value that can be sold, especially recyclables. A few had managed to get a hold of piles of finely shredded metals, and were sifting for copper. One man was taking an axe to the front end of a car chassis. Each person was doing what they could, with what they’ve been given, to make a living. The sad truth, however, is that this living comes from selling these resources to the mob, who consequently pay them in money, drugs or alcohol, which are oftentimes the very things that have them there in bondage physically, mentally and spiritually. James was given the opportunity to share a beautiful message out of John 8 about "Who the Son sets free." There were about five or six that stayed for the entire teaching, as some, possibly having only stopped by to be polite, quickly went back to their work (or in one instance to inspect a cloud of smoke coming from their property). Although we were sad some of them didn't get the full message, we wholeheartedly believe that "The Word of God does not return void." Only the Lord knows how He will use those things they heard to minister to them again in the future! Afterwards, we got to surround and love on those people that stayed (some of which were believers), praying for their various needs and listening to them share about their lives and their work. It was truly a blessing!

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

The trash on the edges of their encampment

For our second outreach, we went to a bustling swap meet in Playas de Tijuana. Our group was split into two, as we alternated manning the booth we had set up and going out to evangelize and invite people to church. As with most of our outreaches, our booth had balloon animals, face painting, and manicures; and this time we had the addition of a prize wheel, where James got to expand his Spanish with passers-by. This drew quite a bit of attention from the shoppers passing by, and led to many families receiving the gospel, especially since “evangelio” was one of the spaces on the wheel; it was also the perfect position for James as he is so friendly and kids love him! In one of the pictures, you see that I (Tatiana) am praying for a woman at the market who came to our booth. The lady spoke English, and I came to find out after praying that she was from Santa Ana and has friends who attend our church (Calvary Chapel Saving Grace)! Of course, this led to a perfect opportunity to invite her to church when she is back in the U.S. As we were evangelizing on the street, we met a man named Moses, who was just standing in a pharmacy, and instantly locked eyes with our leader Gary. It was definitely a divine appointment as Moses was a Mormon and Gary is well-versed in the Mormon ideology. The whole time Moses was smiling and receptive, and after praying for him, he enthusiastically said “I love you!” to us all. We ask that you would partner with us in prayer for Moses and for the many others here who are deceived by a false doctrine, a doctrine of demons, as the Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness cults are quite prevalent here.

Ministering to an Orange County local

Each week we are given books to read that are focused on different areas of growth in the Christian life. This week we read Absolute Surrender, by Andrew Murray, and I think it is safe to say that anyone who reads that book will never be the same! One of the challenges it poses to Christians is as follows: “As long as we are something, God cannot be all”. Essentially, as long as I am relying on my own strength and taking pride in my abilities, how will I then be dependent on God to move and work in my life? For Him to be glorified, we need to recognize the helpless state we find ourselves in, as sinners who cannot save themselves, and pray that He would help us to empty ourselves so that we are rather completely reliant on Him for everything we might need. This, of course, requires humility and self-denial, but why should that be surprising? After all, wasn't it Jesus who required this of those who desired to walk with Him: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23)? Will you pray to be emptied of yourself today, so that He can fill you with more of Himself?

Gira la Rueda!

At the current moment, James and I have $3,100 raised for this Mexico trip, which means we still have another $2,300 until we are fully funded. If you feel led to partner with us in any amount in this ministry, you can do that by clicking the “Give” button at the bottom of the page.

We appreciate and thank God for all of you!

Prayer Points:

We are looking forward to another three outreaches this week, from Thursday to Friday. Please pray that these would go well and that many would come to know Christ!

That we would be emptied of self to be filled with Him

For Tatiana’s family, as her great-grandmother, Marisol just passed away

Provision for our remaining CSOM balance ($2,300)

For the clearing of our personal debt ($7,000)

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - Philippians 4:19

Lord bless you richly - according to the riches of His mercy and grace!

The Albano's