Christ in Yera Cruz

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, ² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”

Today was an awesome day in the Andes Mountains. Our team traveled about an hour up to a little village nested on top of a mountain 10,600 feet above sea level: Yera Cruz. From there, our team split up into groups to prayer-walk the village and offer bibles to anyone who would accept one. And man, God is working in that place! The first time the local missionaries tried to reach the village for Christ, they were driven away with sticks and stones. Literally. But through Gabriel’s work with plants and animals, a door was opened so that the Gospel could be shared. However, the cultural catholic influence is strong. There is one man in Yera Cruz who was a believer before today, and he faces persecution. One of our groups encountered an old woman who explained that the villagers believe that the Virgin Mary is punishing the entire village because the one man turned away from Catholicism. (This belief stems from a high level of rain this year that is causing minor mud slides). Our group, though, was able to explain that Mary is not God and should not be worshiped. Nevertheless, Satan still is trying to prevent the people of Yera Cruz from hearing the true Word of God. However, Christ will not be stopped. Soon, a bible study is to begin in the village, and there is a great interest. Please pray that our brother in Christ will be able to effectively teach the Word of God to the people there, and that salvation will come to that place.

                Today, as the team prayerwalked, 4 people accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Amen! Also, because a bible study is soon to begin, those 4 people may very well be able to reach those around them for Christ, and He will be glorified. Gloria! There are other team members who had awesome experiences, but I will relate just a couple of mine. Before lunch, we were prayer-walking on the very top of the mountain, and after a couple of house visits my group came to the house of the first believer in Yera Cruz. There we were able to fellowship with him, encourage him, and pray for him. He is a man of such faith and strength, and I pray that God will use him in a mighty way. After lunch, my group came upon several children, and Mrs. Jill and I were able to share Christ with them using a Gospel-color soccer ball and a translator. It was very exciting and nerve-wracking, all at the same time! Finally, we came up to a house, and while Gabriel spoke to the adults I engaged (or tried to) the children in conversation. They all wanted bibles, and I was very excited that they understood most of what I was trying to tell them. They were curious and interested, but there was one girl who was particularly attentive. I pray that God will speak to her heart through His word, and that she will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal lord and savior. The hearts of children are amazing, Oh God shine in them!

                So the first day was awesome. Thank you all for your prayers, and God Bless! Keep the prayer coming! Gloria a Dios!