Open the Gates!

The story of Los Pomos is continuing to unfold, as God moves and works in ceaseless, transcendent grace. This second entry is written in response to a unique, first hand experience I had a couple weeks ago. After my discussion with Bau on the progress of the church planting ministry, he invited me to accompany him the following afternoon and see what’s going on. It was a great excursion.
Bau and Fe are currently sharing on the book of John with every family, providing listeners with a solid introduction and paving the way for a flourishing relationship with Jesus Christ. At the first house we visited we were immediately welcomed to sit down and before long a group had gathered around us, enjoying the company. We broke the ice with cups of coffee all around and some good-hearted jests that had everyone laughing. From there on, we proceeded to look into the Scriptures.

One young woman, la Gringa, shared what she had learned from the first chapter of John. It was incredible; the Lord had really opened her eyes to some key truths found in this rich text. She spoke of the concept of the Word- Jesus- this Eternal Creator of the universe, stepping down into his own creation, and the irony and sadness that they did not recognize him. He came to live among humans, and they regarded him as a mere human being- a Nazarene. Yet, for those who saw that he was unlike any person who had ever lived- for those who believed in him- he gave the right to become sons. She went on to express how this new birth is through faith and from God; I think we were all blown away. She might as well have been leading the lesson. Later she mentioned that she had gone through the whole book of John. Such passion is beautiful to see.

The conversation progressed, and la Gringa expressed how, upon the cross, the onlookers mocked Jesus and challenged him to prove he was God’s Son. The question arose: what if Christ had come down from the cross?
Fe replied that, if Jesus had done so, we would be without hope. He referred to the Old Testament story where God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because justice demanded it. How much more cataclysmic, Fe continued, would such judgment be today- in a world of such sin? It would be hundredfold, he concluded.
Inevitably, this conclusion pointed forcefully to the necessity and centrality of Jesus. Without him, we are lifeless. Such dependence and amazing thankfulness brought us into prayer. It was a good time of sharing and I feel that the entire family gained new and positive perspectives that afternoon. In the end, the glory rises to God- the one who gives understanding and softens hearts to his liberating message.
It is our prayer that these sparks of the gospel will grow into a roaring, victorious blaze, the beauty of Christ being fully proclaimed, portrayed and worshipped in Los Pomos. I encourage you to make it your prayer as well.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 8th, 2007 at 8:15 pm and is filed under Missionary's View, General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.