Party on!!

The church service Sunday night at Great Commission Church in La Libertad reminded me that language of the Holy Spirit is universal much like music or a smile. We had a supply of both as we sang songs that we have sung before at Open Door in Spanish. (We have a new appreciation for powerpoint by the way.) The band was rockin´ (I mean tear up the place with total annointed worship and instrumentation) and Pastor Dan delivered a great message out of Acts 1. We prayed over him, blessing him and asking God to slow his preaching down a little to accomodate the interpreter, which he did.´Pastor Ivo was excited to report that the message was well received.

Sunday afternoon we went door to door in very humble neighborhoods asking children and their parents to come to a party. It is hard to describe the conditions in which they live without getting choked up. Simple doesn´t really do it justice. Yet the people are very open to having conversations with gringos like us. We visited a home that was built last year by the church here. We will build something like that home this week. We gave out invitations to the party at GCLA (that´s how Í will refer to the organization we are working with here but it stands for Great Commission Latin America) better for having seen a little of where they live and their culture.

I must admit, I was skeptical as to how many would come. I was pleasantly surprised, no, really, a bit shocked as about 200 people came to party at 2 pm. All of them walked, and their faces lit up to see balloons, hear music and get to play for a couple hours out of the hot sun. What a fiesta!! We partied, played, hugged, loved and interacted with these beautiful people, both parents and children of all ages.

The party included many games and contests between boys and girls as well as swinging at two pinatas. There was a skit describing a version of the Prodigal son story put on by two actors who were very energetic. To see so many children enthralled for two hours was a miracle of sorts. When was the last time you were able to keep the attention of that many children for that long? They are hungry for something that they found here.

God has thrown a party for us, one that will last for eternity, but also starts right here and now. Celebration is an attitude, a matter of the heart. And so today´s word is fiesta. Party because we have a God who loves us, even when we are prodigal children. Party because God loves us so much He planned a celebration forever. We see that God is at work here in La Libertad which goes to show...that party can happen anywhere at anytime. Party on, friends!

God provides in El Salvador

¡Hola! We arrived safely to a soft rain in San Salvador, flying through a beautiful sky full of thunderclouds. The sunset was picture worthy, but not as amazing as the hospitality we have experienced since we landed. The two veterans of the trip, Don and Caylie, bolted toward Jose, Pastor Ivo Susanna and Evelyn greeting each other like family.

We took a two hour van ride through rivers of water on the winding roads with able drivers (thank you God). In the morning the tree across the road from where we are staying reminded us of God´s hand on us for protection and provision.

All luggage made it, though most of the contents were drenched by the downpours as our luggage came by way of the back of a pick up truck. We hung everything up, and went to bed to be greeted by the roaring waves of the ocean. The word for today, therefore< is...mojado which means...wet!

As we gathered for a protein rich breakfast of huevos (eggs), beans and bread we blessed God. Here we can give back as I have been given so much was one sentiment. There´s nothing like worshipping with the crash of waves in the background. We pray that God will use us today as we canvas the neighborhoods inviting people to church tonight. Thanks for your prayers!

Adventure of Loving in El Salvador

There are many opportunities to be a part of something larger than oneself in this lifetime, but often we opt out of the uncomfortable, unfamiliar to stay close to that which requires no stretching of ones resources, intellect or sense of adventure. This, my friends, is where 17 of us now find ourselves...ready to experience the time of our lives. El Salvador, here we come!

What we have in common is simple: we are a team of folks who love God and sense we are to make a difference on His behalf. We come from many backgrounds, have many talents, work different jobs, but we all love God. We have varied abilities, different dreams and fears, and various years of experience going on trips such as this one. We are men and women, teens and elders, but we all love God. Some of us are professionals, done with formal training, others not even out of school, but did I tell you…we all love God. We will work, sleep, eat, play, pray, read and learn together all for sharing the love of God. It’s our mission for the next week.

We covet your prayers and thank you for the support we felt as we were prayed over in the service on Sunday. We go representing you and Christ's Body known as Church of the Open Door. We go to honor the One who loves us and sends us. We go to love people….

So, as you join us on this adventure to El Salvador know that it is our mission to do one thing: LOVE. Love across borders, love through language differences, love because of the One who loved us all first. We will share His love this week. We hope you will check in with us to see and read about how our Adventure of Loving is going.

Twinkie Connection

Psalm 139 says I was fearfully and wonderfully made. I believe that, but I also believe that I was uniquely blessed with a twin sister who, aside from the mysterious connection I had with the mother who birthed us, has been connected to me in some form or fashion since birth. She was my first introduction to being connected.

We spent 9 months together like twinkies, then popped out 2 minutes apart at 1:44 and 1:46 am on a brisk fall day in New Jersey. (I am older, just to stall your curiosity) She's the blonde; I've still got the original color. We have been through thick and thin, years of connecting at all hours of the day and night have cemented our prenatal relationship into a real, authentic sister connection. Yeah, we do have that twin thing going...she senses when I am needing her and visa versa. How incredible to have someone so perceptive in your life.

Maybe you don't have a twin or a sister, but you have a sister-in-law or a good friend. You know who I am talking about, someone who just gets you. It's a blessing to have that on earth; it's an even greater blessing to know that type of relationship for eternity.

As much as I treasure who my sister Carlee is, there is One whose friendship I hold on to even tighter. It's my relationship with God through His unbelievably faithful Son, Jesus. If I do or say anything of value in this lifetime, it is only by His provision that it is done. I hope you know a friend who is closer than a brother or sister. (Proverbs 18:24)

In John 15:15, Jesus tells us that as his friends, he will share with us what he has learned from his Father. That's some pretty significant connecting. I trust you know Jesus as a friend in your life. If not, I hope that this blog encourages you to check Him out. He wants a connection with you, and He gave up his life to prove it.