Tuesday night our new church came to our house to visit. I'll just go ahead and say it is our church because it seems like they have chosen us rather than the other way around. About 12 people gathered in our house, young and old, and we sang songs and they prayed for us and our house. Probably the most moving thing for me was just how open and loving they were to us. Just like the pastor said, as soon as we walked into the church Sunday it felt like we had been there for a long time. We already have a vision of our house becoming a place where people can come and relax or play, a place where we can love on people and help our church grow. In Latin American churches in general, as in this church as well, it is hard to be a bench warmer. They get you involved. Guess who is preaching Sunday? That's right. That will be a first for me and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Last, I just want to share a couple verses with you that the church dedicated to us on Tuesdat night:
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 146:5-10