After speaking with the Samaritan woman, Jesus took the opportunity to share important truths with His disciples. He tells them in John 4:35: "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" Jesus then went on to say in verse 37: "For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.'" In all seven continents of the world, there are people ripe for the message of Jesus. The month of October was a month of rejoicing...for souls were reaped.
On Monday October 4th, Ivan and I went to the Extranjeria for the 3rd time, since coming back here. Fortunately, Ivan had become pals with the police officer the last time we went. As a result, we didn't have to wait long in line, and were able to speak with the people in charge. I also got in contact with the American Embassy to ask a few questions in regards to the visa...then take a day and print out a ton of paperwork.
We went on our 2nd annual Church Retreat from Friday October 29th to Monday November 1st. The theme was titled "Conozco tus obras." In English it would be "I know you
r works." We studied the seven letters, written to the seven churches found in Revelation 2-3. We found it interesting, that for every single church Jesus would start out by acknowledging their works. Ivan and I felt this would be perfect for Calvary Chapel El Rincon. We wanted each member of the church to ask themselves, what kind of church were they corporately and individually. It was a weekend full of Bible teaching, worship, food, fellowship, and fun, as we played some games. We also did a movie night, where we showed "The Passion of the Christ." Afterwards, Ivan shared the gospel and we closed in communion.Ivan, Tio Pepe, and myself, shared in the responsibilities of teaching. I was given two sessions. I taught on the church in Ephesus, which was the church without love. The one thing Jesus had against them was leaving Him, their first love. I personally hope and pray, to continue having my relationship with and to Jesus, to be my number one priority. My second teaching was on the church in Thyatira, which was the church without truth. I challenged the congregation to simply know why they believe, what they believe. I then
encouraged them to do their homework as a Christian. To love the Lord with all of their mind as well.In late September or early October, a couple from Paraguay started attending the church. There names are Hugo and Maura. They definitely seemed interested as to what was going on at our church. Their daughter Karen, like all of her friends, was an atheist. She refused to come to church...that is until Sunday October 3rd. She continued to come every Sunday to church, as Ivan taught through the book of Romans. She even came consistently every Wednesday night to our prayer meetings. Tio Pepe leads these, as we study through the gospel of Joh
n, and he commentates in a devotional type way. Karen participated, as she read the Scriptures and devotional out loud...she even prayed...followed by emotion and tears. We knew God was working in her. The Arevalos family and I became friends during the month. They even invited me over their home on a Sunday afternoon for some lunch. I was able to share a bit of my testimony and the gospel. Through the month...I was also continuing to plant seeds of truth into Karen.Hugo, Maura, and Karen were able to attend the retreat. In between sessions...Karen was really battling internally, and even downright argumentative with me. I continued to just share the Scriptures, and preach the gospel to her. After every encounter, I would go to Ivan and tell him my concern, and just say: "We need to continue praying for her." At the same time...we as a leadership had our doubts about her parents truly walking with Jesus. On the last day of the retreat, Ivan taught on the church in Laodicea, which was the lukewarm church. Ivan had given an altar call after the movie night...with no response. He went ahead and gave another one...this time with four hands raised!! Hugo, Maura, Karen, and a woman named Paqui, raised their hands to accept Jesus. There was a lot of emotions and excitement in the room. Paqui is actually an older woman, who has attended the Baptist church in Malaga for years...and was invited to the retreat by Ivan's mom.
Someone once said: "Missions is God prepared messengers, sent to God prepared people." Biblically speaking, the whole world is a "Mission field." Jesus would say to you and me today..."The Fields are White for Harvest." There are people ready for Jesus...
By His Grace,
Eric
