Unfinished Business

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the church in Colssians 4:17: "And say to Archippus, 'Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.'" Paul traveled around a lot preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, he never moved on until his job was done in the area he was ministering in. He really did listen to the voice of the Lord. The Lord used this verse in my life six years ago when I wanted to move at that time to be a full-time Missionary to Spain. The Lord told me "Not yet, it isn't time." Looking back, I can see God's hand on my life over the years. I would have missed out on some great times in the youth ministry of CC Upland. God used this verse again in my life in the month of May...

Graduation took place mid-May, and so ended yet another semester. I had just finished my 4th semester/2nd year at the Bible College here in Spain. This August will be 2 years I have been here in Mallorca. As I had mentioned in previous newsletters, I had been praying and thinking about moving on to mainland Spain. A long time ago, Raf and I agreed to have my final decision mid-May. To give him a 3 month notice was ideal in order to overturn the ministries I was involved in, and to prepare myself for the move. So graduation was taking place, Raf needed an answer, my visa was about to run out, my fleeces of faith were out, and Johnny needed an answer so he can prepare to move himself!

God truly was faithful and answered my prayers. I cried out in desperation and prayed: "Lord give me wisdom, I don't know what to do." Immediately the Lord spoke to me the verse mentioned previously. A verse I hadn't read in a while, a verse that was so powerful to me six years ago. Yes, I have unfinished business here in Mallorca. I believe my work is not done yet with Johnny or Mike. These two men are new believers and still need discipleship. The Lord also just opened wide the prison in Palma. We also found out that we can go in daily if we wanted to. There was so many obstacles at first, I honestly thought we weren't going to get in after all. God answered in a timely manner. So, looks like I will be committed here another year. Next year will be my 3 year mark and I will be able to apply for residency here in Spain.

On a practical note, God gave me favor and I was able to renew my visa for another year quite smoothly. Lord willing, after the five year mark I want to apply for dual citizenship.

At the end of the month, I was able to fly to El Rincon de la Victoria for 3 days to be with Ivan and Eunice. Steve and Catalina Flores were there as well for a one week vacation. It was there first time to Spain. It was great catching up with them both. We had a lot of laughs, fun, and fellowship. I was also able to share with all of them the news of me staying in Mallorca longer. I am now looking to prayerfully move there next year. As of right now, I am going to move in that direction unless the Lord intervenes and interrupts again.:) However, I told Raf he had me for another year and I would give him my best. Ivan and Eunice have been good to me and very supportive. They would still like to have me join them, but ultimately really want God's will for my life. Either way, I look forward to the years ahead as I serve as a Missionary here in Spain.

Until next time, be blessed by the love found in Jesus Christ!

By His Grace,
Eric

New Doors of Opportunity

Proverbs 16:9 states: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Most people have dreams, aspirations, hopes, and desires for their future. I would say when Christ gets a hold of that person's life, even more so. The questions you may find yourself asking is: "What if?" or "I wonder?" Many more questions like this flood our hearts everyday. We even make statements like: "Some day I would like to.." or "This would be a dream come true if this happened..." However, the great conflict comes when you ask yourself: "Do you want to do God's will or your will?" This struggle was very real for me during the month of April...

After a year and a half, we finally finished studying the book of Revelation at our Home Bible Study in Palma on the first week of April. The following week in light of Easter, we watched The Passion of the Christ. It was a very special time as we reflected on the power of the gospel in our lives to this day. Back in February I was already praying and thinking about what to do after Revelation. God answered very loud in many ways. So, in April we began a DVD series with Pastor Bob Coy (CC Fort Lauderdale). The series is titled "Building a Godly Marriage." Everybody in the group has really appreciated it and we have a lot of discussion after each study. There has been a lot of great feedback.

Earlier in the month, Raf asked a question that caught me off guard. First of all, Jimmy and I have been planning a conference for June when 4 pastors will be coming out to visit. Raf shared with me that they would be ordaining Jimmy into the ministry as a Pastor. Now, I have saw myself out here as a Missionary wearing different hats. The Pastor hat wasn't one of them. The question Raf asked me was if I would like to be ordained as well. I said NO due to many personal reasons. However, I wasn't being totally honest because I knew God was really calling me to this...

Mid-April we took the students to the other side of the island for the Semester Retreat. Our guest speaker was Pastor Rob from CC South London. Some of you might know him from the old rap group known as MOD. Five or six years ago I booked them for the youth group at CCU. He came with his wife and 2 kids. The theme was "God's Plan & Purpose for our lives." The whole week we studied through the book of Jeremiah. A book that God has used so often in my own life. It was the very last day of the Retreat that God nailed me. So on Sunday April 19th, I said yes to God and Raf concerning the ordination. After only 2 weeks God got his way. Please pray for me. The ordination service will be on June 17th. My parents will also be flying out to be a part of this special time in my life. God is good!

On Tuesday April 28th, Raf received a call from Johnny about some very exciting news. After almost exactly 8 months, Raf and I were finally accepted into the Prison in Palma! This is not only the prison for Mallorca, but all 4 islands here in the Mediterranean. It is one of the most corrupt prisons here in Spain with terroists from ETA there. I'm so excited for this new opportunity to share the gospel.

At the end of April, I had the privilege of teaching at our Men's Breakfast. The title of my message was, "What is a Real Man?" We looked at God's opinion of true manhood found in Jeremiah 9:23-24. Once again, God came through and we all were blessed we came.

Well, what can I say? To this day I still try to give God advice concerning my future:) In His loving care, He is more stubborn than we are. Some of the most miserable times in my life has been doing my will. On the contrary, some of the most joyous times have been doing His will!

By His Grace,
Eric

God's General Will

Paul the Apostle closed his first letter to the Thessalonians by stating in verse 18 of chapter 5: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." We as Christians many times can get so caught up with wondering what God's specific will is for our lives, that we neglect His revealed general will found in the pages of the Bible. This verse alone tells us that God wants us to be a thankful people in everything. I began to "chew" on this verse as I considered the month of March. I looked at my calendar from March 2008 as well. Here are just a few things I am thankful for...

Mike and I continue to meet almost every week for prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and of course food:) What I am grateful for the most, is the fact that he wants to meet every single week without fail. February marked exactly one year since Mike and I started meeting. I can honestly say as God is my witness, that never once has Mike canceled with me. March marked on my calendar exactly one year since I picked Mike up from the hospital due to his long battle with alcohol. He has now been sober for one year!!

In looking at this newsletter and slide show from a year ago, you will also note some other things. March 29th marked one year ago that my friend and roommate Johnny got saved!! March 31st marked one year ago that Raf and I baptized him in the Mediterranean sea. I really wanted to make Johnny's 1 year Born Again B-Day special. Johnny likes to eat generally at home, and loves to cook from which I usually benefit.:) So, I cooked him dinner. Yes, that's right I cooked, and no it wasn't oatmeal with a pop-tart! We then enjoyed a conversation about the Lord and what He has done in his life over the last year. Next, we enjoyed some ice cream together and watched "Fury to Freedom." This is a movie based on the testimony of Pastor Raul Ries (CC Golden Springs). Johnny was very moved seeing it for the first time. Even though I have seen it many times, I too was reminded of the power of God to change a life. After the movie ended, we both wiped our tears away and prayed together. I am very thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of His work in Johnny's life.

I also had the privilege of teaching on Sunday morning for Raf. I taught on the 4th commandment, which is to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. I titled the message "Have the day off." I just encouraged the congregation to not only find rest in Jesus, but to take a literal day off. I believe we all need a day where we can just stop working and really enjoy the day with Jesus. Now, I know this will vary, yet we miss out when we don't really set aside concentrated time to be with our Lord.

At the end of the month, all the students and almost the whole staff went to Rome. It is a fun, yet educational Semester trip. We go to many sites studying Church History and Bible History. My favorite site was Paul's prison. We all sit down and read the whole book of 2 Timothy together. They are Paul's "last written words" to Timothy before he would be martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. I then was thankful to be a Christian. I thought "wow." I am saved, my sins forgiven, I enjoy the unconditional love of God, and I'm going to Heaven!! What was sad though, was the fact that Rome is notorious for being very religious. It is the home of the Pope! Yet, it is such a dark city with many of its people still searching and seeking the truth about God. What is ironic, is the fact that the book of Romans is all about how to get saved and what the Christian life should look like. Paul wrote that letter to the Roman Christians 2,000 years ago and yet so few Romans have read it!!

In closing, may I challenge all of us to be thankful. To really count our blessings is healthy, especially as we serve the Lord. God has been so good to us over the years and we still have Heaven to look forward to!!!

By His Grace,
Eric

Reunion

King David exclaims in Psalm 139:17-18: "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You." God is always working, thinking, and planning. Jeremiah would tell us also that those same thoughts are good and not evil, thoughts to give us a hope and future. There is also no harm intended from His thoughts. He truly does orchestrate events and circumstances in our lives. I saw once again God answer prayer early in the month of February. It started with an unexpected e-mail at the end of January...

I had been praying for some time about the possibility of moving to mainland Spain and serving the Lord by helping with the ministry of Ivan and Eunice. Well, Pastor Randy e-mailed Ivan, Eunice, and myself informing us that he and Pastor Justin were coming to Spain. The Roybal family would also be coming. I hadn't seen all of them for 7 months. The weekend was packed with fun, food, flamenco, and fellowship. The trip went so well. We also had a prayer/discussion meeting about the future of the church Ivan was now pastoring. Pastor Randy, Pastor Justin, Tio Pepe, Paul Roybal, Ivan and myself were a part of this meeting. I couldn't have asked God for a better exchange of thoughts, opinions, ideas, and encouragement. I was also able to attend my first church service in El Rincon. Pastor Randy taught while Ivan translated. This reunion was definitely God-ordained!! I will keep you all posted concerning the development of my move to El Rincon de la Victoria, or staying here in Mallorca for another year. I know the right thing at the wrong time, becomes the wrong thing.

We also had another funeral this past month as one of our brothers Fred, passed on to be with the Lord. Every Sunday morning Fred was a pleasure to talk to. Fred heard my first teaching here at Santa Ponsa Community Church, and since then has encouraged me. He was a very kind man with sincere words. I am looking forward to my reunion with Fred in Heaven.

In closing, the highlight in the month of February was reuniting with some of my old church family. I came back to Mallorca with a fresh sense of what I am called to do as a missionary here in Spain. The support and backing of my home church and its leadership, does mean a lot to me. Thanks for your continued prayers and support Calvary Chapel of Upland! I also thank my other brothers and sisters in Christ for your love as well!!!

By His Grace,
Eric

Got Faith?

Sundar Singh said: "You cannot alter the will of God, but the man of prayer can discover God's will." We as Christians love quotes like these, but do we believe God's will is perfect, even when we don't understand it? I was challenged by this thought this past month in January...

German Yapeyu, a brother in our Spanish service was suffering from some health problems. After some treatment in the hospital, he came to church on Sunday January 4th. He was worshiping Jesus like never before with arms outstretched towards heaven. Raf had myself and the other leaders come up to lay hands on him for prayer. It was a very special moment as I felt him squeeze my shoulder in gratitude as I prayed for him. He then was admitted to the hospital later that week. The doctors discovered cancer throughout his entire body. He then passed away to be with our Lord on Sunday January 11th. We usually pray for a healing, and the person to get better. We don't expect just one week later for the person to not only get worse, but die. The truth is, God knew all along he was going to take our brother home one week later. He knew that he would ultimately be healed by receiving a brand new body built to last for eternity. German even told his family: "This is my last Sunday." God had really given him a peace that surpassed understanding.

Earlier in the month, I once again had the privilege of teaching on a Sunday morning for Pastor Rafael. I taught on Ecclesiastes 10:1-3, using Samson as an OT example of a man respected for wisdom and honor. It was a little folly here and there, that ultimately led to his downfall and demise. I exhorted the congregation and myself, that we can all become fools when we compromise.

I also went back to my tutor for Spanish Lessons. It had been 5 months since I had last met with her. Although I have studied Spanish on my own and practice with people here on the island, it was great to get back into formal language study. Please continue to pray for her salvation. Her name is Antonia. Our second lesson into it, unexpectedly we just talked about politics and religion in America and Spain. I loved it, especially because it was all in Spanish. Great practice:) She also gave me a lot of insight into the mind of an average Spaniard in regards to Christianity. She did this by speaking with me about the reign of General Franco and how he forced Roman Catholicism on the people. She remembers as a little girl in school, the cross next to Franco's picture on the wall. The teacher would then have them salute it. She described the experience to the Nazis in Germany saluting Hitler.

Ar the end of the month, Jimmy and I put together the church's first Men's Breakfast. Paul made some breakfast burritos, Marcus led worship, and Raf taught. The turnout was pretty good and we had a great time of fellowship with the men. Raf would like to do these breakfasts from now on every other month. Jimmy wants to also put together a Men's Retreat this year. I am truly thankful that God has blessed me with an awesome church family out here in Mallorca. I still miss my family in CA though:)

In closing, continue to pray to our Lord. May we continue to learn that answers like "No" or "Wait" are still signs of perfect love! My last image of German will always be him worshiping with passion Jesus Christ. In fact, he is doing that right now in Heaven! Peace out no doubt!

By His Grace,
Eric

End of 2008

End of Fall Semester 2008

Gail Sheehy said: "If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living." Change is what God wants for our lives. I am reminded of what Max Lucado said: "God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay the way you are." In fact, that is one of the many reasons why I came to Christ in the first place. I wanted Jesus to make me a new person from the inside out. Not only was December the mark of the end of the Fall Semester, but it also meant the end of 2008. I couldn't help but think perhaps the greatest work God has done out here on the mission field has been in me...

The month started out with a break in. It turns out two young men who used to attend the youth group were the ones who were guilty, and went straight for the money. This incident was tragic as the mastermind of the operation had broke into the church nearly one year earlier. Afterward, he went on to tell Raf that he was sorry and "felt God." Obviously, it was nothing more than words as he did it again. Raf then proceeded to go to the police station to work it all out. As a result, Raf asked me to teach the Bible Study for the Spanish service two hours later. One verse came to mind at that moment. Paul the apostle wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2a: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season..." As always God came through and His Word touched hearts and lives.

I also had the opportunity to teach at the last Men's Discipleship class. I was given the topic of "Discerning the will of God in the face of opposition." Many of these guys after the semester were aspiring to do full-time ministry positions or simply going home to get more involved with their church. One of the things I shared with them, is the fact that we can't expect to know God's specific will for our lives unless we do His general will for our lives. This was a truth that impacted me when I was in Bible College. Pastor Brian Brodersen had just got back from a being a missionary in London, England when he shared this in my Men's Discipleship class. I am so thankful that Romans 12:2 tells us that the will of God is good, pleasing, acceptable, and perfect.

In the middle of the month, we had a Graduation Ceremony for Solomon Padilla, who had been with us for 3 of his 4 semesters in Bible College. It truly was a privilege to have some part in his life and make some good memories. I truly am excited to see what God does with Solomon's life after Bible College.

This was also my first Christmas away from home. Although I missed my family and friends, God truly blessed me this past holiday season with a great church family. It is amazing how God sustains and strengthens us when we feel pain inside our hearts. I was reminded that the hardest part of being a Missionary is leaving behind the ones you love the most in this world. This is why it has to be a call from God and the motivation love for God. If you think about it, who in their right mind would leave their home, country, continent, family, friends, comfort zone, familiar surroundings, etc. to go and serve people they never met beforehand! Well, let me tell you something, it has been so worth it! This coming year, I hope and pray God continues molding me and shaping me into the Missionary that He wants me to be....

By His Grace,
Eric