Decisions, Decisions

Wisdom from the Bible states this in Proverbs 20:24: "A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?" I have learned and continue to learn that right when you think you have the will of God perfectly figured out, you don't. It is great to plan, it is wise and Biblical. God himself has plans. Salvation being the greatest plan of all! Talk about being really thought out! However, we cannot be proud and have to be willing to adjust our plans. It is so important to truly ask Jesus what the plan is. The month of November was a time of planning...

At my going away party back in July 2007, I announced as in other instances that my minimum commitment to Spain would be 5 years. I knew without a shadow of a doubt, God had pressed this on my heart. This vow and commitment to Him and myself I continue to take seriously. Most of you know that Pastor Raf does one year increments of commitment, and I am committed here until August 2010. This will mark 3 years...

I really sense it is time to make another firm/final decision regarding where I serve in Spain. Taking advantage of going home for the holidays and seeing Church Leadership in person, I will be making a final decision in January. Lord willing, one of two things can happen by August of next year. I will either move on to serve alongside with Ivan & Eunice in Malaga, or just stay here in Mallorca until the 5 year mark. Someone might ask: "Will you then go to Malaga or stay in Spain even longer?" To this I say "One step/decision at a time." I will cross that bridge when I get there. This coming February will be two and a half years I have been serving here.

I called Ivan this past month and had a great conversation with him as we discussed my future in this country. He was very honest and open, not to mention sincerely wanting what the Lord wanted. I plan on giving him another call here in the month of December. I also spoke with Raf at the end of the month. This conversation also went better than I anticipated. He was very understanding, as well as assuring me that I have already been here longer than I originally planned. It is nice to know I have the "blessing" of both pastors whatever my choice. I want my heart and head to be clear so I can hear the Lord's voice in my life. Please pray as the time draws near for the decision to be made...

The youth ministry at the church is in a transition period right now. Jimmy has put a rotation in effect until our new youth leader arrives in January. I was privileged to teach two Sunday mornings. Due to the youth having doubts and many questions regarding the Christian faith and the Bible, Jimmy asked me to share my series: "Why the Bible?" It was so awesome to have the kids really pay attention, and have some of their questions answered.

Due to almost the whole student body at the Bible college being American, we had a Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone dressed up nice and did a great job contributing tasty dishes. We had prayers of thanksgiving to Jesus, worship, and fellowship.

On Saturday November 28th, we did our first Q&A at Module #9. Every first week of the month we are having the prisoners write down questions. Questions regarding the Bible, Christianity, creation, God, Jesus, church, religion, etc. Then every last week of the month, Raf and I will make a session out of their questions instead of doing a regular Bible Study. We genuinely want to know what they are thinking. We had 5 questions from the group this time around. They ranged from prayer for souls, to how do I get more faith, to why does God allow pain and suffering in the world.

In closing, I appreciate all of you who read these blogs. It is nice to know that many, if not all who read these newsletters will be praying for me...

By His Grace,
Eric

Module #9

Proverbs 11:25: "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself." God doesn't need any of us to do the work of ministry in the world. He simply loves us and invites us to join in the work He is already doing. In the month of October, I was reminded by the Lord to get outside of myself and serve others. Herein lies true happiness and freedom. We will also find that holiness is synonymous with happiness...

On Saturday October 17th, Raf and I started going to the prison twice a week. The guys at Module 9 requested a weekly Bible Study. This was the first Module we went to when Raf and I went to the prison for the first time back in September. We are going to continue going on Thursday nights with Benjamin & Francisco, visiting a new Module every week. Raf and I are also learning policies, procedures, and other practical things with these two men. To learn what we can and cannot do. It is also important for us to begin relationships with the guards as they get to know our faces around there.

The first couple times we went to Module 9, I shared the gospel and some basic things concerning Christianity. Then I felt led to teach on a series I did some years ago entitled: "Why the Bible?" We look at among other things how the Bible can be proven historically, scientifically, archaeologically, prophetically, etc. I teach every week while Raf interprets. At the end we open it up to questions and comments. One of the greatest joys is the time of prayer at the end. It is one thing to gather in a circle with arms on one another's shoulders, and quite another thing to actually hear the prisoners pray to Jesus themselves.

We as a team took the students to the other side of the island for the Semester Retreat. We had no guest speaker this time, but instead Raf did all the teachings. He taught on Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesus. The theme was: "Rooted and Grounded in Love." Everyone was challenged in examining how we were all doing in the most important area of our Christian lives. Truly it was an occasion for me personally to spend some quality time with Jesus and do some reading.

Through some prayer, thinking, other opinions given, a meeting, the Home Fellowship I was starting to teach in Genova ended last month. I will spare you the details, but I do want to say praise God for different seasons. I have found that sometimes God closes a door to open a new one. I can now focus even more so on the prison ministry. Raf has also recently put me in charge of anything that falls under "outreach." I will expound in future newsletters, but there is also something new coming up. Another staff member named Jose and I, will be starting to street witness in the city of Palma...

Jose and I on October 31st, attended a gathering for those who serve or served in prison ministry from all the other churches. This included other prisons in Spain. We had a time of worship, Bible Study, fellowship, and other activities. Two things stuck out to me. One was a conversation I had with an elderly man who did prison ministry for 22 years. He went on to give me advice in order to have longevity in this ministry. The second thing, was a conversation with a man named Juan. He was formerly a prisoner himself in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. While in prison, he was skeptical of the Christians coming in. One day, one of them approached Juan and looked him in the eyes intensely. Juan thought the man was going to a person behind him, for he never met the man. What was said was this, "God has a specific plan for your life." Juan thought to himself "what plan?" You see, before Juan went to prison he divorced his wife, lived a wild lifestyle, and had AIDS. Today Juan is not only a Christian, but goes now to preach the gospel in the prisons of Spain himself. Juan went on to share with me that the believer who shared with him, does not know to this day that Juan is saved or what he is up to. Basically, the fruit will be seen in heaven.

In closing, I was personally encouraged by Juan's story. If you are not happy, depressed, or miserable in your life, Jesus has one of many remedies. The greatest commandment He said was: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind." Jesus went on to say: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Fall in love with Jesus, then go serve Him by serving others. You will see the change in your heart and life!

By His Grace,
Eric

Ready for some Good News?

Proverbs 25:25 states: "As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country." The essence of Missions really is about relationships, and the heart of that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The month of September was truly a memorable month for me. Bringing the good news to any country never gets old...

Let me just say, it has truly been a month of change. On September 1st after one year and seven months of living in Palma, I moved back to Santa Ponsa. I moved in with my friend Jimmy Schuarte, who was ordained into Pastoral Ministry with me back in June. Due to various reasons including financial, God provided a place for me once again to live. Jimmy and I look forward in continuing to grow together as Assistant Pastors to Raf.

Two days later, Raf and I met with Pau. There are only two Christian churches involved with the prison. Pau is the coordinator for one of them. The prison previously had 800 inmates, and now is at 2,500 inmates. There are 14 modules with 150 or more per Module. The two churches who are involved have only a couple people who go faithfully on a weekly basis.

On September 5th, we had a farewell party for PJ & Nell. These two you have read about in my past newsletters and seen in my old slide shows. They were the hosts of the Home Bible Study I taught in Palma. October would have been 2 years we had this study. They truly became friends as time went on. Together we journeyed through the book of Revelation, testimony month, topical studies, and marriage studies. They were nights filled with laughter, fun, fellowship, worship, praise reports, prayer requests, Bible studies, and of course great food. Lots of great memories.

On Thursday September 10th, Raf and I went to the prison for the first time. We joined Benjamin & Francisco, who have been going for years. This ministry was definitely worth the wait! In other words, the juice was definitely worth the squeeze. This process began a long time ago. We turned in all the papers on September 1, 2008 and now one year later we were finally in. I already have so many stories to tell. One comes to mind involving a gypsy. This gentleman had physical heart problems as well as family problems. At the end of the study, we all formed a circle around the man with the prisoners to pray for him. While Raf prayed, I felt my hand shaking. I looked up while the man was convulsively sobbing. Raf then leaned up his head on his and then we all hugged him. It was also the first time I taught while Raf interpreted for me. Afterwards, he just kept thanking us for the Bible study and prayer. I thought to myself, "this is what it is all about." This was Missions and ministry. Raf and I left on cloud nine...

Rick & Monica, the other key couple of the Home Group in Palma wanted to continue the ministry. They then decided to open their home and become the new hosts in the Mallorquin town of Genova. On Friday September 18th, we resumed the Bible Study. I am going to be teaching the Pastoral Epistles(1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus). I can so relate to these two pastors who were mentored by Paul the Apostle. Simply because they were both young. Timothy in the city of Ephesus,Greece and Titus on the island of Crete. Island ministry is Biblical!:)

Fall Semester has also started with a new batch of students. For the student trip, we took them to Palma and had a great time. I will be teaching Ecclesiastes for the third time and Missions for the fifth time. I am truly looking forward to the semester ahead with these students. I hope and pray as well that my classes continue to get better with every passing semester.

On a practical note, I picked up my renewed visa ID card. Praise God as He continues to give me favor with the Spanish Government. I would also ask that you keep one of our staff members in prayer. Marcus Costello left for 3 months with his wife Elyse to go back to SoCal. His father is having major health problems. Thank you so much!

There is so much that happened this month. I will continue in next month's newsletter to elaborate. There will also be more prison stories to share as well as some names to pray for. Raf and I currently go twice a week. Be blessed!

By His Grace,
Eric

Two Years Later

The month of August marked two years that I have been here on the mission field of Mallorca, Spain. The Lord has continued to take care of me out here as I serve Him. His promises are true and faithful. I can literally go on for hours, sharing with you how God has met my every need and more. I came back from furlough on the last week of July and hit the ground running...

Three days after I landed, I was called upon to be a part of the Youth Beach Trip. It was an awesome day of fellowship and just hanging out with the kids. I have learned and continue to learn, that serving Jesus in any capacity is an honor and privilege.

On Saturday August 1st, I had the opportunity to officiate a Wedding Ceremony. However, this ceremony was about renewing vows. It took place on one of the beaches in Santa Ponsa with a awesome sunset. Everyone came dressed in all white with beaming smiling faces. Pastor Eric Bradley and his wife Adrianna who serve in the Salvation Army, were missionaries here on the island. It was time for them to return to California, but before they did they wanted to renew their vows of love and commitment to each other. This was now my 2nd Wedding I have had the privilege of officiating, and let me say it was beautiful! The couple had been married 13 years prior and now have 5 precious children. Eric and I had a great conversation beforehand concerning family and ministry. Please pray for them and he seeks to continue to keep the ministry to the family number one. The picture I will always carry in my mind, is when Adrianna and Eric were repeating the vows after me. As they looked into each others eyes, tears emerged from Eric while Adrianna started crying...

In the middle of the month, I went to our annual Youth Retreat. We took the kids to the other side of the island to explore different things. Trevor Woolf, who heads up the youth ministry also asked me to give the two night Bible studies. The first night I shared out of John 5 and was evangelistic in nature. Jesus wants all of us to acknowledge we aren't well without Him. The next night I told the youth that failure on their part was inevitable once they said "yes" to Jesus. I pulled from different OT characters illustrating to them that even the "Hebrew Heroes" had lapses of faith in God. The youth asked questions, made comments, and paid attention the whole time. I had personally had a lot of fun with everyone.

The following week I was able to attend my first Calvary Chapel European Missions Conference in Millstatt, Austria. It was 5 days long. I hadn't attended a conference since I left SoCal the first time. I was able to reunite with old friends and make some new ones. Joey Roper served as the Jr. Pastor at CC Chino Hills and is now the assistant Pastor at CC Herborn, Germany. Justin Gerry is the Senior Pastor at CC Celje, Slovenia. I met Justin six and half years ago at my first Missions Conference in Murrieta. A new friend I made was Edmund, who is the senior pastor of a Calvary Chapel in Dusseldorf, Germany. Edmund is originally from Chino Hills, CA. It was refreshing for myself and the staff who went with me just to be ministered to. There was no official theme, yet all the main sessions and guy studies flowed so nicely together. What did keep coming up during the week was the word "stay." Paul the apostle wrote to young pastor Timothy to "remain in Ephesus." I not only received this to mean stick it out in Spain, but specifically in Mallorca. I am truly glad I stayed here for this next year. I already think of how much I would have missed out on.

As for the Home Bible Study I lead in Palma, we finally ended the 8 part series by Pastor Bob Coy entitled: "Building a Godly Marriage." The couples were truly blessed and built-up. At the end of the month, we viewed CC Fort Lauderdale's 20 year anniversary service/video presentation from September 2005. I felt since the group had viewed Pastor Bob's testimony a year ago and had just finished the marriage series, it would be beneficial to see the work of God in South Florida. It would be our last study with our hosts PJ & Nell. I will mention more of that next newsletter. I thought this would be a great finale to our time together. After the presentation, we all went around the room sharing what principles God presented to take with us no matter where we are in the world. Everyone was really encouraged and in great spirits.

Pastor Raf took some time off and asked me to teach two morning services and both Spanish services. The first Sunday I taught out of Ecclesiastes 6 with the title: "You can have it all." The crux of the message was about how we need God to continue correcting and confronting us, in order to walk on the straight and narrow. The following Sunday, I shared out of John 15 with the message title: "Bearing Fruit: God's Plan for your life." In order for this to happen, we all need to mature by keeping the unity and not practicing division. I mentioned how Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for exalting men by putting them on pedestals.

By way of reminder, I made a vow/promise to Jesus and myself to serve Him a minimum of 5 years here in Spain. These past two years have gone by slow at times, and at other times very fast. It has been all worth it. Yes, God has worked through me out here. To be honest though, I think the biggest work He has done out here has been in ME. I have grown and been stretched in ways I could have never imagined. I think it wouldn't have happened if I had stayed in SoCal, and not took that step of faith out here. What is the Lord asking you to trust Him for right now?

By His Grace,
Eric

Early Summer 2009

California Dreamin

The Lord has truly made a home for me here in Mallorca, Spain. A new life has been built for me out here. The Lord has provided new relationships, co-workers, friendships, a church family, Pastor to serve under, and building to work in. With all this comes new foods, laws, ways of doing things. Not to mention a new language with an entirely different culture. This list can go on and on. It has been a great learning/growing experience! However, there is no place like home. My last furlough had been one year ago, and my heart was starting to feel the distance. It was great to see the "old life" in the latter half of June and the entire of month of July. I was privileged to be able to go my home in SoCal, for a period of 5 weeks...

After the Ordination Service and conference, I departed with my parents on Friday June 19th to go back to CA. I had never been gone so long in my life thus far. I had come to feel in my element in Spain, not really a foreigner for the most part. When I arrived in SoCal, oddly enough I felt like a foreigner with a little bit of culture shock. A little out of place and turned inside out. The first night I arrived I was welcomed with the embraces and kisses of my 4 younger sisters. There was also "Welcome Home" signs and "Congratulations Pastor Eric" signs on the walls. I thought to myself, "I'm home."

I have been friends with Mike Turner for 10 years. I had the privilege of being instrumental in his coming to Christ. It has been a joy watching him grow and be used by God the way he has. Well, my furlough began with a rehearsal of his upcoming wedding day. Mike had asked me months before to be one of his best men alongside his brother and father. The wedding took place on Saturday June 27th. It went very well and the reception was really fun. Of course, I had to give a speech and let's just say God came through! I am truly excited for this new season/chapter of Mike's life.

As part of my wedding gift to Mike, I agreed to teach the youth on the first Sunday morning of July. It felt weird in some ways to be teaching in that context. I definitely felt like a guest speaker in my old youth group. I taught on Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 cross referenced with Judges 16, where we find the story of Samson and Delilah. The study was on the danger of allowing even a little foolishness into our lives. The message was titled, "It's not cool to be a fool."

On a practical note, some things need to be taken care of while also on furlough. With no Christian bookstores out here, I had to go book shopping for commentaries. I also had to renew my International Driver's Permit and pay a visit to the Dentist.

Missions Director Paul Roybal and his wife Cori hosted an open house in their home for me. It was an opportunity for my supporters, friends, and those interested in Spain to come and meet with me. The day was filled with food, fellowship, a slide show, a word from Paul Roybal, and a word from Pastor Randy. I closed it out by giving updates, and what was ahead for my next year in Spain. The house was packed! I knew had love and support from my church family, but God reminded me again what it looked like. There was so many emotions running through my heart as I pondered this. These people really did love and care about me and this Mission to Spain. It truly was one of many highlights during my time of furlough.

On a personal note, the Lord provided more opportunities than I expected to get to know my sister Amanda's boyfriend Brandon. What can I say? The guy gets two enthusiastic thumbs up! In the 5 weeks I was there, we also became really good friends. He was able to go on our family vacation and wake board, the two of us go and surf, spend the 4th of July together at the home of Souldog, and much more. I was also able to meet and hang out, at the home of his parents where I also met his younger brother. Praise God for the blessings He gives. I am truly happy for my sister and Brandon. May the will of God continue to unfold in both of their lives individually and as a couple.

Pastor Randy asked me to teach in the sanctuary the last Sunday morning before I returned to Spain. I taught on Exodus 20:8-11. The study was on defining the Sabbath, and the importance of taking one. The message was titled, "Have the day off." We all had a great time as we poked fun at ourselves for being so busy in life and for God, that we truly forget to stop and "smell the roses."

Listen, I can go on and on. I truly had a time of rest and relaxation. I was also able to visit other churches, meet with old friends, family members, eat a lot, and do tons of fun things. In some ways I acted like a tourist in Cali! A joy it also was to be there for Amanda's B-Day, Father's Day, and my Dad's B-Day!

So, I departed back to Spain Monday July 27th with a bitter/sweet feeling. Although I am very happy to be back here in Spain, until next time I will be California Dreamin...

By His Grace,
Eric

Ordination Day

God called Jeremiah and said in Jeremiah 1:5:"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." It is an amazing thing to consider that God knew each one of us before we were born. On top of that He does have a plan for our existence here on earth. God has used this verse and this chapter many times in my walk with Him. I sensed His call to be a Pastor back in October 1999 at the age of 17. For a majority of the time since then I had struggled whether I really heard from God or not...

The month of June started out with 2 days of major spring cleaning of the church building. Everything was done from painting, repairing, varnishing, and organizing. Moments like these truly remind me that to serve Jesus in any capacity is a privilege and honor. The team did such a great job and the building looks great.

I was also able to teach on another Sunday morning for Raf as well as teach at the Spanish service that night. As always it was truly a blessing to impart the truths of God to the people of Santa Ponsa Community Church.

My parents arrived here on June 11th with the intention of staying here for one week. As I mentioned a couple of newsletters ago, they came because they wanted to be a part of the Ordination Service. I hadn't seen them for one year in person. It was a great reunion. They had never been to Spain or Europe. It was such a joy to show them around the island and the world I had been living in for nearly 2 years. I couldn't believe they were actually here meeting the people, staff, and Pastor Raf along with his wife Loretta. God is so good.

We also had a conference called the "The Reality of Christianity." It started Tuesday June 16th and ended Thursday June 18th. The theme verse was Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." The speakers had 2 objectives. They were to do a Bible study on this verse. Secondly, since they had all been involved with ministry for 20 or more years, Jimmy and I asked them to get practical in the 2nd session. The question went something like this: "What would the older version of yourself tell the younger version of yourself?" In other words, what are some things you wish you knew as a young Christian/Pastor. It took a lot work to host our very first conference and praise God it went well! Once again, the team here pulled together.

Then June 17th came. Ordination Day and the 2nd day of the conference. Jimmy and I picked out a few worship songs to be played. Pastor Raf gave an incredible message on Ordination. He first spoke on what it wasn't, and then what it was. He concluded by giving Jimmy and I a charge on the responsibility of being a Pastor. Next, he spoke about how he saw the call on my life and then Jimmy's life. We went up after individually to have the Pastors lay hands on us to pray. The 5 Pastors were: Rafael Manzanares(CC Mallorca), Ivan Martos(CC El Rincon), Joe Holden(CCBC Murrieta), Dave Shirley(CCBC Director), and Louie Monteith(CC Norco/Go!Ministries). I couldn't have asked God for a better Ordination service or day! So, 9 years and 8 months later it became official. It came to fruition. God's timing is truly perfect. Later that night Phil Twente(missions pastor) of CC Costa mesa arrived. He brought Jimmy and I up to pray for us. He anointed us with oil on the right thumb, ear, and toe. This was done when the priests were anointed for ministry to Israel in Leviticus 8:23-24.

In closing, a lot of things have been said to me after the Ordination. Good things, really nothing negative. Things like: "So, your a Pastor now." I thought about this statement and think, "yes and no." The truth is I have been doing the work of a pastor, teaching the Bible, and preaching the gospel for almost 10 years. For 8 years I was involved with the youth ministry of CC Upland and in God's eyes I was a pastor to those teens. The things I did before June 17, are the same things I am currently doing after June 17th. Now, man recognizes the calling as well as I am legally a Pastor for other practical aspects of pastoral ministry.

Out of all the Bible characters, David comes to mind. Anointed and ordained by Samuel the prophet to be King of Israel in 1 Samuel 16. Some say David was in his teens or early twenties. It is not until 10 years later Judah acknowledges it in 2 Samuel 2. Then the men of Judah anointed him. Finally in 2 Samuel 5 the rest of Israel acknowledges it and anoints him again at the age of 30. Anointed 3 times. The first time was Ordination and the other 2 times was a Coronation. According to the Lord, I believe the first time counted. David was just being trained as well as learning what it meant to shepherd God's people. As Pastor Louie said to me: "This service is more for us." Either way, it is a new season/chapter in my life as it was in David's life. I am truly humbled and excited. God help me to always remember I am what I am because He ordained it so before I was in my mother's womb...

By His Grace,
Eric