My Thing vs. God's Thing

Someone once said: "If you ever want to make God laugh, then tell Him your plans." Knowing what the Bible teaches concerning the character and nature of God, I know this laughter is not condescending. Rather, the Bible teaches He is good. The Scriptures also show is He is very much interested and involved in giving us good things. So in light of these truths, laughter is only logical. Think about it, here is the God of the universe who not only loves us, but really does have a specific plan for our lives! I pondered all this in the month of January, as 2010 got underway...

As mentioned last newsletter, my winter furlough went into the beginning of January. On Sunday January 3rd, I was able to visit CC Norco. Pastor Louie Monteith oversees Go! Ministries, and was a part of my ordination last June. It truly has been a pleasure building a friendship with Louie. Later that day, my family and I went to spend the afternoon with the Franco's (Brandon's Family). I was finally going to meet Brandon's older brother Frankie. Like last time, I personally had a blast! Not only great food, but honestly great fellowship. We even had some fun and played a little catchphrase. God is so good. I truly look forward to the wedding day of my sister Amanda and Brandon. The future truly is bright!

On Monday January 5th, I went out to the the annual Missions Conference in Murrieta. Pastor Raf had the privilege of doing a main session, teaching and encouraging missionaries from all over the world. Some friends, three of my sisters, and Brandon accompanied me. He did a great job and everyone was truly ministered to. It also felt great to represent Spain.:)

The next evening, I was given the opportunity to teach at CC Upland. My message was entitled "Take a chance." The Scriptures were Ecclesiastes 11:1-4 and Acts 16:6-10. The gist of my message, was that God will ask us to take ventures in faith or risks in our lives. Missions definitely is "risk-taking." I also shared how God guided the apostle Paul through closed doors. Paul was denied twice to go to certain locations on his Missionary journeys. We can conclude that God guides us just as much by hindrance. Timing is everything.

The next night on January 7th, I was honored to guest speak at CC Moreno Valley. My friend Raymond and I were able to join Pastor Sammy Martinez for dinner beforehand. Sammy now served the college/career group. He had asked me to come and share with them. I taught on fruitfulness, unity, carnality, and putting men on pedestals. The title was "Plow, Plant, Water, Reap." My main text was out of 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. What a word from God for us Pastors and Missionaries! The mission field of Spain truly is God's! After the Bible Study, many people came up for prayer. I really enjoy those times in ministry, just to be able to talk to Jesus with my brothers in Christ. I was also able to reunite with Pastor Mark Avila, who I affectionately call my "Father in the Faith." I hadn't seen him for almost 3 years. He truly made an impact on me when I served as a youth pastor at CC Upland.

On Saturday January 9th, I went to CC Montebello for a wedding. The youth pastor Joseph Totsis was marrying Amy Sandoval. I met Joseph years ago and always appreciated hanging out with him. The last time I saw him, was at my going away party before I left for Spain. Joseph and Amy will be serving together as missionaries to Japan! The ceremony was awesome and as usual Pastor Pancho Juarez was hilarious:) I pray God's best for their future together! At the reception, I also ran into an old friend. What a small world! One of my sisters also spotted Pastor Victor and his wife Sonia Mayoral of La Posada. They serve as missionaries in Mexico. I have tons of great memories with them, considering I used to take the youth group down there annually. I have tons of funny stories from those years.:) Right now, for those who know what I am talking about: "Gloria a Dios."

I arrived back in Mallorca on Friday January 15th. I literally hit the ground running with only 2 weeks until the Spring Semester began for Mallorca Bible School. I had a lot of Accounting/bookkeeping to do for the close of the year. We had a board meeting coming up, as well as the AGM Meeting for the church. I also went back to the prison. It was great to reunite with the guys. For the last two weeks in January instead of a Bible study, Raf and I broke off from each other just to do one on one visits. This was also good to practice my Spanish.:)

On Sunday January 31st, we had Orientation for the students in between services. It was a crazy day to say the least, but a blessed one. This would mark the beginning of my 6th semester here at MBS, and the close of my 3rd school year. Every semester seems to go by faster and faster. I have truly learned, and continue to learn to live in the moment. Looking around the sanctuary, I could tell it would be a good semester.

In closing, may we learn to laugh at ourselves. You have to admit looking back on our lives, God's plan really has been better than our own. As this new year approaches, thank Him for answered prayer according to His will...

By His Grace,
Eric

Winter Furlough

Coming Home is my Favorite

One of the first two Bible verses I learned when I was younger, continues to speak to me today. Proverbs 3:5-6 declares: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." The NIV version says He will make your paths straight. Last newsletter, I had mentioned that I had some monumental decisions to make concerning my future in the country of Spain. Once again, the Lord showed me He is never early, and He is never late. In fact, He is always right on time. The month of December was not only the end of the Fall semester, but the revealing of new things...

On Saturday December 12th, we had a Christmas Carol Service at the church. It was a night filled with fellowship, food, friends, the Word of God, and of course tons of music! I had the privilege of giving the message. The text I used was Luke 2:8-14. I focused in on the latter part of verse 14. God by sending Jesus to earth, really did demonstrate what His "goodwill" towards men looked like. I also ended my series entitled: "Why the Bible?" with the youth group. Our new youth leader will be arriving in January...

Thursday December 17th, marked the end of yet another semester. It was my fifth one here at the Bible college. I was privileged to be able to teach the book of Ecclesiastes for the third time. For various reasons, it was decided that we wouldn't offer Missions this semester. Here on the mission field, it truly has been an honor to be able to also be used by God to impact the next generation.

December 17th, also marked the day I left for my furlough to SoCal. Due to the generosity of my parents, I was able to come home and spend the holidays with them. I had not been home for Christmas or New Year's for 2 years. It truly was a joy!

One of the things the Lord blessed me with in being in SoCal, was the engagement of my sister Amanda and my future brother-in-law Brandon. On Sunday night December 27th, Brandon popped the question! I am so happy for them both.


On Monday December 28th, I was able to attend the Missions prayer meeting at CC Upland. What encouraged me the most, was simply seeing the faces of the faithful few who attend these meetings regularly. There prayers mean so much to me. Thanks to you all:)

Well, in regards to the decision of where in Spain God wants me. Through much prayer, thinking, reading my Bible, various circumstances, remembering things God spoke to me before I even arrived on the field, and the counsel of family and friends, my decision was made and solidified. Here it goes... I will be moving to El Rincon de la Victoria to come alongside Ivan and Eunice! My commitment will be done in August here in Mallorca, making it 3 years here. My prayer is that I would finish these last months well and that God would prepare me for the "next step" on this journey/adventure.

Half of my furlough went into January. Next newsletter I will share with you more of the wonderful things I was privileged to be a part of while out in SoCal.

Sometimes, I feel like I have two lives. One in SoCal, and the other one here in Spain. Through the opening of doors to be able to take furloughs, God has blessed me with the best of both worlds...

By His Grace,
Eric

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