Pass The Baton On!

J. Oswald Sanders in his book Spiritual Leadership wrote: “The true test of a person’s leadership is the health of the organization when the organizer is gone." Not only are we to do a good job in our service to the Lord, but in training somebody up to take over when God moves us on. The month of March was a time to raise somebody else up to take one of my positions. I believe this is further evidence that we truly do care for the people God has put in front of us to serve. To truly care what happens, even after we are long gone. A few times in the NT, the Christian life has been described as a race. Definitely not a sprint, but a marathon. Also like relay racing involving a baton, we must pass on what we have learned to others to further His Kingdom and further His work of the gospel on earth. What a joy to see others take it and run with it. As a result, the natural cry of your heart as a fellow runner is: "GO, GO, GO!"

March 1st- March 5th we took the students to Rome. This was my third time going since living here in Mallorca, but my first time leading the trip. It was very reminiscent of leading youth on trips. Loretta and Jimmy helped me plan and administrate. Loretta and I were the only ones on the staff to go. A couple from Canada who were visiting Mallorca, also joined us. By far, this was my favorite trip to Rome. We had devotions every morning before we got the
day started. We went through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). What is so wonderful about Rome is the mixture of history, Church history, Bible history, and the incredible sights. Our desire every time we go to Rome, is that the trip would be educational and fun for the students. Every time I go, my hope and prayer is that the Romans, would read the book of Romans in the Bible. Therein they would find what they are looking for...Salvation through Jesus Christ!

On Tuesday March 16th, I started training our newest intern Serge Hol. Serge is originally from Holland, and just graduated from the Bible College in Murrieta in December of last year. He went to Bible College here 3 of the 4 semesters. He actually was in my Ecclesiastes class in the Fall of 08. It is always a joy to see Bible college graduates serving our Lord afterward.

Serge will now be doing all the practical things in regards to the finances of the Church and Bible College. The day to day administrative things. This will include trips to the bank. I actually will miss this aspect of my job, due to developing some friendships with some of the workers. By the end of March, Serge was already doing pretty much everything on his own. He still has had questions for me, but I don't mind as we seek to serve His people well. I am confident in our Lord that Serge is the man for the job!

On Monday March 29th, we had two functions for the Bible College students. We took them to the mountains of the island to do the "Extreme Hike." It definitely lives up to its name, as people have actually died and have been injured on this excursion. Don't get me wrong, the views are breathtaking. What blesses me the most however, is the team work between the students and staff. Everyone genuinely looked out for each other, and made sure no one got hurt. The patience executed by the students was incredible, considering there were boulders as big as houses! The day ended with a BBQ hosted at one of the homes of some members of the church. It is a beautiful thing to see, when relationships are formed between the Church and Bible college.

In closing, may we also seek to give opportunities for others to share in the joy of service to our King. Some of the greatest times in life is not only spending time with Jesus, but serving Him with others...

By His Grace,
Eric

Along came Marlene...

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:12:" Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." A word that shows up numerous times in the book of Ecclesiastes is "better." In verses 9-12 of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon is talking about relationships in general. Verse 9 opens up with "two are better than one." I have truly enjoyed my years as a single Pastor/Missionary. God has been my "Everything." Our contentment and happiness is solely based on our connection to God. Every season/chapter in our life is good with Jesus. However, I have entered a new season in my life. The month of February marked the beginning of my relationship with a beautiful young woman named Marlene Ann Brandon...

Missions also involves a lot of practical things. On February 1st, I had to take my car in for the annual ITV inspection. It failed. After a couple of trips to the mechanic, my car finally passed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Good for another year!

February 2nd, marked the beginning of classes for the Spring Semester. I will be teaching Missions for the 5th time. I also will be teaching the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus) for the first time. Teaching the Bible is always a privilege!

On Saturday February 6th, we had our first Men's Breakfast of the year. As always, the food & fellowship was great with the older men of the church and young men of the Bible College. My friend and fellow pastor, Jimmy Schauerte taught the Bible study. He taught on the subject of real men trusting the Lord even when it doesn't make sense. He used a few illustrations from the OT to see the outcome of their lives.

On Sunday February 28th, I taught on a Sunday morning for Pastor Raf. Raf is currently teaching on marriage, in the book of Ephesians. He was going to be in SoCal for a couple of weeks, and asked Jimmy and I to each teach a Sunday for him. I taught on Singleness. Raf announced this the week before. A lot of singles came up to me, sharing how they were really looking forward to this. The title of my message was "Enjoying and Rejoicing in your Singleness." My main text was 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 coupled with Matthew 19:11-12. We see Jesus and Paul commend Singleness. Herein lies the balance of all the Scriptures in the Bible. May we not make the same mistake as the church in Corinth. That is, to elevate Marriage over Singleness or Singleness over Marriage. One is not more spiritual or holier than the other. Everyone has to do what God has called/invited them to. What a timely message this was for Santa Ponsa Community Church. I can tell you story after story, of singles of all ages who came up to me after service truly ministered to. Many were hurting, and some were bitter towards God. They didn't know such Scriptures existed in their Bible. Also, to hear that Marriage is a gift from God, but so is Singleness. Some would be called to it for life, while others just for a season. Raf's wife Loretta interpreted for me at the Spanish evening Service. After the service, the singles were blessed as well.

I met Marlene in September of last year. She was on a partial scholarship to play softball for a university in Oahu, Hawaii. She is originally from Northern California. God tugged on her heart about Bible college, and she came for her 1st semester last fall. God does imports! Over the last few months we have developed a real good friendship. I really sensed God giving me the thumbs up and the green light to take the next step. Proverbs 15:22 says: "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." So speaking with my family, close friends, my roommate Jimmy, and Pastor Raf, the thumbs up were given. Green light shone bright! On Valentine's Day February 14th, I took Marlene out. I asked her to enter a Christian Courtship/Dating (whatever you want to call it) relationship with me. What really matters, is the fact that we are now prayerfully, purposely, planning, to one day be married. That's the goal Lord willing. I don't believe in dating for the sake of dating, or in recreational/serial dating. Why leave a long string of broken hearts along the road including your own? Trust in the providence of our gracious loving God! I am so incredibly happy and blessed beyond measure! I now thank God everyday for this wonderful gift! They say everything is more beautiful when you are in love. How true that is!

A week later, Pastor Raf announced this news to the whole congregation. Everyone clapped and cheered! After the service, the support and love was overwhelming. A lot of "Congratulations." Not only was the church encouraging, but also the Bible college students, and fellow co-workers on staff!

In closing, thank you all for your prayers over the years. Continue praying for Marlene and I, as we seek to honor Jesus as a couple!

By His Grace,
Eric

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