Come and See!
A blessed Q&A session in Cancun…
Last night, I was invited to a question-and-answer evening with our “Venid y Ved” (Come and See) group in Cancun. With 24 people, it felt packed, but that was only half of the group. Two families missed out because of a serious injury to one of them in a car accident the day before. The ones that did come managed to make it in the evening, which they don’t normally do. They had tables and chairs set up, and coffee and pan dulce (sweet bread) ready for when we finished.
The venue made me feel like I had come home. We were used to that many people and more in our home on Sundays for many years.
Gustavo opened with a prayer, a chorus, and read this passage from the Bible…
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” (Romans 10:14-15, ESV)
Then he invited people to ask me questions about us or our ministry.
To be frank, it has been ages since I have been asked such perceptive questions in a church setting like this. I was moved by how quickly we were engaged in this discussion together, and how discerning they were…
What were you feeling inside that moved you to be saved?
How was the experience of being called to the ministry?
How did you know where God was calling you to go?
What was your biggest trial that you had to overcome?
What should we do as a church when everyone is having problems and we see no way forward?
What do we need to do to prepare for the future?
What did you hope to do… what was ministry supposed to be like?
Did churches take care of you?
After nearly an hour and a half, we finally got to the sweet bread. 🙂 A dear brother presented me with a gift of a new pair of huaraches. I felt humbled and honored. We hope to see them all again soon.
Afterward, we felt the irresistible urge to find some antojitos mexicanos (typical Mexican food), which turned into a great find. Even my granddaughter Kayleigh was a happy camper!
And we are just getting started. I have appointments this week with other people, and then I'll be preaching again on Sunday.
Thanks for reading… and for praying for our churches and families in the Yucatán Peninsula.
It was great to read about your question and answer time in the church in Cancun. What a blessing! God is so good.
The news about Mexico, including Cancun is never very good. How are the people of your church affected by the chaos? I have no better word to describe it! Your son and his family live there, I believe. How are they doing? We continue to pray for you and your ministry. Praise the Lord that although we are no longer young (you and I) we still have the privilage to serve the Lord in the minstry of evangelism and discipleship. My daily walk with Him helps me see His heart and motivates me to continue as long as he enables me. I remember a song that I have not heard for a very long time that said "The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows'. I have experieced that as true!