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Friday, February 15, 2013

In the Ministry

It's hard to believe that I have been in the ministry for 47 years! I started out as a young preacher boy serving in my local church in GA, and here I am, a down home country boy who learned another language to be a missionary in a Spanish speaking country. Life in the ministry has not been easy, by any means, but it has been the most rewarding years of my life. The church I pastor (La Iglesia Bautista Tabernaculo) and another church I started years ago where my son-in-law pastors (La Iglesia Bautista Ortega) put together a surprise anniversary service for me. Three nationals who I have had the privilege of working with preached. There was special music by both churches, a puppet show, and a meal of barbacoa (bull's head tacos!). And of course, salsa. Some like it hot...me? Not too much. Here are a few pictures of the grand event; To God Be The Glory. Amen!  

The preachers

The puppets and the singers




The Food - Barbacoa and Valentine cookies
my daughter Rebecca made for the occasion.


Update: Bro. Arturo is now working with my son-in-law, John, at the Ortega church. I now have Bro. Luis working with me. He is a bit timid when it comes to preaching, but there is no doubt God's call is on his life. When Arturo started out, he could only preach for 5 minutes. Now he can preach an hour! It takes time, but I know God is doing a great work. Luis and his wife, Mary, were never legally married. They lived together for years, even after they were saved. About three years ago, we had a simple wedding ceremony in our church for the two of them. Since Luis' call to preach, he has been convicted about not being married legally in the eyes of Mexico. On Valentine's Day, he and Mary stood with hundreds of others in a gymnasium waiting for paper work to make the union 'legal'. It's amazing what God does when we sit back and let Him work! Luis and Mary are a huge help to me and are eager to learn, to work, and to grow. How about that?? God is working even now.