We begin after breakfast as we do each day with the group declaring Christ’s word from Acts 1:8 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all of Judea and Sumaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The songs of praise this morning brings quickly into focus the power and blessings of Jesus that sustain us always but will be so important as we begin to prepare our hearts and minds for the work of the long day ahead.
The devotional spoke to the matter of aging based on the scripture of Titus 2:2. While noting with humor that the term ‘aging’ may be closely followed in a Biblical index by the word ‘agony’ the serious message was the special instruction for men to be temperate and worthy of respect. The teaching goes on to exhort older men to encourage younger men to the same self control. The continuing process of aging and growth in Christ requires constant awareness on our part. It requires perseverance which is important to not only our personal spiritual growth but also to the relationships we have with our wives, children and others.
The work continued on each project that was begun on Friday. And for some the trip to Acuna would be conducting a ‘Joy Tour’. This tour took a team of men along with the local pastors into the small settlements and neighborhoods where the local churches are working to reach those who may not have access to a physical church. In each locale the vans arrive blowing their horns to announce their arrival. It may start dogs howling but also draws out the children. Parents and grandparents come along with the children. The team engages the kids with a group activity where they all gather around a colorful parachute to lift it high with their arms on the count of “uno-dos-tres”. With giggles and squeals it billows high with the sunny breeze as they rush forward underneath then back to begin again. Music from a portable sound system fills the air and some of the Power Ministry members join local ministry youth leaders to don silly costume animal heads and lead the kids in line dancing with lots of arm motions and body wiggling. After the fun play the children gathered around while prayers were lifted up to Jesus Christ by the pastors for them. The adults were also asked for special prayer needs and once again hands were placed on shoulders and many voices in both Spanish and English joined in prayer to Jesus and the Lord for His blessing to meet those needs. Each time after worship and praise and prayer gifts of clothing, blankets, and treats were shared with those who had come. As people departed the words of “Dios de bendiga” (God bless you) were shared by everyone with hugs and grateful hearts for the love of Christ. The Joy Tour is certainly aptly named.
The construction projects were advanced greatly this day. And while the Week 1 Power Ministry comes to an end in Acuna we are confident that they will be completed in the coming weeks.
A late lunch was followed by a very motivating testimony by Faith Mission International’s founder about how God’s calling and fulfillment of His purposes were demonstrated in the establishment of the Mission.
The Power Ministry team then began the long trip to Laredo, TX and then to McAllen, TX where we were to stay for the night. After a great dinner in Laredo we gathered quickly to unload several pallets of rice, beans , Bibles and boxes of tracts from a tractor trailer into two smaller trailers that would distribute them in the Nuevo Laredo area of Mexico through other ministry partners.
Our day has ended well after midnight and everyone is looking forward to a welcome night of rest. God has certainly been good today with lives touched, great work accomplished and safe travel completed. Thank you Lord for your wonderful blessing and grace this day and forever!