A Word

"I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel". Luke 7:9

I awoke grateful this morning for the sweet deep sleep I had just had but I confess to having a bit of heaviness for the day ahead.  I came all this way in hope that God would have a purpose for me, that I may actually have a part in this plan of His like I've been told that I do.  We've been learning so much and I feel like I'm growing - but alas, I feel as though I still  have no words to say and the thought of standing in front of a church, with no words to share, unsettled me a little.  I said a little prayer then took my trepidation to breakfast.  Thankfully, the beauty of our private paradise, that was missed when we arrived in the night previous, began to stir my senses and distract me from myself.  It is difficult to hold trepidation and awe all at the same time.  With glorious floral blooms surrounding us all around, to the flock of majestic green parrots (yes, really!) that flew overhead, gracing us with their - well - um - not so beautiful cackling, squawking, chatter... (I had a moment of envisioning them all talking English to each other "Pretty Bird", "Who's your daddy?" and other delightful phrases people have likely taught their parrots) - things were starting to shift for me and I wondered how things could be more beautiful here.  

We finished our delicious meal and took the gouged road to Christo Rey.   It wasn't so bad the whole way but sitting, bouncing in the back of our travel van, I thought for sure I might need prayer to restore my spine.  Getting closer to our destination, we turned onto a dirt road and it wasn't long until I could see vultures standing in trees. Shortly after that, we were driving past a smoking, filthy garbage dump.  A big contrast to my experience not that much earlier.  I wondered what God in store for us here.  Christo Rey - Christ The King.  A royal name in a dirty place, and found here - our destination - church.  We arrived as worship was in full swing.  All in Spanish, I didn't understand a thing they were saying but here was where I saw the most beautiful thing.  

I stood near the back trying to hear the music, hoping I could find something familiar or something I could at least keep a beat to.   Everyone sang their hearts out and lifted their hands worshiping God.  It was a bit disjointed musically speaking, people randomly clapping, and worship leaders singing slightly off key but  as I stood there watching - up, up, up it came.  I must say that that is one thing I need to talk to the Holy Spirit about - tears.  I had a moment of trying to rationalize myself out of them - "not now!" "What is your problem?" but I couldn't contain it and it wasn't long before I was a mess. I was struck hard with the beauty of the faith these people had for God in such a desolate place.  It was then that I felt God's heart for these people and how their faith is more beautiful than anything we could imagine. Faith is profoundly beautiful, and God loves when we have it and when we show it, most of all.  In that moment - God gave me Luke 7:9 "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel". I stood before the congregation and had words - God's word for the church.  I added that even though we live in Canada and have cars and houses, that they were indeed richer than us all. If they can stand on the edge of a garbage dump and praise God, then what and when are we waiting for?

The service was encouraging and inspirational. We prayed in teams for many people there. Mothers with children, families, and even children on their own came up for prayer for their needs. We prayed for healing too and had testimony from a woman who said that the pain she had had in her stomach had disappeared.  We were all touched in someway. The Nicaraguan people ministered to us as much as we did to them. That is the beautiful gift of community with people in Christ.  When I had first arrived at the church, I felt God nudging me to speak to a gentleman there. I found him during the service and gave a word of encouragement to him.  He quickly went to get his wife and children and Sandie and I prayed for the family. He was so blessed that when we left, he gave me a big hug and said "My family is your family".  What an honour - community and more family!

I hope the congregation knows how blessed our whole team was just to be there with them.  Such a gift.  I am grateful for our team - Sandie, Kim, Liz, Don, Annette, Lori, Lynda, and Barb.  This is only the first day and I haven't even shared all of it...

Thank you for all who are praying for us.                  

Haidee