Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! A phrase most everybody is familiar with. However, what does make a “birthday” so happy? Well, it is a celebration and rejoicing of life, beginnings, origins, and newness. We celebrate that person's life and very existence. During the months of February and March, three birthday´s took place. There was the birthday of the pastor, the church, and the new believers being born again…

It wasn't a typical Sunday on February 13th, as fellowship was a bit different this time. After the teaching everybody was very loving, but seemed to be in a hurry to leave. This was a very unusual occurrence, being that Spanish people love to talk. Mysteriously, I was driven to a place where I thought just my family and I would be having lunch. The next thing I know, “Surprise!” was shouted out. The people from church had prepared a birthday party for me! It was the best birthday party ever! This comprised of food, fellowship, presents, and yet another surprise. Due to the fact that my computer broke, the church chipped in and bought me a new one. Thanks everybody!

The weekend of February 19th-20th, we celebrated the birthday of the church. It had now turned three years old! On Saturday the 19th we decided to go to the countryside, a place called El Torcal. We all pondered the past three years, while enjoying God's creation. Then on Sunday the 20th, we met at the church for a service that would be unique from the others. Our children sang a special song, one of our youth presented the gospel message through a beautiful dance, a few adults gave their testimonies and shared how the ministry has helped them, and a slide show presentation took place. The big idea of the service was to point out the majesty of our Lord. Specifically, God put His hands on an empty space and created the world. In the same token, Jesus put His hands on the cross to save empty hearts. Now, He put His hands on El Rincon and our church was created. He truly created something from nothing, and now after three years we can say as it does in Psalm 126:3: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.”

During the month of March, we celebrated yet another birthday. One of the spiritual nature. A Dutchmen named Bert, was accompanying his wife every Sunday. In the midst of one of those Sunday mornings, Jesus saved him. He is currently coming faithfully and all about Christ. The fact that he was invited by a new believer, makes this salvation experience even greater. Hallelujah! God has also added more families to the congregation. As I read the book of Acts, numbers are recorded when they are worth mentioning. In that same spirit, I rejoice that in three years we have grown from two to forty!

The movie of the month took place on March 27th. Facing the Giants was our movie of choice. As always, it was an encouragement to the people to remember that for our God, nothing is impossible.

Once again, we want to thank everybody for support…in every sense of the word. Que Dios os bendiga.