This trip was stepping into the unknown. Argentina was even more unknown than most. I didn't know anyone there. I didn't know anything about my schedule, and I didn't fully understand my assignment. When you have a calling, you operate in that calling, but I wasn't sure who I was being sent to exactly. Does the unknown rattle you a little? It isn't my comfort zone, but I am learning to embrace it.
As I spoke at the first few churches, I understood what those who sent me wanted from me, and as usual, God allowed me to speak into so many lives on an individual level. On the first of three Sundays, I ministered in a great church. The pastor was so filled with joy, and it showed in the church. After speaking, as is the case everywhere, I ministered to the people. My translator, Rodney, was married, and Layla was with us that night. Layla stepped over as I ministered to a woman because I sensed I needed another woman to help me. One particular young girl needed a profound healing in her soul. We talked, ministered, prayed with, and prayed for her. It is something that I do pretty often. More often than not, I do not pray quickly over people because God speaks to me about what they need or how to minister. This young woman was no exception. Much was revealed, confessed, and healed through the marvelous Holy Spirit. She later wrote me and said, "I'm deeply grateful for seeing God's love reflected in you. It may sound silly, but your words made me feel like I had a father figure. I never had a stable relationship with my dad, and in less than an hour, you did more for me than he ever did!…. Thank you for bringing so much ease to my heart with just a few words." It is a privilege to connect people with the Father's heart.
There are too many meetings to talk about the incredible ministry we had in churches of 25-150. There were a few stand-out moments. In one church, I operated in words of knowledge on a much higher scale than usual. To watch God use those words to break people and encourage people was so wonderful. One woman approached me and told me I knew what she needed prayer for. I had no clue. So, I accepted the challenge and listened to Holy Spirit. I began to tell her about herself and what God wanted to do for her. I then asked her if I was correct. I was. God is so faithful. We have to step out of the boat to walk on the water. I spoke at a youth group, and a bold girl spoke up while I was talking and asked if she needed to repent to be saved. She got saved that night, and I shared the gospel with her mom when she picked her up. The mother waited for 20 minutes to talk to me as I was ministering freedom to a young man.
Another significant memory was a church in Mateo. As I drove up, I perceived this as another storefront-type church in the city. This church was SO special. I walked in and immediately smiled and felt the presence of God while a young worship team played. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something exceptional about this church. The worship was Spirit-led. The pastor was full of love, joy, and honor. There were others like that, but something different was at work here. The ministry was terrific, and my words came to me as I spoke. This is something that is becoming more and more common. After church, everyone hung out as they fed us dinner. Pizza and ice cream. At 11:00! Which was the norm on our trip! I understood that this church reminded me of Hope Chapel, OC. Same spirit, worship, hanging out afterward, and powerful ministry. The pastor had a brother who pastored another church. He told him about us, and we ministered there on Sunday. That church was also fantastic; they helped me celebrate my birthday after church with a feast! They were so friendly, and we all connected. As usual, I invited just about everyone to visit and stay with us. Two cousins learning English want to come and practice their language skills!
I spoke in 12 different churches in 6 different cities. I had dozens of meals with many pastors and spread the love of the Father to hundreds. One of the unique things that happened on this trip was that I made several strategic connections. I had a few cancelations and most afternoons free, so I started meeting with pastors. I connected with many Foursquare pastors and even the Foursquare president of Argentina. I have a meeting with the president of Foursquare of Uruguay in a few weeks. While at lunch with Pastor Walter, we had two interpreters in his church whose dad was a supervisor in Colombia. More connections. More ministry. My friend in Peru, Felix, said I need a manager who is native Latin American and volunteered. I'll take it!
The stories don't stop there. There are hundreds of stories. Like being able to minister to my interpreter and his family. His daughter and maybe the whole family want coaching. Rebekah, an English speaker who helped me several nights, is coming to our house soon, and we hope the entire family comes. Rebekah and I have already had a coaching session, and the coaching will continue to help her achieve her goals in the future. They were so great and worked so hard, and drove me everywhere and took me to
What I do is hard to quantify, but wherever I go, I bring the love of Jesus and the heart of the Father. We continue to see people get saved, freed, and healed, but my favorite is connecting people with the heart of the Father. It is what I do. It is who I am. Embracing the men and women who desperately need love. Giving words to people who need to hear them. Watching them melt because the Father spoke to them through me is a high privilege. It is my honor to be sent to do this work that is so needed. Many pastors were encouraged to care for themselves, their families, and their marriages. That is a primary focus of mine.
Thank you for your support and prayers. These trips are not cheap financially, nor are they without significant physical, mental, and emotional challenges, not to mention the spiritual war that goes on while I minister. (But Jesus wins!) We need partners who will support us in every way. Thanks for being with us on this journey, and a special thank you to those who financially support us. When I go, you go with me in spirit. Please consider a generous donation or monthly support. To give financially, click here.
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