Meet Pastor Isai (Long e- sigh- long e) and his sweet family. Vero is his wife and his son is Oto, and his daughters are Sarai, and Shidel. We love this family so much. We have been working with them since we first arrived in Mexico. Isai and Vero are from Guadalajara. They grew up on the comfortable side having families with money. Not rich, but comfortable.
After finishing seminary, Isai felt called to reach the indigenous here where we live. It is about 2 1/2 hours from where he grew up. When he told his family and church that he was going to pursue this calling, what do you think they said? Well... it wasn't AWESOME, go... reach those poor people who speak a different language. It was, "What are you thinking? There are lots of churches right here in Guadalajara that you can serve in. There are lots of lost people here. You can earn a good salary here and provide for you family well. WHY, WHY would you want to go and live in a poor village to try and reach some indigenous people, who are so different from us? They talk different, they eat different food, they look different, wear different clothes, and they are 2 1/2 hours away from all of your friends and family. Brother, they don't have money, how will you provide for you family?"
For him, it was an easy answer... Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So, he and Vero headed out, not knowing what lie ahead and began their journey with God. It has been fun to be on the journey together. They were about 25 minutes from our first village and then at about the same time they felt called to move to a new village, which is about 2 minutes down the road. We do everything together. Partnering with this family has been what our family has needed. Our kids are in his youth group, and Annie adores his girls and Oto too! Vero and I have so much in common and really love working together.
Financially they remind me of Greg's grandfather's situation. He was a pastor many years ago as well and I have heard stories about how his grandmother could stretch food forever to feed all of her kids. They live off of nothing. I mean, we are surrounded by poor people, but this is a missionary family of 5 that lives on about $100 a week. That is for food, gas, medical expenses, whatever comes. So it doesn't go far! Please pray for them. Pray they would be blessed in ways they cannot explain. Pray that their church would continue to reach out to the surrounding villages and we would see many other groups started. Thanks for praying, I know it was long. Sorry! Missy
This was at Oto's graduation from Kinder when Annie was his "escort."
Alex loves Sarai and she loves him back!
Can you tell?
This was at a Fall festival event.
We were playing minute to win it games.
Pastor praying for Jerod last year at his 15th birthday.
This was at one of about 100 VBS's we did last summer!
He is a great leader. great pastor and a really awesome friend to our family. Please pray he would make time for his family and not let ministry or lack of money keep him from spending time with his wife and kids. I am not implying that this is happening, but it is so easy when you are in the ministry.
