I was a little discouraged 2 months ago about some things in the ministry and not seeing what I thought I should be seeing in various groups we work with each week. I have been trying to memorize scripture this year as it is something that I have not done well in the past. One of the scriptures I memorized was Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." As I was memorizing this I was sharing it with people and encouraging them to trust God and follow these words in Proverbs. Well, as I was moping around about lack of leadership in our groups, etc. God decided to take me to the woodshed and said basically, "You have been sharing these words with others but are not following them yourself." I was leaning on my understanding and plans and timetables and not submitting to him. How often we think this is our church and our vision and our plans without consulting the real owner of the church.
Anyway, in the last month we have had the priviledge of participating in three large baptismal services in three different areas. Baptism is a huge step in this highly Catholic culture and is always a great time of celebration. We also attended a service during Easter week geared towards youth and have honestly never been a part of a service, while here in Mexico, where God was moving so strongly. Many of the youth were broken, crying and praying together. Six youth trusted in Christ that night and it was a real encouragement.
To finish up, you can probably see where this is heading first with me moping around thinking of my plans and then God revealing my hypocrisy of not trusting in the words I was sharing with others. Finally, just weeks later God revealed how He was in control and blessed our people group. This is His church and I pray that I will continue to remember that.
Group of believers that were baptized at our family camp.
Believers that were baptized from our small group here in our village.
Family who studied God's Word together and then followed through with baptism after learning about it.
Former gang member who was changed by God's Word and was baptized afterward.
Blessings to you all, Greg
