March 14th Post

Sunday was a day filled with worship! We had the privilege of going back to the village of Chiquimula in Pastor Salvador's church for the morning. When we arrived, there was a small number of people and children that had gathered within the church. By the time the church service started, the church was full with 250 people! It was so encouraging to worship with them and then to sing for them. We sang a song in Spanish for the children who were there (which were larger in number than the adults...about 150 total!) called "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart," following with "Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone." After we sang, 3 of the students gave testimonies through our awesome translator, Sue, of how this trip has impacted their lives. They did such a great job! Then I was able to preach the Gospel from John 3:16. Several of the people that we had witnessed to and invited to come were there, including many who were unsaved. We pray that as the Word of God was preached, that their eyes would be opened, and that they would respond in faith and repentance! After the service, we had a special prayer of dedication for Pastor Salvador's home and his ministry in the village of Chiquimula. Pastor Salvador has had a great impact on all of us and we have learned so much from this humility and zeal. He is truly great in God's eyes!

For the evening service, we had a chance to worship with the Iglesia Evangelistica of Zacapa. This church had over 300 in attendance and was such an incredible blessing to us. Pastor Christian welcomed us at the beginning by saying, "This is your church. This is your family. It is a privilege to have you with us tonight. We love you!" We sang for over an hour with them. They were so genuine in their worship to the Lord and you could see how they have a fervent desire for the Lord. We were able to sing for them and give testimonies, which the students did a phenomenal job. I was able to preach from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 and it was so encouraging to see their hunger for the Word of God. All of us were blessed to have been with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ today!

I will be posting one more time before we leave, so stay tuned...

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen