Dec. 16th

We had church this morning starting at nine. Manuel was present on the front row (this is the man who lives next door that Lorraine prayed for last week). Ernesto later told me that no one has ever seen the man wear shoes before and he was dressed in his best. We are praying for him to receive Jesus and for his sight to be restored.

Sunday School was taught by Ernesto’s wife Filameno. She gave us instructions to “fish for men” as we should not be Christians without bringing others to Christ. My favorite thing she said was “Big fish live in deep water.”

Oh how we miss this in America. We are so busy that we forget to go fishing for Jesus. People are lost and going to hell and we are too busy to care. Lord help us to get the important matters back into alignment in our walk of faith.

Praise and worship was all PRAISE ! The Africans sing every song loud with dancing and clapping. I was overjoyed. Even the ones just big enough to walk are already keeping rhythm with their feet and clapping. They are singing too. The mother’s here carry their babies on their back with a piece of material wrapped a certain way. When they are old enough to walk they are off the back and Praising God. It is glorious. It was also gloriously hot and we were melting (literally) but none of us stopped moving. Richard played keyboard and Eugenio was on drums. When I would look around I would always see someone smiling at me, they have adopted me as their own here even though wherever we go I stand out. They are thrilled to see how much I love their music. And they love it that I can stay in rhythm with them (most of the time) and dance.

After prayer, it was me who gave the message this morning. Ernesto told me last night that I was to preach. I have never given a message before except by writing a blog or a play. I have taught children but never given a sermon. Last night I was afraid but I prayed then words and thoughts started pouring in and so I took notes and decided to step it up. Not very many people have the opportunity to preach in Africa so I was not going to miss this blessing !!

I talked about HOPE. This has been my word for almost two years now. HOPE. I preached to them that I spent many years choosing pain instead of hope.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to you fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Jesus is life, Jesus is hope. Live today and if it’s bad just look hold on till tomorrow then it will become today and today will be yesterday. Do not look back on yesterday keep moving forward.

Remember that before David killed the giant Goliath he had already killed a lion and a bear all by himself. In this life you will face your lion, your bear and your giant. Hold fast to the Lord and He will be your life.

It is now 5:30 pm here Sunday night 9:30 am your time. It has just started to rain. Many of you are getting ready for church I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit comes to your service and lifts your spirit to see, hear, touch and taste that the Lord is good and that He has a plan for you. Do not miss your destiny, God is ready when you are. I also pray for you to get rain.

Sylvia