One Step Willingly

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.  So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Sometimes I wish we could do a million things at the same time.  There's so much to do. But.  We can't.  Which, is actually a good thing.  
God's created us as a Body for a reason.  And HE is the head.  He is the one who makes what we plant & water grow.  

As Hearts in Action, Mexico we get to work alongside local churches- including our home church.   This month we got to plant in the lives of kids and adults in the states of Guererro & Puebla (south of Mexico city ~ 6 hours).  

Unfortunately, on our first day ministering, Xaume sprained his ankle! Of course, if you know Xaume, it didn't keep him off his feet too much.  THANKFULLY, (we did go to the doctor about a week later...) nothing was broken, and he's healing well.  

We had a chance to share not only toys, marshmallow clown candies, booklets and prizes, but most importantly: the message of Christ.  

While we got to sing, share and celebrate with kids,  parents and community members also heard the Word of God.  The team prayed for many, cut hair, cleaned (and pulled!) teeth, gave out grocery boxes and clothing.  

The reputation for the state Guerrero is not nice.  But we believe that God's power is what CAN break the trend towards violence and discontent.  

One of my favorite moments from this trip: 
A group of us we took our route, inviting people to the event.   At the top of the hill, right before we turned back around, we came to a house where a little boy was out front.  We told him to ask his mom to come too so we could talk to them both.
  
He had chicken pox.  We prayed for his chicken pox, and we prayed with him to confess Jesus as his Lord.   His newly radiant smile continued all afternoon- as he joined us later for the class and activities.  

His mom prayed along with her son.

[Father, may this family connect with the brothers and sisters in the community - growing in knowledge of You and your Word.] 

[Above] Throughout the week, I got to do lots of translating which is always fun!  (For real though- it is fun.)

And, Xau shared at this evening church service.  Passage:  2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."  A challenge and goal for each of us.  

There was such a heaviness here.  For a minute, no one responded. Then, all of a sudden, God's Spirit of freedom fell: another favorite moment.  

Whew, transition.  
Back in the city, Xau & I each taught classes the following week at one of the Rhema Bible Institute campuses.  

I had the privilege to share at a women's meeting at a church north of the city.  Simple keys to sharing with others:
1.  Fill up on His love
2.  Be prepared 
3.  Listen to His voice
4.  Confidently obey

Some of you were probably thinking,  didn't you already graduate from Rhema?  Yes.  

These pictures you may have seen are from Rhema's ordination ceremony.  We are now both ordained : ) 

He Is Worthy!  Thank you for reading and sharing in this adventure with us.  We send our love to all of you!

For those of you who like specifics, you can join us in prayer for...

• Kids' Outreach events : for Kid's Day! 
• Mario & Suzanne Babarczy's visit in May
• Each step in obedience:  we want to see His glory fill the earth!