It's been an amazing couple of months to start the year 2014. It has been incredibly hot and humid here in Asunción, but we have had some incredible time with the Lord.
At the first of the year, we started a prayer service on Thursday nights. Since that time, we have had many "small" things happen to us and those who attend our churches. This is not meant to be complaints or trying to make you feel uncomfortable or sorry for us. I just want you all to see what we have been up against and how God has poured His amazing grace upon us, His servants.
I am just going to list, in random order, all of the things that have occurred since we began the weekly prayer service: broken down motorcycle (which a member relies on for work), busted windshield (very random), loss of work, loss of money, nose-bleeds (major with no warning or explanation, doctors still can't figure out why), air-conditioner breaking down, another one breaking down, business owner not being paid for the work he has done, truck breaking down, car breaking down, accidents at work, family problems (major ones), stitches, random & weird illnesses, deaths of family members, people of the community speaking ill of us, people saying we are preaching false doctrine (btw, we preach Jesus and Him crucified and resurrected), etc.
Now, many of these things, and much more, happen on a normal, daily basis; however, we have seen an increase in these "small" things happening to our small group of church people. We average around 18 people on any given Sunday. It seems like, every day, we are seeing things happening that are out of our control. What do we do? How do we handle all of these things that happen to us?
Our church is rejoicing! We count them all joy, as James says. Why? Because we know that all suffering, all trials, are for our good. They benefit us, as a church and as believers, because they teach us that it has nothing to do with us. It's all about Jesus! We know that we are doing something right because we have seen opposition grow and become more vocal. The neighborhood witch is not happy, at all. The priest is beginning to stir up trouble, too. Even some of our own denomination and pastors from another denomination are beginning to stir up some trouble for our small church.
Sometimes, we ask ourselves, why, but then, we remember, it's not about us. It's about HIM! We keep ourselves focused on Jesus, and we allow Him to respond for us. It's been amazing watching Him work on our behalf. He is solving all of these problems right before our eyes. He has begun to give us favor with so many families and businesses. He is working in Asunción, and I know that He can work where you are at.
Counting it all joy, my friends,
Charley
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