Joy in the Journey!
Dave with our friends from Ministerios Transformación
One of the joys of persevering in ministry is many surprises the Lord brings and all the wonderful people that we get to know along the way. Sometimes my friends and I joke around and say that, “the ministry would be great if it wasn’t for the people” 😉 but in reality the opposite is true. Ministry is great, because of the people.
I’m so grateful that some of my best friends are the people that I serve alongside!
A little over a week ago I celebrated my birthday, and to my surprise a couple days later at the Ministerios Transformación monthly pastors meeting they made a cake for me. Not only that, but they took time out of their meeting to share about how Dawn and I had ministered to them in different ways over the years.
Wow! We felt so loved!
The experience was a huge honor for me, and one of the highlights of all of my years in ministry. To have so many pastors recognize the contribution we have made to them and their church efforts was so encouraging. I told them that it made both Dawn and me feel loved. It was an amazing time!
It’s interesting that right before the meeting I was feeling a little down. Partly due to some disappointment I felt regarding certain aspects of the work. Also, I find that special days are harder for me emotionally now that Hannah’s gone.
Hannah loved to celebrate others. She loved to party, and she had a way of making me and others feel loved and special. So it seems like there is a big hole when she’s not with me on these days.
Thankful for our Friends & God’s Faithfulness
A great night to celebrate our friendship and all that the Lord has done!
God is so faithful and he shows his concern, his care and his love for me through others. Our good friends, Daniel and Yolanda Nuñez who lead Ministerios Transformación came up with the idea to encourage me at their meeting. The time was so special for a number of reasons. It was unexpected, and they are friends that Dawn and I love and respect. They walked through Hannah’s passing with us. They’ve prayed for us and encouraged us along the way. We’ve sought to do the same for them.
I’m grateful that by God’s grace we’ve helped them to plant five churches. We’ve also raised funds to help five churches expand as their ministry has grown. These churches are making a difference in the communities that they serve in. We do it all for the glory of the Lord, to make his name great. We’ve been able to train a number of their pastors in leadership, church planting, and coaching. A truly wonderful relationship that we give thanks to the Lord for.
What a joy to count them as our friends!
Dawn and I are very rich, because of them!
Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for your grace and your continued work, and thank you for all our wonderful partners!
In His Grip, Dave
Beyond Borders 