Sent Out in the Power of the Spirit
One of my prayers that Dawn and I pray often for ourselves and those that we minister with is that we will minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. And that in doing so that he will give us an anointing that is equal to the task that he has called us to. When I read Acts, which describes how the early church grew it highlights how Paul and the other followers of Christ depended on the God’s power and his work in their lives through the Holy Spirit.
The early church in Antioch felt led to send out Saul and Barnabus as they worshipped and prayed. The Holy Spirit spoke to them and told them to set apart these two men.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:2,3 (ESV)
We desire to be led in the same way as we send out our church planters in Mexico and on the Big Island. It’s so encouraging when we see God at work, even as we go through such a difficult season.
Davis & Luz Pardo – Ministering in Playas
One of the church planting couples that we are working with in Tijuana is Davis and Luz Pardo. They are a gifted and friendly young couple. Jesus has called them to minister in a beach community called Playas, which means beach. One of the challenges of planting a church there is that the rent is high, especially for their budget. They’ve been living in a small apartment this last year. We realized as time moved on that they needed a bigger house to be able to have people in their home. Yet, we weren’t sure how they could afford a bigger place.
We’ve raised funds to plant this church, but the church in Mexico which we are partnering with was also supposed to be giving them some financial help. Mexico has been hit harder by the pandemic financially than the US. Most churches are cutting back and having to reduce their budgets. So we felt stuck in some ways with the budget shortfall and the cost of renting in Playas.
Jehovah Jireh – God is Our Provider
We began to pray with Davis and Luz. When I pray for God’s provision I like to remember his promises. God’s name is Jehovah Jireh, which means the God who provides. Paul declares in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
To be honest even though we prayed and trusted the Lord I was wondering whether they were going to need to move to a community near Playas that was less expensive. I guess you could say, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
God in his grace and mercy came through again! God opened a door through a family member of one of the couples that Davis and Luz have been reaching out to. The family member’s name is Enrique, and he had a home he wanted to rent in Playas. When Enrique woke up in the morning on the day he was to meet Davis and Luz he felt like the Lord put it on his heart that it was important for him to meet them.
When they met Davis and Luz told Enrique what their budget was. The amount they have to rent the house is about $250 USD less than Enrique could have rented the house for. God worked in his heart, and he felt good about renting the home to Davis and Luz. He liked the idea that they were going to use the home to start a church!
One of the joys of our ministry is seeing the Lord come through like this. Even when my faith may be small it doesn’t limit the Lord’s ability or his desire to provide.
These testimonies of God’s wonderful grace are so good, and so important not only for Dawn and me, but for Davis and Luz as well. It’s a further confirmation that the Lord is at work and that he desires to plant this church and reach this community.
Alpha Outreach
One of the ways that Davis and Luz are reaching out in the community is through Alpha. They’ve been learning how to use Alpha online with some of our other pastors. Alpha is an outreach ministry that has been used to reach thousands of people around the world! The timing is wonderful since in many places in Mexico the people are not able to gather, or they are afraid to be with others.
Pray with us as they continue to reach out in Playas. Pray for the Lord’s continued favor and provision, so that they will see many lives transformed by the gospel in the community of Playas, Tijuana.
Thank you so much for strengthening our hands when we are weak, and for praying with us as we seek and serve the Lord!
Donate
The needs caused by the pandemic in Mexico and on the Big Island are heart breaking. The prices are increasing and the salaries aren’t even close to keeping up. This is especially true on the Big Island. Many pastors are being forced to find another job so they can buy food and feed their families. This is a great time to give to these needs. Just click below and designate the funds for Mexico or the Big Island. Thank you!
In His Grip, Dave
Beyond Borders 