We spent most of the day in the vans traveling from McAllen, TX to Brownsville, TX then into Matamores, Mexico for a visit to the Magdiel Bible School then back across the border to finish our 8hour drive to San Antonio. The drivers and their navigators riding in ‘shotgun’ position did an amazing job because all afternoon and into the night it was raining.
The morning devotion took place in one of the McAllen Motel’s meeting rooms. Dave Barnes who has provided the devotions throughout the week concluded the series by talking about the struggles we face as men and the assurance we have for help through the Holy Spirit in us. After the devotion Brian Park lead worship through the sharing of Communion. We have all experienced the presence of God in our midst this week and before taking Communion everyone had the opportunity to quietly reflect on the struggles in their lives and how they would seek the Lord’s help to deal with them.
After Communion we departed for the Brownsville, TX border and arrived at the Magdiel Bible College late in the morning. We immediately joined all the students in a time of praise and worship. Praise to the Lord was enthusiastic with song. All the Power Ministry team of men sat among the students. We engaged in introductions on a one-on-one activity. For those of us not skilled in Spanish the challenge of communicating basic personal information like our names, where we lived, family members and so forth became quite a challenge but one everyone eagerly undertook. The worship service led by Pastor Mario was filled with a message about the priorities of bringing the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This focus was particularly suited to the students since most, if not all, are intending to take up positions as pastors. The worship service concluded with a time of prayer for the students. The Power Ministry team was privileged to lay their hands on the students as the Pastor prayed over them.
Following worship lunch was served in the school cafeteria. The Power Ministry team provided table service for the students. At the conclusion of the main meal several members of the Power Ministry team were celebrating birthdays and became the benefactors of cake for desert and a birthday song by the students. Finally, the Power Ministry team provide the students with new shirts with school’s name screen-printed on them along with some new bibles for their use. Although most of us were lacking in Spanish speaking skills and students new little or no English many new friendships were made because of our common love for Jesus Christ. As we departed in a gentle rain all the students gathered at the school gates to exchange waves of good-bye and those more athletically inclined playfully rocked a couple of vans. The Magdiel visit will undoubtedly stand out as a highlight of fellowship and worship between those committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.