Sunday
– God’s day.
ALIANZA CRISTIANA REYNOSA
We woke up early and made our way to Alianza Cristiana Reynosa. As Doug Wible says, this is our church away from home, and for many of us, we have not been to this home for a few years. The joy at seeing Pastor Mario, Becky and everyone at Alianza was evident for both the Alianza and Power teams.
Pat Schmeling gave the Power team and the Alianza interpreters an always needed reminder to not miss divine appointments from Luke 10:25-37 (parable of the good samaritan). After that, we were treated to an awesome missionary Mariachi band, the Alianza worship team and finally another message by Pat to the Alianza congregation. The message was given entirely in Spanish, but when you do not understand words, the crowd interactions and non-verbal queues become the focus. Based on these things, the congregation was very engaged and clearly moved by the words God gave Pat.
After the church service, we were treated to a delicious lunch. Of course, the food is always great, but the hearts of the serving staff and really everyone who serves at Alianza moved me. God wants us to serve with a cheerful heart and I don’t think that I have been to a church where there are hearts that are move cheerful in service than the ones that serve at Alianza.
TRAVEL TO FAITH MISSION – DEL RIO
Have to say, this was a long trip that I was not looking forward to. However, as with other Power travels, I found myself in some of the most profound and transparent discussions imaginable. It always happens on these long legs of the Power trips; guys pour out their hearts. We talked candidly, prayed fervently and counseled each other honestly. It is a true privilege spending time with these godly men.
After a dinner at Luby’s, we got an update from Rick at Loredo Stepping Stones. That ministry is blessed by God and is providing thousands of meals on a weekly basis as well as handing out many, many bibles and sharing the Word of God. Keep Rick’s health in your prayers. After a very serious bout with COVID, he had a pulmonary embolism and has only recently been able to have the energy to continue with his preaching. Rick, his new wife and his team are doing great things in Loredo.
Scott Lips