Today we started our morning with the Acuna “Joy Tour” with Pat who leads the Faith Mission outreach work in Acuna. Our first stop was the store to buy 36 dozen fresh tortillas and beans. While my preference is the flour tortillas, the fresh corn ones were delicious. We drove through several poor neigborhoods that are known for drug activity and finally stopped in a place where Pat has just begun to reach out and begin a relationship with the people. We formed teams and went door-to-door and inviting people to receive rice and beans and gifts for their children.
The distribution was fun. Kids received candy and beanies knit by a wonderful group of women from Ridgecrest. The men and women formed a line 25 deep. After a brief testimony, we were invited into homes to pray with people, encouraging them to live for their Christ. We visited a very generous family that served several of us hot chocolate and crackers. The father shared that his name is Noe. We met Ysenia his 16 year old daughter. As Pat asked each about their relationship with Christ, Ysenia didn’t know the Lord. After a long conversation about salvation, Pat felt compelled to talk to Ysenia about purity and remaining strong against the temptations of youth. Then during prayer, she confessed that she was already pregnant. We affirmed God’s love for her and that she will need the love and forgiveness of her family too. Ysenia received it as she shed tears. We hugged each family member goodbye, and Pat plans to start Bible studies in the homes after such a great reception.