I believe I wrote about the fact that when I got back from the US, Pastora Ruth announced that we have to move out of the building which currently houses our church. At first I was in shock, then a little sad because we just got the place looking really nice, with the altar and all. But as I looked around me that Sunday afternoon, I realized my church is made up of the most amazing people. It really doesn't matter if we meet under a tree. Our church will always be strong.
God eased my mind and told me that this is a good thing. Not anything to be sad about. He assured me that he has plans for an even better place for us. All we needed to do is seek Him. So we prayed. Last week during our weekly intercession I shared with everyone the peace and even excitement that God has given me about our new location. I wasn't sure if it would come now, or later, but I promised that God has great plans for us.
Apparently God's plan was for sooner than anyone imagined!
On Tuesday Martha was walking to the church. Along the way, she spotted a tiny sign that said a space was for rent. She shared the information and Pastora Ruth went to talk to the owner. He is Christian and was happy to have a church in his space. He lowered the price from $1000 to $750 and handed her the keys with no deposit at all.
It is a beautiful space! So pretty. Even better than where we were before. Bigger, nicer, significantly cheaper! and in a residential area. That was something I prayed for. I want the people of the neighborhood to be able to attend our church.
Yesterday Pastora Ruth sent us a message which said "SURPRISE!" and asked anyone who was free to come help us move into our new space. About 20 of us were able to go. I was happy it was my free day! I wanted to be a part of the move in some way, since I am not able to attend church this week or next. Afterward we held our weekly intercession in our new space.
 |
| As you walk up the stairs, looking left |
 |
| Walking up the stairs, looking straight ahead The alter will be on the wall at the front |
 |
| Standing by the offices and bathrooms, looking back toward the entry on the right I love that there are so many windows! |
 |
| Our first time of intercession |
 |
| Verses 18 & 19 of Nehemiah chapter 2 |
 |
| Ricardo giving thanks in our new location |
This weekend I am traveling with a team visiting from Indiana. We will serve outside of Tegucigalpa. I translated for them in their past visits, so they invited me to translate with them once again. I'm really excited to see them and serve God together with them!
Next weekend Erika is having Marjory dedicated to God in her church. Of course I want to be present for that. So although I wish I didn't have to miss the first two weeks of my church in its new location, I have some really exciting things going on!
Yesterday Ana called me. I was a little worried that something was wrong. She never calls me, I always call her. Plus, we had just talked the night before.
She was calling because she was excited that the team from Indiana came to visit her home and brought her a basket of food! She could hardly contain herself. Yesterday, before they came, she had absolutely NO food at all in her house. This was a huge blessing! As much as she needed the food, she was also on top of the world to think that the basket of food was for her family. Sometimes I think she feels invisible, although she is always out and serving. She said the basket was full of great stuff.
Recently a friend told me that she believes God is showing me favor right now. I have to agree with her. All of the opportunities that are opening up for me at work are blowing my mind! My relationship with my boss and my co-workers couldn't be better. God even gave my boss and me time alone last week to get to know each other more personally. That was a huge blessing.
Then He came along and gave us a new church, only blocks from our old church and so much better. He blessed Ana, not only with sustenance for her family, but with the knowledge that she is seen and appreciated. He has Erika on a great path - attending church, getting Marjory dedicated, and in a relationship that seems to be going well.
My Mom is surrounded by friends who are struggling with really tough things, but my Mom just turned 73 on Monday and is healthy and strong. Watching others her age are face these horrible challenges makes me thank God even more for the life He chose for my Mom.
 |
| My nephew and my Mom celebrating 73 years with chocolate cake and crab legs I love seeing my Mom this happy |
I am so blessed and it seems like everyone around me is doing well too. I want to soak in these moments of joy, stretch them out so they last even longer, and bask in the gratitude I feel for all of God's blessings. He sees every little detail, and He has control of it all with plans to prosper and not to harm.
