We often hear the sounds of chickens at home, but this morning we got to hear roosters. I believe we also heard some wild turkeys, which make quite a racket. Last night was cold. We will need another cobija tonight (glad I have a Spanish-English dictionary with me). What a beautiful morning it is. Calm, cool air, and the sun lighting up the hills outside of town.
We met Lupe this morning instead of last night. We were wiped out, with waking up early and then traveling all day, so we went to bed early. When we arrived, the only person home was a young lady named Esteffa, who I think is Lupe's granddaughter. After we turned in, there were people outside our room, which is the family room of the house. They were loud and seemed to be enjoying an evening with the family. I went to introduce myself to Lupe before the kids were awake. She stood in front of a grinder making corn meal. She pointed to it and said "mi trabajo". There were 2 other ladies with her, one of which gave Lupe a coin and took the dough she had just ground. She introduced me to the 2 ladies, but I did not understand everything she said. I think she was telling me that they were members of the church. Before leaving for the day, we stopped in the kitchen and I introduced Laura and the kids to Lupe. She had a big smile and a hug for each child. I didn't get a hug. :-)
We left for breakfast and a PRC only service at Mamma Mago's. David White spoke out of 1 John 5 on "5 things that we know". Thomas' message later was on the same verses, which was a neat "coincidence". I guess the Spirit wanted us to focus on 1 John 5 this morning.
Breakfast was beans and hot dogs, with tortillas. This was Laura's and my day to serve, so we helped serve the food and clean up. After breakfast I helped John and Hal get the soccer bags ready for the tournament. John brought the supplies in his suitcases, and we put a water bottle and a pamphlet on the 4 spiritual laws in each bag. Later, I helped hang tarps over the courtyard for the church service with the Boquillas church. A group from a church in Leon came at about 10:00 and started setting up instruments, sound equipment, and a projector. I inquired and found out that they do this about once I month. It is a terrific ministry. They bring God's praise right into the middle of town for all to hear. And the service is different than what could be done in a small town like Boquillas with limited resources and few people.
While they were setting up church, Juan, Donato, and John were getting ready to take the truck up to the soccer fields to setup for the tournament. I grabbed Hal and asked him to join me to pray over the pamphlets in the backpacks that would be handed out. I really felt God's Spirit with us as we prayed. And I truly desired some man's/men's life/lives to be changed by the truth that we were bringing. I may never know if this prayer will be answered.
Shortly after getting back from this, Peter asked me to go with him to invite men in the town to church. I said yes and also invited Thomas and Chuck to come along. Thomas came with us. I must say, this totally stretched me since I am not confident with my Spanish. Peter was an inspiration. He launched right in and I couldn't help but do the same. I used all of the Spanish I know talking to men in the town square. I don't think any of them ended up coming to church, but perhaps this is what God wanted to teach me - to make the invitation and let God stir hearts as He chooses.
The church service was very high energy. Lots of praise. Lots of songs. The Leon church sang. The Boquillas church sang. And then the Colorado church sang the songs that we had learned in Spanish. Thomas preached on believing God when he says that we are forever in His hand. After the sermon, Victor and Alisa's baby was dedicated. Overall, it was beautiful to have 3 churches coming together to worship God together.
The high moment of the church service was followed soon thereafter by bad news. We got word from the soccer field that the out of town soccer teams did not show up. Major disappointment. I was hoping and believing that God would use the soccer tournament to spread His church, so the news was hard to hear. I didn't end up getting to see any of the soccer games that were played by the in town teams, but Mark Stephens said that the level of play was amazing.
Late in the afternoon, I took a trip with Thomas and Steve Rugg to try to buy pastries for the evening showing of "The Ultimate Prize". Unsuccessful, there were no pastries in town. The movie ended up being mostly a bust, in that none of the players came to see it. They seem very happy that we're here. They even gave the soccer trophy to our group from Colorado, for coming so far and for doing so much for the town, they said. And they sang a cheer for Colorado after giving us the trophy. But they don't engage with the church. Lord, why is this?
The kids are having a blast. Joel said tonight that Boquillas kids are fun to play with. And Rebecca got upset that she couldn't stay out playing until 11:00 pm. Somehow, she thinks that this is what was promised to her, but we assured her that it was not. :-)
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