Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Buenos Nochas! It’s a little after 8 p.m.  I am at “home”.  I started feeling poorly last night and things progressed or regressed, as the case may be, throughout the day.  If you’re wondering, yes, it’s a stomach bug.  What can I say but Dios Sabe—God knows.  He knew this was going to happen and has placed me in the loving care of my brothers and sisters in Christ from OSLC as well as the San Martin family.  Pastor Jaime, you may recall, is a doctor.  God is good!

We started the morning with a wonderful breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal and homemade bread.  One of the members of Florida Norte lovingly made it for us.  (Mucho gracias!)  We then transitioned to our Bible study.  Today, we focused on the phrase “in the name of Jesus”.  In addition to Colossians 1:15-ff, we read the wonderful account in Acts chapter three and four of the healing of the man lame from birth—a healing that took place in the name of Jesus.  (I encourage you to read it for yourselves.)  This miraculous healing provided a wonderful opportunity for Peter and John to testify to the glorious truth of the gospel.  St. Peter sums it up in this way, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  That’s why we traveled all the way to Cochabamba.  We traveled here so that together with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Florida Norte we might make the name of Jesus known among the children at the soccer clinic and VBS.

Speaking of soccer and VBS, we had another great day.  Since I am not much of a soccer player and wasn’t feeling too well, I threw the Frisbee with some of the younger children and helped turn the jump rope for the kids.  Yesterday, I joined the fun.  What an awesome experience to jump rope, all the while gazing on the majestic mountains that surround Cochabamba.  Given the altitude, I didn’t jump too long—far longer, though, than one of my teammates thought I could do it!

When we gathered in the church, it was another rousing time of song.  Boy, how the kids love to sing, especially when Mateo is leading.  Estevan, provided another clear presentation of the Gospel from the book of Genesis.   Please pray that the seeds of the Gospel that are being sown and watered will, by God’s grace, bear the fruit of genuine faith in these young hearts.

We returned to our home to yet another sumptuous meal, courtesy of Milo (sounds like Mee-low).  The others devoured it with delight.  I, however, dined on a few crackers and a cup of Sprite, grateful to Jesus Christ for His loving faithfulness.  After dinner the San Martins and the OSLC contingent headed to Florida Norte.  Hopefully one of them will blog about the evening’s events in the days to come.

Two highlights for me came in successive days.  Yesterday, Pastor Jaime and I, with the help of his oldest son, James, had an opportunity to talk about faith and life, as the chicos and chicas worked on the day’s craft.  It was wonderful to hear a bit about his life and the desires the LORD has placed on his heart for the mission and ministry of Florida Norte.  Today, I spoke at length with Jose, his is a young pastor and director of a small seminary in the area.  We were blessed to talk about the joys and sorrows of ministry as well as some finer theological points.  I was in my element, to be sure.  He and I both hope to converse again before we depart next week.  Dios sabe.

I woke up early today—Dan and Lita early.  As I lay in bed, I prayed for them and the rest of you.  It is an honor to represent God’s people at OSLC and our many other senders.  Mucho gracias!  I/we greatly appreciate you sacrificial gifts and your ongoing prayers.

In Living Hope,

Pr. Jensen