Cycles

The cycles in life.

You come into this world dependent on somebody older to feed you and care for you.
Jesus certainly did.

You grow and are presented with opportunities to care for others.  Yes, Jesus certainly did this as well.

And then you grow old, and life comes full circle as others care for you once again. 
Jesus looked at his disciple and said “Here is your mother”.

As missionaries, when we arrive into a new culture, a new language, a new context, we become dependent on others to survive.   Then, as we learn the language, integrate into the culture, and build bridges of trust and loyalty, we have the privilege of caring for others, of investing in others. 

But, what might not be on the radar of those who send us, is that we hope that investment will circle around back to us, and that we can watch as they in turn, invest in many more lives in their own cycle of life. 

Almost 20 years ago, when we arrived in Yucatán, we met Eliú, a young lawyer who had recently begun to follow Jesus.  We poured into his life and the Spirit showed us the potential he had.  Paul encouraged him to study Bible school and became his teacher.  He then watched Eliú continue on in ministerial preparation and taught him on the master’s level as well.  This week, both Paul and Eliú are teaching together in a post Bible school ministerial education program in Tijuana.  Pastors come from all over Mexico to study in this program called ISUM.  In our early years, Paul would sometimes also direct two of the four weeks of the module.  After almost 20 years, it is now Eliú who is teaching and directing, and Paul is under Eliú’s authority.  The student has become the teacher.  We are overjoyed. 

The medical ministry is now completely led by Mexicans.  The director is a paramedic, won to the Lord in a medical outreach 18 years ago.   Obed is now also a pastor in Tabasco and carry on this ministry with zeal.  

Both Obed and Eliú are investing in hundreds of lives across Mexico and other countries.  We get to watch that happen.  Our hearts are bursting with pride and gratitude. 

If you are still reading this, thank you.  Feel free to jump over to our latest newsletters and see how you can continue to support our ministry.