In one church, the first believer in that village still attends. Now, there are well over 30 members who attend regularly, including our Nehemiah Teams group for this summer.
When we attended church last Sunday, they invited us to a time of fellowship that Friday. We expected that we would sit around, talk and eat -- but we were in for a big surprise.
When we arrived at the church, there were over 30 people we had never seen before, some of whom were taking bucket showers next to the church. They were all changing into suits and elaborate robes.
We found out that it was a traveling choir from the opposite side of Mexico -- an 18 hour drive! This choir group had tried to visit our church last year, but the plans were cancelled. This time, when they were headed our way, they decided to make a surprise visit.
We spent some time talking with the choir group before they went to perform, getting to know them and learning about their walks with the Lord.
When they finally went up to perform, we were in awe. The way they worshiped the Lord in unison made us want to worship with them, even though we didn't know the words to any of the old hymns in Spanish.
This divine appointment was not only a blessing to be a part of, but it truly lifted up the local church as they could bond with other national believers and develop a heart of service to host them at the last minute.
Pray for the local church, that they would take leadership in the village community.
Pray that as we prepare to leave, they would take over where we leave off in sharing the hope they have in Christ.