This week, we got to experience a series of birthday parties and a special fiesta for a village.
One fiesta celebrated the "cumpleanos" for a nine year old. Another for an 87 year old.
What was amazing to me is the generosity and excitement that surrounds fiestas here. For one of the fiestas, we had met the family for the first time that day. We got to share the Word of God with them in their heart language -- an indigenous language that varies between villages.
Then, they told us about their daughter's birthday and the fiesta they were having, which they proceeded to invite us to.
We found that going to fiestas is a great way to live out 1 Corinthians 9 and "become all things to all people." Not only are fiestas fun, but they are a huge part of Mexican culture. In addition, it's a great way to witness to the fact that we don't need parties or alcohol to sustain our joy -- it is solely found in Christ!
Our friend who just turned 87 encountered a near death experience only a few months ago and never thought he would reach this point in his life. He has been Catholic all his life and he thanks God for it. Through this experience, we were able to share the Word of God with him.
Pray that he would be able to reflect on his life and all that God has provided for him and that he would wholeheartedly worship and praise Him.
Pray that God continues to provide opportunities for us to share the Word of God and "become all things to all people.