We enjoyed some rich time with both our families over our trip to Cali. We celebrated Easter with a host of family members who carted in the growing herd of the next generation, who scurried to find painted eggs in my parents’ back yard. I loved preaching in my dad’s church on that Sunday. The Lord really ministered to all of us through the story of Christ agonizing in the garden before His death, and the way He identifies with the pain we experience. I felt privileged to be able to proclaim the gospel after going through the trials of the last few months.
family easter pic
The kids were able to reconnect with a host of friends on this trip. They played their hearts out in Lake Havasu with all their buddies from Copperhill Church. They loved not having to try to speak Spanish, and feeling like just one of the crew. Even Hannah and Kaya realized the difference of being back in California and in their own words expressed their love for the place, and their connection to our family. Dara and I loved being with so many of you. We were so encouraged by the outpouring of love and generosity. We only wish we could have spent time with more of you, and had more time with those of you we saw. Thank you all for the way you made us feel at home. We received such restoration through the community God has given us in So Cal. Specifically, we want to thank Copperhill Church for being such an amazing home to us. You all made our trip home possible.
So, returning to El Salvador was not easy. We have felt the cost our the decision to live in El Salvador in a tangible way. The shooting made us all realize that following Christ does not guarantee all will be smooth. In fact, our family has come to realize how fragile life really is. Yet, this is why we must live our lives out to the fullest, putting our whole trust in God. I watched the tragedy of the shootings in Virginia on Monday, and was reminded about the false sense of security we often feel in the U.S. None of those students woke up thinking they would meet their maker later that day. Sadly, horrible things can happen anywhere.
I had the privilege to share my testimony a number of times during the trip. I shared openly about the evident miracles that occurred to save my life, but I also shared about the struggle I’ve had to understand the tremendous suffering other people regularly experience. I shared about the way God comforted me with the message of the gospel, the message that Christ has promised to always be with those of us who love Him. I’m beginning to believe that the core of the gospel is this notion of Jesus’ actual presence in our lives, the amazing phenomena that occurs when we trust Him and fall in love with Him. This is a gospel that promises that He will walk us through any trial and that He will celebrate with us during times of joy. To trust in Jesus is a decision to never be alone, from now through eternity. As I shared this, a number of people approached me who have endured tough trials in their lives. They were encouraged by this message. They, like me, struggled with the “why” question regarding pain, tragedy, and God’s decision to rescue some and not others. The only comfort they felt during their tragedies was the real, tangible peace that they encountered through their relationship with Jesus. Time and time again, I heard stories about Jesus being very real to people in their time of trial. Their stories encouraged me to continue to trust Jesus deeper, and to follow Him further.
Dara and I continue to seek God about our time here. As much as we love So. Cal, we want more than anything to be where God has us. For now, He has us in El Salvador, and we are honored be here. It is a real privilege. God is doing tremendous work through ENLACE, and through the churches we work with. Tomorrow, I get a chance to go to back to Abelines for the first time since the shooting. I’m a bit nervous, but Dara and I both feel good about me going. The whole community is coming together to celebrate the opening of the medical clinic expansion. To God’s glory, the shooting has not deterred the work of the church, but only strengthened it. I want to celebrate with our staff and with the people of Abelines.
update on my voice…
While in the U.S, I was able to visit a wonderful voice specialist from our church who works at USC. I went in three times, and even in that time we experienced improvement in the quality of my voice. The good news is that he was very hopeful that my voice has a great chance to return to 90-95%. The challenge is that it could take anywhere from 3 months to a year. So, I’m trying to be faithful with my therapy and to guard my voice. This is a challenge for me, but it’s so minimal compared to what could have happened to me.
prayer requests
- that our family can readjust to life in El Salvador
- for Pete’s voice to recover 100%
- that we will find opportunities to serve effectively in El Salvador
- that God will protect the ministry of ENLACE and use our team to support more churches in El Salvador
updated pics
We just updated pictures from the trip. you can visit them here.