Your EFT (Eternal Faith & Trust)

Pastor John writes; Recently we heard from an old friend of ours from California, who one Sunday several years ago was visiting in our English speaking church service in Alamos, Mexico. We learned he was a recent convert after being an atheist most of his adult life. During the service he requested prayer as he was in severe pain having suffered an injury to his hip & leg while working out at his gym in California. At that time he was prayed for with the laying on of hands. He received a complete healing evidenced shortly after the prayers were prayed. It was a miracle and he has never ceased giving God the glory for his healing. Shortly after he returned home to California we received an e-mail from him with his testimony he was sharing with everyone he knew. He is an incredible gentleman who is now 94 years old and in good health. In his recent e-mail he was sharing with us his love of God and how he still depends on his EFT to get him through any health problems that occur.

I wish to share with you my response to his precious reaffirming of his EFT in God.

Good to hear from you and know that you still have that EFT. It is never wrong to ask questions of GOD. Just remember that he is always in control, and always keep your EFT. If GOD does not heal us supernaturally from our infirmities we can rest assured that he has provided intelligent people like doctors and scientists to help with our healing. But we do need to always remember to look to the throne of GOD from where all healing flows through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who bore our iniquities and our infirmities upon his body when he died on the cross, I, like you, do not take prescription drugs unless it is absolutely necessary, I trust almighty GOD to keep my body well and healthy as he promised to do if we are obedient to his word and place our total faith and trust in him. When you pray to God for anything just be sure that it is scriptural and believe that it has taken place even before you ask him in prayer.
When you go to God in prayer just remember what Jesus said in Mark 11:24 " Therefore I say unto you , what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye will receive them, and ye shall have them". Also we need to remember what Jesus told us about prayer in John 16:23 -- After Jesus has ascended back to heaven to be with the Father--- And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say to you, whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. So we come to the Father in the name of JESUS to ask for what we need.

Keep up the faith and trust in God, he will never fail you.

Uriel, Just a Small Boy

I first saw Uriel in 2003 when Hermano Nestor began his school children noon time lunch program. All the children were laughing and having a good time with their friends, all besides one little muchacho. This little guy looked so sad and alone. I inquired who he was and what his name was. I learned his name was Uriel and at that time was staying with his aunt, one of eight children in the small shanty of a house. My heart just cried out to him. I asked to be introduced to him. As the lunch program only served the kids 3 days per week I asked him if he would like to come to my house to eat lunch the other 2 school days.

When he showed up at our gate he was very unkept looking and shy, however he never missed a lunch and ate everything that was placed before him. He especially liked any kind of vegetable including beans and tortillas, the staple diet of all Mexican families. I then told him that anytime he was hungry he was to come by our casa for food. After that he appeared most Saturdays to eat.

This routine went on for about three years. When he showed up, he was fed regardless of the time of day. As we occasionally made trips to the states I arranged with my precious Mexican friend, Cuquita to feed him at her house when we were not there. With that arrangement he always could count on a warm meal at one casa or the other.

We bought him clothes, backpacks and other things for his school year. I encouraged him to stay in school. It didn't seem he was an outstanding student however because of his reserve, home life and etc. I never delved into that issue too far other than to encourage him to stay in school.
By the time he finished the mid school years he had dropped out of school to work and help support his mother & baby sister. Yes, she had shown up at sometime during the years he came to us. I understand she had a succession of different men who came and went in their lives. They lived in a small one room casa behind Hermano Nestor's church. I visited with her several times over the years. She was always well kept and seemed to love Uriel.

Life went on and we no longer saw Uriel, however when the flood came and we were staying with Cuquita and her family I ran into Uriel on the street and learned he was working with a construction crew who did work for the city of Alamos. We hugged and talked. I again asked him about school, telling him if he ever wanted to return to school we would help him.

In February 2010 when John and I visited Alamos we were at Hermano Nestor's church for a birthday party and Uriel came in with a big grin (still a young man of few words) to give me a big hug. He is now a tall guy, around 16 years old.

We learned he was helping teach a kindergarten class in the nearby countryside at a village called Uvalama. I told him we would love to come and visit his class, which we did. I again talked education and learned he would love to become a teacher. We reinforced the commitment to help him go to school when he decided to go.

In August, 2010 Hermano Nestor called to report on Alamos happenings and told John that Uriel came to him and asked if we would help him go to school. Of course our answer was YES. This kid has a special spot in my heart. To think from his background he chose the right path and not bad issues, drugs and etc. we are so proud of him. He is now in his first year of COBACH (high school). Mexcio has a program whereby if one finishes high school they can apply to become an apprentice teacher in one of the country schools. There are many rural schools and not the most desirable position to began in. If they choose this route they also will attend college classes much like our folks who work and go to school. Only time will tell but we must give him a chance and pray for him to succeed.

The photo below is Uriel and his kindergarten class at Uvalama. Note John in the background talking to the teacher.

Postscript - Earlier this year I began this posting as a letter to someone in our church who desired to help sponsor Uriel in his educational pursuit. In the last days of October this year John and I spent two weeks in Alamos. During that time Uriel came to our casa to visit, displaying that big ole wonderful smile. He is enjoying school and making good grades. He also has a job and works in the afternoons. He is attending the Calvary Chapel there in Alamos as they have a vibrant youth program. He is learning to play the guitar. Praise the Lord!! Remember him in your daily prayers.

Old Fashioned Day 9/26/2010

It is an annual event at the Stanley Union Church, and such a beloved time for all of the community. The church grounds were manicured and cleaned up as the Lord's grace and sun shone down on the land, the people rejoiced in His goodness.

After worship, the congregation gathered for a bountiful potluck and fellowship as well as a time of sharing in the annual pie sale and future treasures sale. Available were homemade goodies from the member's kitchens as well as home grown produce, hand made quilts, and other treasures.

The worship was suplimented with sign language to "How Great Thou Art"

Members dress for the occassion,

vintage homesteaders attire

Church grounds manicured and stately in the fall sunlight.

Cleanup along the Highway consisted of tractors, mowers, weed eating and tree trimming.

The "new" church building is nearing completion. Perhaps

Old Fashioned Day 2011 will be held at this new location!