Not long after I moved up to Jersey, God led me to the English ministry of a Hispanic church. I went to this church and immediately felt at home. These people took me in and made me a part of their church family. Within my first month, I was talking to Pastor Bernie and he called me an "honorary Latina". I felt so honored!!
So now we will flash forward a few months, and God laid on the hearts of my pastors to open StreetLight Church. From the moment I heard about it, I knew that God was asking me to go there. It was very difficult for me to do, and for the first time in my adult life I was tempted to be overtly disobedient to God. I'm not saying that I'm 100 percent obedient because I'm human, but generally when I know very clearly that God is asking something of me, I follow where He leads. But this time, I was very tempted to do what I wanted. These people had become so dear to me and I couldn't imagine my life without them in it.
But after much prayer, and fighting with God, I decided to do what I knew He wanted. I sat down and had a very difficult conversation first with one of the leaders, and then with Pastor Bernie. Both of them were so understanding but more than that they encouraged me to be obedient. They encouraged me to follow what God had laid on my heart. They prayed for me and sent me out into the fullness of what God had for me. I walked out of church that night uncertain if I would see them again. Not because of a lack of desire but because life is so busy. And for a few months I didn't, with the exception of a very fun Thanksgiving dinner with the pastor and family.
But God in His incredible wisdom and mercy and blessing brought me back to them. Now I get to see them pretty much on a weekly basis. And in some ways I feel like I'm more a part of them now than I was before. These people have become my "Hispanic family". And it has been better than I could've imagined. I have found a family in them, and I know that they pray for me, and they love me, and encourage me. I could list them all individually and tell each of the ways that they bless me but then I would be here all night. But I have to give much credit to Hubie and Ivette and Pastor Bernie and Lorraine and their children. My first Sunday, Ivette chased me down outside the church just to greet me. And when she brought me back inside and introduced me to her husband who now lovingly calls me "L-dog". The ways that God has used them in my life are innumerable. And Pastor Bernie's family. Oh my, they are in so many ways my Aaron and Hur. God seems to make it happen that when I am feeling weak and need a little extra support they are there. When my arms are falling and I feel like the battle is being lost, they swoop in and raise my arms back up and remind me of the awesomeness that is our God. The role they play is different than any of the other people in my life, but it is one that is much needed.
All of this is to say that God gave me the best of both worlds! That's how God works, if we will let go of what we want God gives us way better than we could have hoped!! Tonight at a young adult gathering Pastor Bernie spoke about staying the course, and keeping God at the center of all we do, and being willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of God's call and will for our lives. It was so encouraging, and something that we all need to remember daily. If other things become more important than God, than we are placing idols in God's role! My prayer is that each of you will remember this, and that God will help you keep him in the number one spot in your heart!
As always here is my contact information: crucibleandcrown@gmail.com. Love you all!! <3 nbsp="">
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