Los Portillos: God at Work

Two weeks ago I received an email from a professor encouraging me to take a class on writing for publication; I got so excited that I forgot to write since then. So please forgive me for not updating my blog for those of you who actually take the time to read it. There is much to share as God has been doing many things both big and small. I cannot even begin to tell you how great it feels to be back in ministry. I am so blessed to work with Marla, Larry, and the rest of the gang here at Flames of Fire. I feel as if my eyes are being re-opened to the world around me and to the greatness of our God. To be honest, my faith journey has taken me on several twist, turns, hills, and flat lands over the course of the last couple of months. I feel that God is trying to awaken me once. I have been lazy.

Last week, Teryl, a woman from the medical team, shared Deut. 31:6 with us one morning:

“Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This verse has been circling in my head over the last several days. I am eagerly anticipating its complications for my life as I am sure that God has something in store for me.

I want to share a few snapshots of different things have seen/experienced in the last three weeks.

1. While Daniel and I were out delivery food to the feeding centers, we stopped by a family’s house to take pictures of their living quarters. This family is being taken into consideration for receiving a new house. While taking pictures, I quickly realized that my camera cost at least two to three times the amount that their house is worth. I immediately felt embarrassed (I am still trying to digest this experience).

2. We had 15 Guatemalan Bible school students here for a week long course. They spent the week learning about prayer. The students were and still are required to keep a daily prayer journal. When was the last time I spent any significant amount of time in prayer? I feel convicted yet I have yet to attend to that conviction.

3. Last week, we had a medical team of 8 people from Oregon join us. During their time here, we hosted 5 medical clinics, each one in a different mountain village. Over the course of the 5 days, we saw over 650 patients, handed out thousands of pills, vitamins, and several pairs of glasses, and most importantly, witnessed approximately 20 people respond to the good news of the Gospel for the first time! God is good and God is at work, even when we do not realize it.

4. As mentioned, I am struggling with a conviction of prayer and have been for some time now. I am trying to understand prayer and all that it entails. I read an article this fall by Walter Wink. It was a compelling article. It challenged me to re-think about the power of prayer. Daniel and I were once again out delivering food the other day when the truck started to act up on us. Being stubborn, it refused to start. As I sat in the driver’s seat and Daniel tinkering with the battery connection, I proactively prayed that the truck would start. It didn’t. I continued to pray. The truck continued to be stubborn. I then began to pray in the name of Jesus. The truck started. I also am still digesting but I think that God is trying to teach me something about prayer…

This post is getting longer than I anticipated and for that I am sorry. I just wanted to make sure to share before these sorts of things escape my mind. But while I am talking about prayer, I do ask for anyone and everyone who is willing to keep Daniel’s interview for his visa in your prayers. His interview is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Valentine’s Day. We are confident that God is in control but also covet your prayers! I pray that you are blessed this day.

Love,

Los Portillos