Speechless!

I know that's hard to believe coming from me....but straight up, I AM SPEECHLESS. Many things have happened since I last had time to write. Let's begin with Sunday

SUNDAY

Today we worshipped with the San Pablo Church in Guacari. From the moment the bus came to a stop, we knew the presence of God. Like VIP's we were ushered to the front of the church amidst hundreds of hugs and kisses. Throughout the duration of our service, we were inundated by wave after wave of an outpouring of Gods spirit. There was much joy, passion and unrestrained worship. There was also much dancing...of which we were all participants. Good stuff. 100 degrees, 300 people packed in a room for about 150. SWEAT UPON SWEAT.

To let you know how awesome our service was...after the bus dropped us off, those still on the bus went another 20 miles to another church. They worshipped, ate lunch and drove the 20 miles back and we were still in service. CRAZY.

SUNDAY NIGHT

There was a very special service where the families of all past and present missionaries gathered to share their stories and experiences growing up as missionary kids. It was such a joy to see their reunions and to be drawn into their experiences.

MONDAY
TODAY WAS COMMITTEE MEETING DAY. My committee was steeped in a new problem before the church...the U.S. focus of an increasingly global church. I foresee as this begins to play out, there will be a great deal of restructuring necessary if we are continue to flourish and promote the great news of Jesus throughout the world.

MONDAY NIGHT
Tonight was our 90 year birthday of Colombian ministry. When we showed up, I noticed my name was on the program!!! After a long day, I was still in shorts and Chacos. In the U.S. I would have participated in the service as is, but in Colombia, that would be an extreme No-No. As panic began to set in, my awesome wife said, "There's John Wood!" K
I pleaded my case with him, and he reluctantly agreed to take my place. I was so disappointed that I had blown it...it was such a great honor to be selected for participation. And now, I had to sit as a slouchy spectator.

John grew up as a missionary kid here in Colombia, the son of spiritually GIANT parents...Bill and Katherine Wood. He had his fair share of struggles. And his parents never gave up on him. The same hope they held out for John, they had for everyone else...myself included. So anyhow, back to the story. John went forward to the front of the sanctuary so that he'd be ready to read when MY time in the program came up. Having grown up here, had John stayed in his first seat, he would've spent the entire worship service hugging and greeting his childhood friends. But now, with him being me, he was in the front row. Ready to hear the Arminean Pastor issue a call to those who knew they were to be involved in the Lord's Harvest. I couldn't see from my seat, but John got up and went forward, answering Gods call to ministry. After the service he came back to me and told me, "Thanks for screwing up and coming to worship in shorts!" He then proceeded to fill me in.

I know that I know that I know...there was much rejoicing in heaven as his mom and dad high-fives each other in the presence of Christ and Kingdom. John's parents were so special to me...I am so glad my failure led to a very great victory. Needless to say, I was an emotional train wreck after that. God is great.

(Dear parents, we are fine. Hot and sweaty, but fine. Your grandkids are well too!)

Blessings to the folks at FCPC and to my dozens of followers around the world.

Be a Blessing!