In Season and Out of Season

I failed a test in Mexico. I know God allowed it to teach me something, though. One of the morning devotion verses was Paul's words to Timothy to preach the word "in season, and out of season." When it's convenient, when it's not, when it feels right, when it doesn't. Be ready. Do it. I have been studying Spanish, and I had an opportunity to share the gospel with Juanita in Mexico, in Spanish. I tried, but I wasn't prepared ahead of time. (I did my best and I know the Lord is the One who brings about faith, not me, and I know He will use the verses that I did share and the words that I did know and the thoughts that I could communicate, and I pray that she will respond in faith when the next person follows up with her.) But I wasn't prepared and my eyes weren't open to see God's provision of help for me, and so I missed it--I failed the test! The fact is, God had prepared tools and given me everything I needed and I didn't realize it! After returning home, I opened my Bilingual Bible (the same one I read from to her down there) and there before me was a bookmark with all the steps, Bible verses in Spanish, everything that I needed to tell a person the Good News about Jesus Christ!! Then I saw in the back of this new Bible of mine some additional "helps" including the plan of salvation in English and Spanish. The Lord had really tried to help me. And that's what got me thinking: be ready, "preach the word in season and out of season." I want to, God wants me to, and even when there are obstacles, He is there helping me, multiplying my efforts, my meager "loaves and fishes," working through the power of the Holy Spirit, giving me just what I need! But I need to do it! I can prepare! I need to LOOK for the help that the Lord is giving me!! Because He is there and He loves these people more than I do and He wants them to receive this wonderful free gift He is offering them.

Thoughts upon returning to Minnesota: I want to tell people that Jesus loves them, that He took their punishment, that He died for them! And Glory, Hallelujah, that God accepted that payment for all of our sins, and raised Him from the dead--He's alive!! Praise God, I talked to Him today! I was able to do that because there's no barrier now between God and anyone who believes that Jesus Christ, God's Son, God in human flesh, indeed, has paid all their debt to God, everything, for them. What joy to surrender my life to the One who created me, lived and died for me displaying the greatest love that ever could be! And I get to be with Him forever!! Is this a no-brainer? Why would anyone choose to say, "No, I think I'll go to hell forever and to never be able to pay the debt I owe, suffering in anguish for ever and ever and ever...and oh, by the way, in the meantime, I also pass on deep abiding peace, joy that cannot be expressed, power to overcome sinful habits and knowing that I am LOVED! No thanks!"

This is the message that I want everyone to know! On my mission field or theirs. You see, I went to Mexico to minister with the DeHoyoses on their mission field, one or more of the DeHoyoses has gone to South America as a missionary, I know a family from Chile that is here in Minnesota and they are serving as missionaries, and so, where is the mission field? Here, there and everywhere! So, let's go and preach the gospel, looking for the help God is giving--in season and out!
Wendy

Some of the photos from the last few days...more to come

We left our hearts...in Hualahuises...

It's amazing how quickly we adapt to new surroundings. We were in Mexico for only 10 days and I still have to think about using the tap water to brush my teeth and flushing toilet paper down the toilet!

We are home now, and definately missing the DeHoyos family, and the Martinez family, and Alejandra, and Mago and all of our amazing Mexican friends.
We had an incredible trip and the Lord taught us all alot through it.
We are so thankful to all of you for your prayers, to the DeHoyos family for EVERYTHING (our family is especially grateful for their warm hospitality as we got to stay in their home), and to the Lord for His grace, His strength, His leading, and the fabulous weather! We were truly blessed.
I will post pictures of the last few days of the trip soon, so stay tuned for those.
Thanks again for teaming with us in prayer.
God bless each one of you.
Kelsey Gunn

The Sad Goodbye

It was a muy triste/very sad goodbye we had today. I (Wendy) leave a part of my heart with Cristina every time I have to say goodbye. It was a good trip, much work accomplished, support and encouragement given I think, but it is never quite long enough. Many tears. Te amo mucho! Dios le bendiga! (I love you—God bless you, my friend!)

~Wendy

Report from the Home Visits

Kerry and I (Wendy) went with Cristina De Hoyos to visit widows and other women in their homes on Thursday and Friday. This was a real stretch for both of us, but in some ways, having “some” Spanish made it more of a challenge for me. I could understand some of what Cristina was saying to the women, and I could say a little to them, which sometimes causes people to spew forth a torrent of words at the speed of light! Our first visit to an older woman who was the most grateful, delightful person, led to the visit to her daughter-in-law’s friend, who has cancer. Lucy, and her friend, Nancy, were led to give their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we promised to pray for them, as well as Lucy’s chemotherapy treatment Friday. Few people were home that day. On the next day, the really interesting thing was seeing the inside of the homes! From the outside, many looked the same, but once inside the gate, it was a different story!! We saw a beautiful home Friday, with Family room, living room, built-in glass display cases showing off lovely things from all over the world. Cristina even allowed us to accept refreshments offered, with a “Yes, she’s very clean!” All the people we visited were very grateful, as we placed a shawl around their shoulders, gave them a framed Scripture picture, and shared some encouraging words with each. Some homes were not much more than one room with a bed, a dirt floor, and outside “kitchen”. But, always, Mexican hospitality: “My house is yours whenever you are here, and everything I have is yours!” How can you resist that kind of heart? It’s a wonderful example to follow.

~Wendy (written in van on drive from Mex to Tex, poste by Mike)