A new friend

Just wanted to share a little about this evening. I just got back from hanging out with Pablo´s nephew, a 21- year old guy. He and his brother got me supper, so I went over to their house to eat with them and hang out. I watched the Simpsons; it´s probably funnier in Spanish than in English. Anyway, since this guy plays the guitarra, I asked him if he wanted to jam. So, for the first time in a month and a half, I busted out my harmonicas and had a good time playing along with Spanish worship songs. We then got to talking, and he ended up sharing his story: he had started drinking at age 14 because he had gotten caught cheating on his first girlfriend and had seen movies where people turned to alcohol to make them feel better. However, he quickly became addicted to it, and also did some drugs. He tried to quit many times, but he never could. Finally, he decided to check into rehab (a place called Centro de Rehabilitacion), where over the course of six months God began a work in his heart and he eventually got cleaned up. The rehab center was charismatic, and he saw many healings and a lot of speaking in tongues. Since his uncle had explain the doctrinal errors of many charismatics, he started going to Cumbres with his family once he got out of rehab, and has really been growing as a Christian the past 6 months.

Coming on top of hearing Jose Luis´ story yesterday on the hike up Cerro de la Silla (he also became a Christian in the last few years), I was really refreshed by seeing the work God is doing right now in people`s hearts. The church really is growing, and I have an opportunity to be a part of this if only I can get out of the way of God and let Him call the shots. My prayer for myself is this, and I now have a new friend for whom I can pray the same. Gracias a Dios!