Halfway Through...

Well we are just past the halfway point. I have to admit I feel sad thinking about it being over in a few days - although I miss my family like crazy. I wish I could bring all of you here to experience this.  We headed to the Dream Center in San Salvador this morning for church. What an AWESOME time together with the familia de Dios! We sang the worship songs in English while they sang in Spanish - and we all worshipped as family together. The presence of God was just like home, even though we were sitting on metal chairs under a giant tent in crazy heat with a few hundred people. They were having "Big Day" - which they have once a month - a different ministry does the whole service. Today was the youth ministry's turn. It was so great!! They had a pirate theme (pics on Facebook). It included a dance, skits, and several testimonies from students. It was powerful. The youth pastor preached a short message as well. Pastor Jacob was American! So he would interpret for us while he preached. It was such a blessing to be there with them. I couldn't understand everything they were saying, but they still felt like family!! God is so amazing... I feel like words are so inadequate to describe what God is doing here. So far, we have done 15 programs in various areas. We have prayed with over 100 children and youth to receive salvation!! We have prayed with many others for healing, comfort, provision, and deliverance. It absolutely blows my mind. And what is so exciting is that the local national churches are with us at every program so they know who to follow up with and begin to disciple. They call this form of ministry "spectacle evangelism". :) A bunch of Americans show up in a neighborhood with clowns, dances, skits and candy to talk about Jesus. I'd say that's a spectacle!! We draw them in with curiosity and the nationals preach the gospel. It's incredible!  The students are giving 100% at every program - even when we're dripping with perspiration and sometimes super crowded. We know that the results of what we're doing here will be fully revealed in eternity. But we can already see the influence of Christ coming through our songs and conversations. We are led by a wonderful team of nationals, whom I am getting very attached to. They are our voice to the people when we can't communicate effectively, and they are filled with a passion for the lost that is so inspiring. King's Castle's mission for this year is to present the gospel to every single child in El Salvador at least once. They work tirelessly toward that purpose. Their vision is clear and everyone here is passionate about it.  It makes me ask myself some questions that I would also ask you to consider... Do you understand what our vision is? Is your life driven by God's purpose or by your plans? Do you think about the eternity of those around you? What is your role in furthering God's Kingdom? If you are a follower of Jesus, you have a role! We are all a part of the body and if we don't do our part, it puts strain on the other parts of the body. They have to try to overcompensate and are never as effective that way.  This trip has been a powerful reminder for me about the importance of eternal priorities. There are things in life that may be important but are not eternal. But everything eternal should be the highest priority. Thank You Heavenly Father for reminding me and for allowing me to be here.