Jim
10/27/2009[singlepic id=509 w=200 h=175 float=right]
Ana and I returned to Puerto Vallarta for our first anniversary. This was going to be more than just a memorial trip of our wedding day. We had been praying that God would lead us to Divine appointments, this He did with relish.
Last year we went to a high end up-scaled resort in Nuevo Puerto Vallarta. It was awesome, just the kind of place to spend a honeymoon at.
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This year we wanted to more than just relax and enjoy the sun and surf. We wanted to connect to the people and minister to them. Little did we know the full extent of experiences that God would have in store for us.
We arrived at our downtown resort and found it being renovated extensively. The entire 10 days was spent amidst painters, concrete workers, and lots of noise and smells. Not the kid of thing that would have worked last year.
Our first day going downtown to the Mercado, Saturday the 10th, to shop we took up conversation with the cab driver. By the time we reached our destination Ana had the driver in a full conversation about his walk with God. He pulled over and just sat there, as others honked wanting by, while Ana and he prayed the sinners prayer. This definitely was not going to be a normal vacation trip.
Puerto Vallarta thrives on the tourist business. The Time Share business has grown immensely with marketers on every corner and in each nook and cranny. Most of the work in Tequila outlets barking out “Want a free drink of Tequila?” To which Ana responded “Why would I offend my Savior Jesus?”
This went on and on. We had been walking and shopping for quite a while and were tired and thirsty. After picking up some bottled water we again crossed the path of another barking peddler.
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Only this time when Ana responded he said “Oh you are Christians! So am I!” We asked if he was a Christian why he was selling liquor and cigars. He said it was the only job he could get. He said that all of the people working along the street in downtown Puerto Vallarta worked for the resorts and were marketers for the Time Share industry.
He asked to step into the store. There he told us about his addiction to alcohol and subsequent recovery from it. He mentioned that this was the result of his becoming a Christian. He told us about his Church and offered to take us there tomorrow (Sunday) with him and his wife. His name was Oscar. He was one of the Divine appointments that God had prepared for us in advance.
We did sign up for a Time Share presentation on Monday, mostly to help Oscar out financially. He said he would receive $150 for this and we were his first customers in 15 days. He said he hoped to make the money last another 2 weeks.
When we arrived at the church, Sunday the 11th, it was the same one we had attended last year when we toured “The Children of the Dump” program with Art. Perdon y Amistad Chruch. We had wondered how we could find this church again this year. God had arranged our transport long before we left Colorado. What an awesome God we serve!
Monday the 12th we went to the time share presentation. Oscar went with the cab driver and we said that we would do another one to help his family financially. This turned into a torturous 4 hour marathon of insults to our self being and worth. This left us cold and discouraged. We will never sit through another one of these presentations. Later that week I told Oscar that we would not do the second presentation. I gave him $100 of the money we received for sitting through the presentation. I felt bless by God for doing this.[singlepic id=471 w=133 h=100 float=left]
Tuesday the 13th we met Lori and her 2 friends to go downtown shopping again. We returned to an unnamed boutique to return a shirt purchased previously. It had holes in it. Ana struggled with the sales person for a long time trying to get a equitable adjustment made. She finally had to settle for a totally different shirt, which turned out to be much more like her. We walked away but Ana wanted to return feeling led to confront the man one more time.
She led Favian and his sister Veronica to the Lord. Thank You Lord.
Wednesday the 14th we decided to find a Christian store and pick up some tracts to pass out. Oscar directed us to one where we purchased 50 comic booklet style tracts. They were made in California and were of good quality. We sat in a nearby park to read through some of them to see if they were OK to hand out.[singlepic id=468 w=133 h=100 float=right]
When we were ready to go Ana was drawn to a young man sitting not too far from us. His name was Able and she found that he was recently laid off work and came to Vallarta in search of work. He was living under the bridge and had not eaten in three days. As we were talking to him we handed him one of our newly purchased tracts. Out of nowhere rushed in Raul demanding on of them also.
Now we were talking to two young men. One very quiet and reserved and one very brash and macho! As Ana witnessed to them I prayed for the movement of the Spirit of God in their lives. I thought that Raul was so hardened that he would not be a prospect at all. Suddenly as Ana asked him if he went to church he started crying out loud that he could not go into a church because of his bad past. He cried bitterly.
Ana led him in the sinner’s prayer and I anointed him with oil. He asked that I pray for him in English, which I did. Ana then let Able in a similar prayer. God had worked His miraculous conversion even on this hardened rough man, Raul.
We took Able to lunch and I gave him money for another meal. We told him about the church and how to get there. We wrote the address and directions on most of the tracts we gave out. Hopefully these converted souls will seek out this church and that the attendance would be boosted because of our working with God.
As we ate lunch with Able he told us that as Ana was praying for him he felt a heaviness being lifted off him. He then said he felt a covering come over him as a protection. This echoes what Ana heard God tell her in Juarez last April that those under His covering would be protected from the coming wrath. Able actually felt that covering come over him. What a God we serve.[singlepic id=499 w=133 h=100 float=left]
Around another park we met a young man named Louis who was wearing a “Black Sabbath” T-Shirt. He said he played in a heavy metal band. We talked with him a while and than Ana led him to to foot of the Cross and Salvation.
A sort walk from there we ran across an Ice Cream street vendor named Raul. He was glad to have on of our tracts and was happy to talk with us. He had seven sisters and one brother who was dying from diabetes. He was almost in tears talking about Jorege. We told him that the God we serve could heal his brother; Ana prayed for healing. I then gave him the little vial of oil I had brought with me. First we anointed Raul and prayed over him. Then we told him to go home and take the oil and anoint his brother and ask Jesus to heal him. We told him that Jesus is the healer of the world and that he would heal his brother Jorege.[singlepic id=512 w=133 h=100 float=right]
He said that it was wonderful for people like us to go around praying for people like him. He said that he could feel a strong presence of God in both of us as we spoke to him.
To Ana and I we were just doing what God led us to do. We are just ordinary people but God has let His presence shine through us to those we took the time to talk to. What a wonderful feeling this has left with us. What a wonderful comment he made about the presence of God that surrounded us as we witnessed to the poor people in Puerto Vallarta.
We went to a Baskin Robins store for a treat. As we sat there Raul found us and came over still in tears. He said that he did not know how to pray for his brother or how to anoint him. We led him to the Cross and he accepted Christ as he Savior. Now he was empowered to do the anointing and praying for his brother. He cried tears and a new countenance came over his face. He left a new man with a new resolve.
A man came up and said that he was a Christian and stated that we were doing seed planting in the kingdom of God. He asked for some more of the tracts. We gave him several. A tequila salesman next to us came over and asked for a tract. He was a Mormon. We told him that Jesus was the only answer. He talked for a while and listened intently as we told him about our God.
[singlepic id=472 w=133 h=100 float=left]Last year we found a little place on the beach where an older lady was selling BBQ shrimp. Well lo-and- behold we found it again. We settled in for a couple sticks full of succulent shrimp. As we sat there various vendors came by offering their goods. We had many of the tracts spread out as we read more of them. Along came Rosie “I like that one. Can I have it?” “Oh! And that one and that one also.” We gave her several. Ana engaged her in a long conversation about the misery she was going through.
Everyone we met had a sad story to tell. Problems seemed to abound amidst the poor vendors eking out a living on the beaches of Vallarta. Oscar said that the average wage there was $6 a day. People sitting close by us were quenching their thirst with $6 rum infused toddies. A whole days wage on a drink![singlepic id=513 w=133 h=100 float=right]
Ana led Rosie in the sinner’s prayer. She cried profusely. Then she got out a note pad and pen and had Ana repeat the prayer she had just said so that she could use it to learn how to pray.
While sitting there several others came by asking for tracts. We did not have to seek them out, God was bringing them to us.
A man came up selling hand made belts which attracted Ana’s eye. We bought two from him after some bargaining. We also gave him a tract and Ana talked to him about Jesus. I do not remember what his name was. I did not have paper to write it on. I thought that I took a movie of Ana saying his name but it is not on my camera. God knows who he was and that is all that really matters. So I will call him the Belt man.[singlepic id=475 w=133 h=100 float=left]
On the way to catch the bus we still had two of the 50 tracts left. God put a young man and his small son in our path, Jose and Nacio. He was selling lolly pops to help support his family. Ana talked with him and led him to Christ. I gave him the change in my pockets.[singlepic id=497 w=133 h=100 float=right]
The last tract was left on the seat of the bus as we stepped off to our hotel. What a day this had been; full to the brim of God’s presence and anointing. We were hot and tired. It was near 90 degrees and around 90 percent humidity. I was drenched with sweat. But we were exhilarated with the joy and presence of God. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way.
Thursday the 15th we again purchased 50 more tracts. We went to a park to pray over them. Ana was drawn to an older woman whom she engaged in a very long conversation. We were sitting in the shade and I was reasonably comfortable. I was praying for the Spirit to move in the conversation. As time wore on the sum moved in the sky and I was now getting warmer and sleepy. I struggled to stay awake and praying.
Ana said that she was a strong Catholic woman who was having many problems with her children loosing jobs and homes in the US. Ana prayed with her but did not lead her to Christ.
We handed out many tracts but met resistance in sharing Christ in a meaningful way. We ate at a restaurant on the beach. As we left we met Rosie.[singlepic id=514 w=200 h=150 float=left]
She took us over to a table where he husband was sitting. Soon her brother-in-law came by. They sat there eating and offered us some to eat also. Ana had a long conversation with all three of them. A bond was forming between us as we sat on the beach.
It was warm with a nice breeze coming off the ocean. The sound of the surf lapping at the shore was enticing. I could hear the sounds of children shouting and seagulls screeching. What a wonderful feeling this was to us both. So far from the comfort of home yet we felt at peace with God amongst newly found friends on a tropical beach in Mexico.
[singlepic id=498 w=133 h=100 float=right]We walked over the bridge and saw a man sitting alone in a secluded place. His name was Juan. He had just made two hats from palm fronds and was feeling very down. He had recently been released from prison and did not feel that he had any worth left in him. Ana talked to him and led him to Christ. He cried tears as she prayed. He asked me to pray for him which I did. We then anointed him with oil. His countenance changed and he had a smile on his face as we walked away.
On the boardwalk along the beach, actually a concrete path, we met a blind man (Arturo) walking along with a bundle strung over his head. I put some money in his outstretched hat. We talked to him and he said that he was a believer and loved Jesus. His clothing seemed odd since the holes in it and his hat were freshly cut and had square corners. The next day I believe I saw him walking past us as a normal person. An impostor? God knows all and will judge him for what he did or did not do.[singlepic id=470 w=133 h=100 float=left]
Saturday the 17th we returned downtown to see if we could find Rosie to give her some things we brought along. We walked and walked but did not find her. We did some shopping and then sat down to eat and rested for a while.
As we were walking back towards downtown the belt maker came up. Just so happens that the belt I had bought from him was too long. He offered to make it shorter. We accompanied him to a shaded area with a table. There he shortened my belt.[singlepic id=476 w=133 h=100 float=right]
As he worked he asked “Are you the ones who gave me the little booklet yesterday?” We said yes. He said that he read it and found it very interesting. He had shown it to his son who told him “Dad this is great.” This opened up an avenue of further conversation which led to his accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Isn’t God wonderful? He had people returning to us to receive the gift of Salvation.
We were excited at the news that he had shown his tract to others. We only pray that the other 100 tracts received such treatment. Imagine how those 100 pieces of literature could grow into a massive number of souls being reached for God.
This was the end to our witnessing as we walked the beaches of downtown Puerto Vallarta. As we made our final walk I felt such a warmth, closeness and presence of God. I felt like this was now my home and these were my people. We had made so many friends in just a few days. Not just “Hi how are you” friends but friends that will survive through eternity with us and God.[singlepic id=510 w=200 h=175 float=left]
We felt saddened at the thought of having to leave tomorrow to return to Colorado. Part of our spirit was implanted there. We belonged there. Ana had visions of us doing street ministry and dramatizations with groups of people in the area parks. We will be returning many times again to do just that.
[singlepic id=477 w=133 h=100 float=right]In one of the parks there was a tree full of sitting pigeons, possibly 100 or more. One day we saw a man throwing some seed to them and they pounced down on his location like a swarm of bees. On Saturday as we cleaned out the kitchen in our room Ana crumbled up the leftover bread and put it in a sack. Our intention was to feed it to the pigeons.
When we reached the tree full of hungry birds we sat in the shade. Ana took out a handful of crumbs and threw them on the ground; immediately a few birds flew down and eagerly gobbled up the bread. Then like a flood of water the majority of them swooped down upon us in a flurry of wing flaps. We continued throwing handfuls of bread crumbs, they continued to jump, fly, hop, gobble and run over each other. As Ana held her hand still several birds landed on it to pick up the morsels of food.[singlepic id=480 w=133 h=100 float=left]
As we were almost out of food there were still some stragglers flying in as if saying “Where’s the food?” “Are we late?”
Man is like the pigeons sitting in that tree. We are hungry for food (Gods word) but are just sitting by waiting for someone to offer it to us. Then along comes a missionary handing out tracts and God’s words. Men jump at the chance to receive the free gift; many just gobbling it up in a rush; others relishing the flavor and savoring the content. Then there are those who come late and wonder what has been happening.
Ana and I were the feeders of both the pigeons sitting in that lone tree, and feeders of God’s hungry lost children along the beach of Puerto Vallarta. The both came to eat and receive the free gift. Some of stale bread crumbs others of the bread of life (God’s word). In both, we were merely the ones handing out the bread. God provided them both to us. We provided both to them freely without limitations or restraints.[singlepic id=507 w=133 h=100 float=right][singlepic id=495 w=133 h=100 float=left]
While walking along the beaches outside our resort we encountered many men fishing for food. Some were using traditional rods and reels but were probably tourists. Others had pop bottles with string wound around it as their reels. These were the poor locals. Still others were casting nets into the incoming high tide surf. The more experienced ones were catching fish.[singlepic id=500 w=133 h=100 float=right]
Watching the men throw their nets in a perfect circle into the surf brought to mind when Jesus chose his disciples.
Mat 4:19 And He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mat 4:20 And they immediately left their nets and followed him.[singlepic id=503 w=133 h=100 float=left]
At one time there were three of them throwing their nets. The nets went out in a circle and covered over the fish, like God’s covering seen by Ana in Juarez once again. Ana said that God told here to catch the souls and that He would clean them up. This was the very symbolism of God catching the souls of me.
The fishermen are us the missionaries. The surf is the tumultuous world that people find them selves in. The fish are the lost souls. Being caught by the encircling of the net is Gods covering coming over the lost soul. Being pulled into shore is the Salvation of the lost one and his coming into the new realm of eternity.[singlepic id=494 w=133 h=100 float=right]
We were fishermen. We were catching lost souls. We were being obedient to the calling given to us by Jesus.
Mar 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation.
This was the most rewarding mission’s trip either of us has been on; even though it was an anniversary vacation. When we returned home some people commented negatively about us doing missions work on a vacation. We would have it no other way. This was an awesome trip; blessed and ordained by God; one that we will repeat soon and often. We were called to be missionaries first and foremost.[singlepic id=474 w=200 h=175 float=center]
To God be the glory.