Gospel on the Move: Spirit Comes Alive in La Aveena

Pastor Jose delivered a powerful sermon.

Sandra was one of several who sang.

Jose payed for this little girl who came forward

Each week the True Path Ministry team (Tonyia, Steve, Martin, Anna and Genesis) initiate a trip to seldom visited remote villages. Several others come along including Galeana area Pastors and musicians. Today (Saturday, June 18th) we drove an hour and a half mostly on dirt roads to the unique desert village of La Aveena. The people there were spiritually hungry and after a powerful sermon by Pastor Jose the alter filled with those seeking to be filled with the bread of life.

Two people made a public commitment to follow Jesus and many others were touched by the Holy Spirit. The local pastor, plus three other pastors from neighboring villages, joined us at the small evangelical Church building. It was a full service with over 100 people in the pews or standing outside. The sound crew had placed a speaker outside to let the people know we were having a service. A group of local teen boys sat a ways down the road and listened intently.

There were lots of kids.

Kids line up for a photo.

The many children, who attended, went to a different area for a special time just for them, while the sermon was preached. Besides learning new Christian songs many kid’s were also treated to new shoes and clothing our friend Sandra brought. Tonyia also gave them a bag with candy and a balloon. They were all smiles.

We made sandwiches, after the service, for the entire crowd. We had not planned on this many people. Tonyia prayed that the Lord would multiple the food. He of course made it work!We gave the smaller kids only a half sandwich. Then when it looked like we would run out of food a couple of local ladies brought in food they had cooked. Thank you Jesus, everyone got their fill of food!.

The new shoes for the girls.

New shoes.

I said La Aveena was a “unique desert village” because it is built like a pioneer fort with two hundred year old adobe walls surrounding most of it. There is a deteriorating Catholic Church building and a falling down owner’s mansion. We were told it was once a thriving majestic compound. It is still an interesting place for photography.

Having Juan, Sandra and pastors from the Galeana area go with us on these journeys makes these trips even more powerful. We go wanting to bless and we ended up blessed! We always take food for a meal or a blessing bag which contains food for the Pastor/family at the village. Juan plays the guitar and brings his sound equipment and drives his trusty 1993 F-150 pickup. Juan and Sandra’s ministry, Nuevo Corazon, donate shoes and clothing for the kids. It brings such joy to see these sweet children’s faces light up when they receive new shoes or clothes. Pastor Reynaldo has traveled with us on many of these trips and he came along again for prayer support. Everyone had a part to play.

Sandwich makers were busy.

Pastor Jose, wife Pera, 16-year-old daughter Brisa, 14-year-old son Hajiel, 12-year-old Louis and 5-year-old Jaret came along too. Pastor Jose preached and it turns out his grandmother and other relatives were there. He was raised nearby and it was a rare opportunity for him to see some of his kinfolks.

It was once again a powerful day being the hands and feet of Jesus. We are so humbly grateful to be used for His Kingdom – praise the LORD!