One of the biggest blessings for our team while in Mexico was our interpreter, Jose'. He lives there, and is a member of the church we stayed in, and worked with. He is the most humble and gentle man I have ever met. When children came into our midst and began to interact with him, it was like they had been plugged into an electricity source. They just lit up, got silly, and had a wonderful time because of how he interacted with them. They adored him as much as we did.

His life has not always been this way. Jose' has had a rough past. Before he invited Christ into his life, he lived in the states for a time. He was a liar, and was very good at it. People believed whatever he told them, because he has a very genuine way about him. He used to use it for personal gain. As a result, he was wanted in several states and had to move a lot. He and his wife had moved into a home with another lady and her two young girls. He became the only father they knew, and he loved them dearly.

Another man who interacted with the family became a problem. He would get drunk, get out of control and threaten them. Jose' confronted him, told him he was not afraid of him, and that he had to leave the family alone as he would protect them. This man apologized, and promised not to do this again.

Unfortunately, his ability to refrain from drinking was absent. The alcohol spoke for him when he again showed up. He was carrying a knife, and threatening the family. Jose' intervened. They wrestled to the ground, and Jose' got the knife. In those moments, he wanted to kill this man, to alleviate the source of terror. Jose' lost control, and repeatedly plunged the knife into this foe.

Jose' wept as he recounted this story to us in testimony form.

The police came, and he ultimately spent years in prison for this and other outstanding offenses. Though the man did not die from his 10 wounds, Jose's remorse is overwhelmingly evident. Not long after his incarceration, he came to know Christ, through a prison ministry. He began to grow as he submitted to Christ's authority in his life. Things were beginning to get better.

Then, the unbelievable happened. His four year old "daughter" passed away.

The uncontrollable flow of tears began as he shared his heart and the incredible pain that still resides.

Doctors said there was nothing physically wrong with her. She had died of a broken heart because she missed her "daddy."

It was no wonder that this man had such an impact on the lives of every child he encountered. He loved them in a way few do.

His heart surrendered to Jesus, yet broken over his loss, he was released and deported from the U.S. when his time was up. He now resides in Nuevo Laredo, and serves his King. Oh what a servant!

On his days off, he heads to his pastors house and mops his floor, and works in his yard. He counts it a privilege to be able to serve him. He does it with pure joy! He praises Jesus that he gets laid off each time a mission team from the U.S. is due. This allows him to minister to his people, while serving the gringos. Jose' has seen hundreds and hundreds of people give their lives to Christ. He has been instrumental in many of these decisions. He is who we give our response cards to after ministry is over, so that the new believers can be discipled, and pulled into a local church body.

This is what a man of God looks like. His past matters because it allows him to minister. He is who he is because of Christ in him. He is so humble gentle and available because he loves Jesus, and puts him first in his life.

I am proud to call him my friend. It was my privilege to serve beside him. Worship beside him. Cry with him. It is my privilege to call him my brother.

Praise God that He does not discard us when we fail! He loves us through the dirt and grime we bring into our lives! He is King!!!

Serving Him beside you,

dad


I'm home again, Yeah!!! It so good to love on my girls, and sleep in my own bed!