Two vanloads of young men and women pulled up to an out of the way flea market. Rachel (from Awe Star) and I climbed out with Jose', our translator, to the appetizing aroma of a nearby taco stand. We searched the narrow streets of this bustling gathering place for a spot to do our drama. We were not making much headway as all of the spaces were very small, and we needed a large space.
As we worked our way between clothing displays and other wares, we came upon a dirt lot that had just enough frontage for us to do the drama. The problem was, it was a mechanic shop, and we would interrupt their ability to do business. We approached the dusty shop, and stepped over several empty beer bottles along the way. It was operated by a father and son. Inside the shop was a poster too often found inside similar shops anywhere.
They were quick to give us their consent. We set up our equipment and sent the team out to tell those in the market about the drama. They had learned just enough Spanish to say "we are doing a drama, it's free, please come. "
As the crowd gathered, there was a sense of anticipation among the locals. One frustrated vendor packed her items into her car and left because people were sitting on her car to watch, and blocking her income source.
Children and adults alike were fascinated at what they saw. Many of the shoppers who passed by during the drama stopped for the duration. At the conclusion, the students dispersed into ministry teams of three. The Spirit of God descended upon this market, and into many hearts, as person after person surrendered to Christ.
At the Lord's prompting (through Rachel), I grabbed Jose' and we went to talk to the shop owner. He had disappeared, but his son was still there, standing in the doorway, waiting to talk. In fact, if you go to www.awestar.org and go to 'trip updates', and into the picture section of 'Memorial Baptist/Nowata', you can see the three of us standing in the doorway talking.
Gerardo, the son, had watched the drama completely, and stared deeply into my eyes as I shared with him. It was one of those moments that would have been uncomfortable for any other reason, but the Lord showed me he was seeking the Truth, and he wanted to know if what I was sharing was real to me. I was momentarily choked up as this realization became apparent.
The three of us discussed laying down alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc. as these would not bring the fulfillment he was seeking. The strewn empty bottles, and poster of a woman betrayed him. His thirst for the Truth won out, as he willingly gave his heart to Jesus. He was moved as he prayed for the first time.
We said goodbye, and sent the students to back to the vans. As we were walking away, Gerardo and his father called us back. Jose' and I returned, and he asked us to pray for their business as it was not doing very well. We did so. His desire to talk to God became clear, as after I would say a line of prayer, and Jose' would interpret, Gerardo would then repeat, just as he had when he asked Jesus into his life! How incredible to see a man in his 30's or 40's surrender so completely!
Upon on our leaving, we were told that this was our home anytime we wanted to return to do the drama.
A good friend of mine says "A changed life, changes lives." Praise God for His changing the lives of so many!
dad
14 Comments:
Dad,
I am so excited to hear about what God did on the trip. I am also happy to hear how God used each of you to further the Kingdom.
Thank you for serving.
Wow... what more to say.
Lattany
Fairfax, VA, USA
If only we... the "more fortunate" of this world were so quick to turn from these things that imprison us. Praise God for His ways, His wisdom, and His omnipresence in this world. Praise God that because of His love there is no place we can go that He cannot save us.
Brent,
Thank you for sharing. It was great to go to the Awestar site and see all those sharing God's love and all of them receiving it. Also great to know what you look like now! Now we just need to get pictures of Deanna, Lauren and Whitney so those of us in the blog family can actually picture who we're praying for!
Blessings for a safe trip home.
Tina
Brent --
I know that BJ is truly filled as you glorify our Lord in a way that filled him so very much. Mission field's are everywhere -- we have a responsibility to reach as Christians. I pray for safety of your and His team and for the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to reach those who did not know Him, but seek Him now! I love all of you for your sacrifice and for your willingness to be His vessel to reach those who need Him.
Praise the Lord.
Mark, OH
Wow! What a powerful image I have in my mind of the drama and teams of three dispersing amongst the people.
God sure used you all in marvelous ways. It is so exciting to see how excited you are. I am so thankful the Lord is showing you in such great ways that you's are in His plan and following His will to OK and the farthest corners of the world. Of course I don't want to think about the leaving IN part. Love you's Lisa
wowsie woosy!! I am so excited to hear what God is doing in and through the team. He is mighty!! Way to go God!! You are the best! We love you! We are so excited that these kids are serving! Wow!!! Way to go!! You are the greatest, bestest God ever!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
I see obedience all the way through. The reason I love sending my children with Awe Star is that they receive amazing opportunities to participate in changing the world by spreading the Gospel . . . but the other reason is the teaching and modeling they receive in responding to God with a hearbeat of obedience (there's that "good friend" again, Brent).
Thanks for for modeling that for last week's team. I know David and Rachel are doing the same this week. BJ is a great example--but so is the rest of his family. I'm sure that is a huge part in His calling to your next place of service!
with love and prayers in pink--especially for traveling mercies and Divine Encounters!
Marti
Thanks so much for all you did for us last week I truely enjoyed getting to know you! Now I have served with both the son and the father for the Son and the Father! Love ya Sierra
Hey guys--
I've been checkin the updates on awestar.org.. thats SO exciting! i'm so glad the Lord moved so powerfully thru this trip! i hope you made it back to Indy safely.. hopfully w/o all the crazy delays.
Mom--i know you're glad to have him home. was it quiet w/o him??
love you guys..
praying always
~kristin
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