Much of Jesus’s ministry was bringing healing to those that needed it, feeding the hungry, setting those captives to Satan free and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to everyone. He often was moved with compassion when he looked at their condition, desperate and in need of a shepherd to care and guide them. He gave his life to save his sheep and when he ascended gave his church the task of finishing his mission. His mission continues today through those whom He has redeemed, his Body of which He is the Head, his church, the instrument for the proclamation of the Good news of the Gospel.
It is encouraging to see how God is using us as His church not only meet the needs in tangible ways but with the hope of the Gospel.
Here are two examples of people that have come to the church where I serve as a pastor to Hispanics. I understand much of what they are going through since I came to the United States as an immigrant as a ten-year-old. God put me in a church where I was able to have a community that supported me and by His grace not only did, I come to know Him but was able to eventually be in ministry serving our people.
About two months ago Sandra who was born in Ecuador came to our Food Bank asking for help. She had heard about us and being a need she came to our Food Bank. She recently gave birth to a child out of wedlock, the father left her and was left alone. She had to stop working due to her pregnancy and used her savings to pay part of the rent she shares with a woman. We encouraged her to connect with our women in our ministry. On Tuesday she came to the women’s Bible study. She walked while pushing the stroller with her baby. We are not sure whether she knows Jesus but she has indicated a desire to learn more.
Twenty-two-year-old Jesús (yes, that his name) came from Colombia through the US through the California border just a few months ago. At the border, he was unjustly beaten by a border patrol officer. It was heart breaking to hear this. He was processed and let go. His cousins in Washington had promised to help him but this turned out for the worse for him. He was left living in a place where he rented part of the living room.
He came to our church about a month ago through an invitation of one of our Life Groups leaders. The group leader could not speak to him in Spanish but was able to tell him about our church. The Sunday he came, he told me that God had prompted him to go to church. He looked for his neighbor who spoke English and asked him if the invitation was still open. He said yes. This leader connected him with a Hispanic young lady, and he came. He attended our Spanish Bible class that Sunday. Jesús seems to be a believer and expressed his interest and commitment to grow in the Lord. A week after he was kicked out of the place he lived. This forced him to live in his car while working delivering packages. But he couldn’t drive his car because he didn’t have license plates but couldn’t get them because he owed his final down payment. Last Sunday, one of our couples from our church, after praying and meeting him took him in their home. One of their conditions was that he become part of the family. The next day, the husband and I went to the dealer to get his license plates. He paid them. That night I asked Jesús who his first night went. He texted and said,
“The best day pastor. Wonderful. I love my home. They are truly the family that I needed. Truly they are wonderful people, they make me feel am in my family, my home.”
Right now, his phone is under their plan, they go workout together, they eat together, he cooked for them last night. They have contacted attorneys to help him with his legal status. Today we met they were all at church. She “made” him stay in the English service using a translation app and he “made” his new mom attend our Spanish bible class using the same translation app.
Seeing this brought much joy in my heart. This exactly what Christ’s church ought to be doing until his kingdom comes.
