It’s amazing how good our God is. Who knew!

A few weeks ago Manny Valdez was sorting out some old papers and bumped into a note that said: “January 22nd 2002: launch Little Village’s English congregation.”  In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday when several of us got together thinking that we could reach English speaking people in Little Village for Christ. How foolish we were.

Still, here we are seven years later, many gray hairs later, many babies later.  Some of us have put on some weight, some have managed to lose it, many have changed jobs, some real good friends have moved on following our Lord’s plan for them, others have married, a great many new friends have joined us and what was once just a small home group has truly grown into a joyful, exciting and faith-filled congregation. 

These last seven years have not been easy. We have learned many lessons the hard way.  I suspect that many of us have the scars to prove it. We have also taken many steps of wild faith together. Many prayers have driven our crazy ideas. I still feel as unqualified to be a pastor as the day we began.

But above any struggle, or any difficulty that we could have ever encounter, the one constant that shines brightest in our past is the one characteristic that will continue to light the way ahead. Sylvia and I have found refuge in it during dark days. It has pushed us forward during times of sluggish faith. In days of strength, we have seen how it has led us to victory. It is the fact that God has truly made us a family. This little congregation began with a clear passion to be “a family of love which cooperates with God…” Daily I thank God that he has allowed me to be part of this great and awesome family. 

It’s amazing how good our God is. Who Knew!