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!
