1 Timothy 6:17–19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share... so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Today’s devotional reminded us that we were designed to live generously. When God gives in abundance, it's not just for our enjoyment but so we can bless others. I’m so thankful for our team, a group of people rich in gifts and talents, who are using them joyfully to bless others. Today, they gave of themselves—singing, playing instruments, sharing the Gospel, greeting warmly, serving humbly… even moving logs (more on that soon).
Since our team was scheduled to lead worship and serve at Casa Ebenezer this morning, we had an early start. We left shortly after 8 AM, aiming to arrive by 8:30. Casa Ebenezer is in a beautiful rural community, and usually, the trip there is uneventful aside from the usual road issues. But this morning, as we turned down the dirt road, we were met by an unexpected sight—men lining the road with machetes and chainsaws. Don’t worry, it wasn’t a mob—it was a community clean-up day, and their task was to cut down trees along the road to prepare for the installation of electric poles.
The work crew happened to be stationed right outside the gates of Casa Ebenezer, and they continued working throughout the service. Undeterred, we pressed on with the plan. Our team opened by leading two worship songs in Spanish, boldly singing over the noise of chainsaws and falling trees. They did a phenomenal job.
Next, Oscar, a current resident of Casa Ebenezer, was invited to share his testimony. Though some of it was difficult to hear over the background noise, what I did catch was powerful—a story of redemption and grace. Two years ago, Oscar was working at the hotel we stayed at during our first trip to Puerto Escondido. Just two weeks ago, God moved in Jocsan’s heart to introduce him to his father, Gabby. When Gabby met Oscar, he recognized the signs of addiction and brokenness—and invited him to come live at Ebenezer.
As they drove, Gabby shared his vision for Casa Ebenezer and the hope of Jesus Christ. Oscar was overwhelmed by the weight of his sin, and for the first time in years, he wept—crying out for God’s forgiveness. Peace flooded his heart. He asked Gabby to turn around and take him back to his apartment so he could pack and leave it all behind.
When they arrived, the room was filled with evidence of his past—needles, pipes, drugs, alcohol, and books on other religions and even witchcraft. Searching for peace, Oscar had tried everything. That day, he bagged it all up and gave it to Gabby to discard. “I don’t need that stuff anymore,” he said. “I have Jesus.”
In just two weeks, Oscar’s life has been radically transformed. His joy is contagious. His hunger for God is evident. It was one of the most moving testimonies I’ve ever heard. Honestly, we could’ve ended the service right there and walked away full of worship.
But we had more to share. We were asked to present the Gospel using the Wordless Book colors (the Gospel Beads). Several team members stepped up and clearly shared the Good News. As they spoke, I noticed Oscar feverishly taking notes—soaking in everything he could.
Once again, it felt like the service was complete. Worship, testimony, Gospel… But I had been asked to preach. I had prepared a message from Psalm 80, and to my amazement, the themes of the Psalm were already reflected in Oscar’s story: God as the Shepherd, the plea for restoration, the cry for light in the darkness.
Psalm 80 opens with a cry to the Shepherd of Israel and repeats the refrain: “Restore us, O God… let your face shine, that we may be saved” (vv. 3, 7, 19). It’s a Psalm of longing—a cry for light to break into the darkness. And that’s exactly what Oscar had experienced. What a joy to preach from that Psalm, seeing how Christ fulfills its hope, and how He’s still working that restoration today.
After the sermon, the team led one more song—Way Maker in Spanish. Then Kayla asked if I’d be willing to pray for Oscar and Daniel, the two men currently living at Casa Ebenezer. Daniel, or “Danny,” is a neighbor who has joined the program and serves as the on-site security guard.
As I stepped forward, Oscar put his arm around me. Danny was visibly moved. The rest of the team gathered around, laying hands on them and praying over their lives. Please continue to pray for both of these men—God is doing a beautiful work in them.
After the service, it was time to move some of the logs that had been cut during church. Though it was a bit of a distraction, it’s actually a sign of progress: electricity is coming to the community. What a blessing that will be for Ebenezer.
The rest of the day was restful and joyful. We enjoyed a traditional Mexican chicken lunch back at the house, then spent the afternoon at a new beach, riding the waves and making memories. On the way home, we stopped for some delicious tacos. It was a full and blessed Sunday—one we won’t soon forget.
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