1 John 3:16–18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
The apostle John lays the foundation for understanding love, by looking to Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrated God’s love for us, that even while we were still sinning against Him, living in our rebellion, He died for us (Romans 5:8). That is grace. He provided away for us to be forgiven and reconciled to the Father, to live at peace with God as His ambassadors in this life with the hope (confidence) of spending eternity with Him in heaven.
With this foundation, how can we hold fast to earthly materials when we see someone in physical needs. All the more, when we have the opportunity to use the earthly possession God has given to us to minister to other as an example of the Gospel for God’s glory? John drives this home with the challenge of not just talking but doing. James, the half-brother of Jesus, agrees “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
This was a great reflection this morning as we prepared for church at Casa Ebenezer. Being on a mission trip, we are actively doing ministry, but we are also being ministered to. We are surrounded by testimonies of God’s people giving of themselves for the sake of the Gospel. And the church service at Ebenezer today was dedicated to giving testimony to God’s faithfulness in celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the program officially starting. Ebenezer is a ministry of sacrifice that began with a gentleman from California who was living as a missionary in Puerto Escondido who invited Gaby into his home over 30 years ago. As Gaby gave his life to Christ, living in the freedom only the Gospel can provide, he had the vision to share this with other men. (The link to Gaby’s testimony is in yesterday’s post) That’s the beginning of Ebenezer.
There have been several men invited to Ebenezer who started the program but chose to return to their addictions. This is the heartbreaking part of rehabilitation ministries is when people give up before they find their fulfillment in Christ. Pray for these men and others who are struggling. Pray for Gaby and everyone at Ebenezer who poured into their lives.
But today was a day to glorify God by hearing of the ones who stuck with the program! Sammy was a young man about 19 years old who shared his testimony of finding freedom in Christ! He just finished the 8 month program. Next was a single dad who had his daughter with him. He is currently in the program and professed his desire to finish the program and be a good father for his daughter. He mentioned Danny and Oscar as motivation for continuing on.
Danny shared his testimony, I wrote a little about Danny and Oscar last year which you can read HERE. It was wonderful to see that Danny has remained faithful to the program, especially since he had only recently entered it when we visited last year. I had the privilege of praying with him during that trip.
Today, his face radiated the joy of the Lord. He has hope. At Ebenezer, he is loved, respected, and part of a family. He was scheduled to share for ten minutes, but in his excitement he spoke much longer, often forgetting to pause so Jocsan could translate! In short, Gaby's persistent invitations eventually wore him down, and he finally came to Ebenezer. There, he surrendered his addictions and placed his faith in Christ. The friendship and encouragement of both Gaby and Oscar helped him continue. He passionately shared about the freedom found in forsaking sin and clinging to Christ. It was such a joy to hear him speak and to see his face light up as he shared.
After Danny, Oscar came forward to share. Last year, I was deeply moved by his passion for Christ and the joy that radiated from him. He had come to faith only a week or two before our team arrived. Today marked one full year of sobriety and faithfully following Jesus. And if anything, he is even more passionate now than he was a year ago! You can read more about his story in the link mentioned above.
Anna and Will led us in worship, singing three songs—two in Spanish and one in English. During the first song, Oscar's nieces joined in with tambourines and dancing. I was impressed by how well Anna and Will stayed focused despite all the joyful distractions! Isabella, a young woman from the church, also blessed us by singing two songs in Spanish and one in English.
After the service, we enjoyed a celebration and potluck lunch together. The food was fantastic, and the fellowship was even better. Later in the afternoon, we headed to the beach to conclude the day.
My favorite moment at at the beach was when I was taking pictures and videos and Zeke came up and held my hand! I love having time with my little buddy!
On our way home, we needed to swing by Casa Abba to put the sheep in the pen. This gave us an opportunity to see the light poles we installed at night! Praise God they work!
It was a wonderful and much-needed day of rest.
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