More Than I Imagined

Last month I asked for prayers for a retreat that some of the FMC missionaries in General Cepeda and a number of couples from a prayer group in town were preparing to lead for the people of two neighboring ranchos. From the first time I visited these ranchos, I was struck by the eagerness of the people to delve deeper into their faith. My heart burned with a desire to help these people grow in awareness of the fullness of the faith and relationship with God, as He allowed me to glimpse at their need and His heart to fulfill it. We soon started sacramental preparation classes for the youth of these ranchos, but their parents remained on my heart. The doors for a structured time of faith formation for the parents, however, did not immediately open. But God, who never abandons His people, had something great in mind.

Last Saturday morning, a group of us from General Cepeda set out for the retreat. As we pulled up to the rancho, those who lived in the rancho had already set up the tents for the retreat, as the chapel was too small for the number of people, and were finishing their farm chores. We soon began a full day of talks, small group discussions, and prayer.

Talk by talk, we journeyed through the story of God’s love, sin, salvation, the invitation to live in relationship with Him, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost and animates the Church.

While everyone present had heard of Jesus and was familiar with the cultural norms that stem from the faith, hearing the Gospel message this way was new, eye-opening, and moving for many. At lunch, some women told me they had never known these beautiful things about the faith. During a time of prayer at the end, many were visibly and powerfully moved, including someone who at the beginning said he did not believe.

Seven couples who attended the retreat have decided to continue in a prayer group led by some of the couples from General Cepeda who have committed to drive out to the rancho regularly. These were the very people whom the Lord had allowed me to glimpse, and for whom His heart burns. Now I see a bit more of how the Lord is providing for them far more excellently than I could have imagined. Thank you so much for your prayers and support to help make this possible!