Friends

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Do you have this kind of relationship with God, the kind that he considers you to be His friend? Friendship is important to God. He wants to be our "Best friend". A best friend is the kind of friend that you can say anything too and still be loved and accepted. Its an "unconditional love". Beside God, its important to have friends in our lives. It is said that over a life time a man has maybe "5" friends. Thats not very many. I've had very few friends over my life. Even though I have shown myself friendly to many, friends have been hard to come by. Having been a pastor, friends are even more difficult to come by. And having resigned the pastorate it becomes clear who my true friends are. Job said "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;". A friend is one who takes prayer seriously, is willing to shed tears to God for his friends. He takes problems and situations about his friend to God in prayer. Its interesting how Jobs friends treated him when he was going through the most difficult time on his life. They criticized him, judged him and left him alone to suffer in his afflictions. Job says "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me." David says "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." There is a risk to develop close friends, a friend that you become open to and tranparent to, one with who you share your heart with. The pain is deep when a close friend turns against you. Many just dissappear. Solomon said "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Friends are important, we need them. We need friends who love us and will help us when one falls. Modern friends I think enjoy twisting the knife in ones back, enjoy pouring salt into a wound, enjoy seeing one hurt. There is hope though, Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. As I have made decisions in my life and have found who my friends are, I am blessed to have a friend that I can talk to face to face, one that will never leave me, a friend who is loving and compassionate and will also speak truth to me when needed. Thank God for Jesus, My friend!

Whewwwww!!!!!!

On Thursday my trainer picked me up and off we went. He had run out of hours so he tossed me the keys and off we went carring a load of diapers from Laredo to Houston Texas. All went well even having to navigate Houston during rush hour. We dropped the load in Houston and picked up another one back to Laredo. Its been pretty much non-stop. I'm back in Laredo sitting in a hotel until Tuesday or Wednesday, my trainer has the weekend off and then has to go to court on Tuesday to get custody of a girl he is trying to adopt. I have some time to update my blog and to, pay some bills and get ready for the next trip. It looks like I will be going back and forth between Laredo and Houston for another 4 weeks and then start going 48 states until training is over. My trainer is a Christian man (Luthern) so we have some things in common. Drop me a comment, I enjoy reading them ALL, nice to hear from you.

Orientation finished

Today I finished orientation with Werner Enterprizes and will be assigned a trainer in a couple of days. Then I will have to accomplish 275 driving hours and pass a driving test to be assigned my own truck and start to work. I've been bunking with a man from Baton Rouge and come to find out his momma and sisters attended Bethany for a while and this guy has been running from the Lord. He knows that we are together for a couple of days coz he has a momma that is praying for him. He hasn't been to open to recieve Gods love but the seed is being sown into his heart. This is a different mission field but the goal is still the same, win souls and make disciples. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

I am excited to see how God is blessing Word of God Church with the addition of Danny and Lorena Rodriguez. With out a doubt they have a fresh enthusiasm and zeal to see this church grow and be a blessing to the community. As I observe them take the lead I can see Gods wisdom in having me step down. Jesus is the head of the church and He knows what he is doing. I encourage you that are members and a part of the family to embrace the new pastors and support them with the same energy that you did with us. You will be blessed as you find your place in the body of Christ and serve others.

Vasti

I recently returned from India. It was good to see the children again and to meet a new comer "Vasti". Vasti is about 6-7 yrs of age and came by the home begging for some food. After some questioning it was learned that her mother died of aids and her dad was an alcoholic. He was so addicted to booze that he sold his daughters blood to buy his next drink. Not much else is known about her other than observing her she needs to get some meat on her bones and fatten up abit. Ther other kids are doing great! I got to get some hugs and kisses from several of the children. Five or so were out at a school sporting event for the days that I was there. I can't imagine what the lives of these kids wopuld be like if they were left on their own.

Construction will soon begin on the childrens home. We have raised enough money to start and it will be good to see this project get under way. Keep these kids and this project in your prayers. It still is a joy to serve others.