03/26/2009
Author: John Powell
Twenty years ago our missions committee took steps to prepare for the day God would send a Spanish speaking church planter to us to start a Spanish speaking church. We developed a new line item in the missions budget, called “Target Ministries,” to enable us to quickly steer missions money in the direction God seemed to be moving.
Soon after, I worked with Dave Buckert to make connections in Mexico around and El Puente Norte, the team that coordinates mission work on both sides of the border, began. Over the years we had a growing focus on Mexico City missions. Most ministries took place south of the Border. Many young people learned to do cross cultural evangelism on these summer trips. The churches in Mexico City grew and were encouraged and lasting friendships (and a few marriages) developed out of these projects. One of the marriages taking place during these years was that of David and Ruth Reyes. I had the privilege of doing their premarital counseling.
We have waited and prayed for God to show us when and how He would plant a Spanish speaking church among us so we could focus some of the Target Missions money right here in Las Cruces. That day has come! David Reyes, son of Dr. Jose Luis Reyes of Rey de Reyes EFC in El Paso has been training his son David in pastoral and evangelistic work. He recently became co-pastor and received his ministry license. God has been working in David and his wife Ruth to focus more on ministry. Then, a few weeks ago, David lost his job with a company that supplies materials to maquiladoras.
This economic challenge seems to be the igniting of the move of God for which we have been praying. EFCA-West has committed to approximately 2/3 of David’s salary. Our Target Ministry Missions budget will be partially steered in this direction for approximately 1/3 of his support, yearly, for up to three years.
Other district churches are being approached to help. The church will be fully independent and self governing, but benefit from FEFC’s building and other support we can give. Mexico City churches will be invited to come and help here as we did there.
David and Jose Luis began coming to Las Cruces a couple weeks ago, right after our executive board voted to proceed as the host church, supporting Rey de Reyes, the mother church. Already, three weekly Bible Studies have begun and 4 people have made professions of faith in Christ! It seems clear waiting for God’s move and hoisting our sails to catch the wind of His Spirit is launching us into new and exciting directions.
Speaking of catching the wind, I am seeking to be alert to the ways God is at work to develop and renew my walk with Him and ministry under Him. Recently that was enhanced by the cycle trip to Arizona I took with Kevin Meyers (who grew up 25 miles from me in Michigan). When you are stretched to the limit by mountains, pack weight and flat tires, it gives opportunity for Him to work in ways He doesn’t ordinarily work. Opportunities to witness and pray, added to the fruitfulness. Pray for me as I seek to hoist my sails to the wind of the Spirit as He moves in me and leads me to help others do the same. Pray for David and Ruth as they begin to do that among us here in Las Cruces.
