As the legend goes, in 1531, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin heard a voice calling his name as he walked to church one day. Eager to know the source, Juan ran to the top of Tepeyac Hill where the Virgin Mary appeared to him. Although many historians doubt the veractiy of the story, a shrine to the Lady of Guadalupe was eventually built and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) has become a significant place of adoration for many Roman Catholics in northern Mexico City.
In recent years, a business man in Florida (who grew up in the Roman Catholic faith) had a dream to help four local Assemblies of God churches surrounding the Basilica in Mexico City . . .
Pastor Joel Martinez, who is also the AG District Superintendent of Mexico City, was the first benefactor of his dream and generosity. His church, Jesucristo Luz a las Naciones (to the south of the Basilica) has a refurbished sanctuary, kitchen, classrooms, and now they are beginning work on the youth room.
Missionary Phil Brand, area director Dave Greco and business man Bob Polyak greet the congregation of Jesucristo Luz a las Naciones in Mexico City as Pastor Joel Martinez stands nearby.
Stuart has accompanied Pastor Joel to three other local Assemblies of God churches to listen to each respective pastor's hopes and dreams for their church and community.
Stuart meets with Pastor Maria Elena Morales as she discusses her vision for the people of Casa de Misericordia (to the west of the Basilica).
Casa de Misericordia (House of Mercy).
Pastor Joel (right) with Pastor David Torres (left) and his wife who lead Eben-Ezer Assemblies of God.
Eben-Ezer Assembly is to the north of the Basilica.
The sanctuary inside Eben-Ezer Assembly.
Pastor Raul Gonzalez leads Monte Carmelo Assembly, to the east of the Basilica.
Pastor Raul has a very unique dream for his congregation and community.
Pastor Raul is an educator with a church full of educators. So they tapped into their giftings and began a homework club for the neighborhood kids. Every afternoon, about 30 students attend Monte Carmelo and receive quality help with their homework. Pastor Raul has a vision to renovate his church to provide better facilities to allow more children to receive the help they need.
Dreams and visions can be very powerful catalysts for change. May the Lord continue to give dreams and visions to the people of our fellowship - laypeople, pastors, missionaries, etc - and may we work together to fulfill them by the power of his Spirit so that all may know Him; Jesus our Lord and Savior.
No comments:
Post a Comment