The old has gone, the new is here!

It's hard to believe that we returned to Mexico City just one month ago. I'm still amazed how much time and effort it takes just to settle in and make your house a home after an international move. Although, we're still plugging away at the process we've also enjoyed plugging into Teen Challenge on Sunday mornings (Reto a la Juventud). 

Teen Challenge Directors, Gamaliel and his wife Alejandra, greet and encourage the residents and their families here in Mexico City. Yesterday was a particularly special day as Eliu shared his amazing testimony.

Raised in a pastor's home, Eliu strayed far from the Lord. A bright young man, he graduated law school at twenty-one and became a district attorney. Eliu successfully prosecuted drug lords, but then became addicted to drugs himself. His drug use led to other illicit behavior and soon he realized he was HIV positive. 

Although Eliu surrendered his life to Christ, he eventually lay sick and dying of AIDS. While he was at the brink of death, friends and family fasted and prayed for him. A missionary friend (also a nurse) convinced the doctors to try a new drug therapy. Today, Eliu's HIV is considered medically undetectable. As Eliu preached yesterday, he is a new creation in Christ. Eliu is married now and has a six year old son. Both his wife and his son are HIV negative. Eliu pastors a church in Mérida.

 This week, Pastor Eliu is in Mexico City to study Greek at the Anna Sander's Seminary. As much as I appreciated Eliu's testimony of transformation, I also appreciate his dedication to continuing education. Many pastors here who want to complete their bachelor or master's degree must travel to do so. It takes a lot of effort, time away from family and ministry, and of course finances to continue their education. But a good education is that important to them. 

Please pray for Pastor Eliu, his wife and congregation, as well as the young men at Teen Challenge. I trust his life and testimony encouraged many yesterday to continue seeking the Lord to become new creations in Christ. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo! 2 Corintios 5:17