Power Ministry

   Vance Luke, very late at night, modeling for us how to “Reset to Zero”

As our week of ministry comes to a close, we reflect on what God has done in our lives, the missionaries and people we have met and friends we have made.  It was difficult to share in only three minutes with each other the highlights of our week.  Before we leave, there are hugs, information shared and a final challenge to Reset our life to serve God, for we have “Decided to Follow Jesus”.

We started the Lords Day with a final devotional from Missionary Mike with a challenge to finish well, to deny our self of what we want to do, and do what God has for us, for in this is our greatest joy and reward.  As we prepared to take communion, Brian Park shared that we, as men, are trying to fix thinks but we should be fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Worship in the Dome Church was amazing and energetic, singing in two languages but worshiping one God.  We took the stage accompanied by 30 men from Power’s affiliated ministry from Compass Church of the Dallas area.  Four of our  men shared their experiences with the audience of over a thousand.
After a lunch provided by the church we loaded the vans for the long trip to San Antonio stopping in Kingsville for rib-eye sandwiches.
After leaving the last rest stop, a women saw our vans and followed us to our hotel. She asked to see a pastor. After 1.5 hours with a pastor and counselor she accepted the Lord. Praise the Lord!
 

Another beautiful South Texas sunrise with the sounds of POWER men loading vans for Hector’s place.  After a successful border crossing the POWER men worshiped with Hector and the residences of Senda de Vida. This place, where citizens of Reynosa once dumped their garbage, is now transformed into a clinic, residence for men without a home, church, and food bank.
POWER men then filled the air in Reynosa with the sounds of saws, hammers, and praises at various project sites. A quick lunch was had, thanks to the food crew, and it was time for the carnival setup at Alianza Cristiana. The puppet show went off with only a minor hitch (involving the exposure of some of our puppeteers). Over three thousands men, women, children participated in the games, rodeo, and other activities thereafter. The weather was great and the Holy Spirit was at work. Approximately six hundred soccer balls were distributed along with stuffed animals, lollipops, cotton candy, and popcorn (Go Vance Luke!)
The Golden Coral was well prepared to feed the hungry herd and no major incidents occurred around the chocolate fountain. The late evening included judgement (both merciful and harsh).  Prayer groups and late night van preps and gas runs took us into the next day……
A few hours of sleep then back to Alianza Cristiana for worship in the morning.

A visit to the Magdiel  Bible College in Matamoros.
As a rookie going in with no real idea what to expect , the experience was very powerful.
To gather and lay hands on those students , future spiritual leaders to Mexico, and pray for their strength and courage and stamina to finish GOD’s work in their life was nothing less than GOD ordained. What happened next was even more powerful as the students returned their prayer of thanksgiving over us “Mexican style.” This was no doubt one of the most spiritual things I have ever been a part of.
A soccer game with 15 POWER men versus 5 Magdiel students ended in a close but hard fought victory (had to be there to find out who won). Importantly, none of the men were injured, but I’m sure they’ll feel it in the morning!
The events of the day were fun and the relationships that began there today are eternal.

“You can be in charge of any day that you can make.” – Pastor Mike
Our message this morning reminded us how big and far and wide is our Lord. He created each day and everything in it. Rest to zero and let Him be in charge.
The POWER men were off bright and early after a late arrival to begin significant construction projects in the city of Reynosa. Our mission friends across the border met us with open arms and everyone rolled up their sleeves to make things happen.
A group had the opportunity to visit a youth detention center that housed young men aged 15-18. Several of the young men said they knew God and were saved thanks to the Alianza ministers that visit them weekly.
Off to Brownsville this evening….
 

The sun comes up it’s a new day dawning……
After a late night arrival and group logistics maneuvering the men of POWER recharged with a few hours of sleep at Faith Mission in Del Rio.We we’re awoken to the smell of coffee, sausage, and oatmeal. Plenty of donuts and piles of fruit rounded out a POWERful feast.
We were blessed with a message from
Mike McGhee who asked us to “reset to zero” this week and leave our burdens and troubles at the foot of the cross. Songs of worship and praise filled the gathering room and the POWER were ready for mission in Acuna.
Praise God for successful border crossings and safe arrival at our assigned sites. A house, church, pavilion and house extension were framed. JOY tours occurred and the Gospel was shared. Tables and window frames were built. The POWER puppeteers blessed students with their show.
The Lord was exalted at each site as men from across the country cast off the old and stepped boldly anew into humble service for Christ.
We convened back at Faith Mission in the evening for fellowship and food and tales of how the Holy Spirit worked through broken vessels to further His kingdom.
……bless the Lord oh my soul, worship His holy name!

All 92 men have arrived in San Antonio ready to start serving the Lord from ages 18 to 95.  After a dinner of country fried steak and bake potatoes at Acadiana we enjoyed getting to know our fellow brothers on our three hour van (12 vans total) ride to Faith Mission in Del Rio, Texas.