Global Talk

Written Feb 13, 2008

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

We came to Venezuela wanting to be used of God in any capacity that He saw fit. We came with a number of Spanish-language marriage books entitled Love and Respect. Couples in our small group had experienced growth in their marriages because of it, and we thought the concepts were especially important in Venezuelan society. But Vida Estudiantil (Campus Crusade) is comprised mostly of single college students – so we haven’t been sure exactly if or how this marriage-book idea would be fleshed out.

As it turned out, Keith and Sheri, the National Directors of Vida Estudantil in Venezuela, were delighted that we had brought the books because they had a number of couples who “really needed them!” They felt there was enough need for it that they asked us to teach “Love and Respect” during one of the breakout sessions at the National Conference in March.

As many of you Gracers know, our church has had a 4-year connection with the church called CENFOL here in Merida. GCF partnered with them two or three years ago to help fund their move to a bigger room in a different building. And this year their excellent worship music was coming, in part, from a keyboard they purchased with money GCF donated last year. The acting pastor, Sonia, told us what a blessing it has been for them, and expressed the gratitude of her church.

Sonia, who had been the pastor’s assistant, has been the sole pastor of the church since pastor Ramon left a year ago to further his education. The man who was expected to take Ramon’s place decided not to move to Merida.

Betty approached Sonia yesterday (Feb 13) at the weekly Vida Estudiantil meeting to ask about using the church building (it’s actually a rented one-room space ) to teach a class on Love and Respect. Sonia speaks no English, but her face shone with amazement and surprise! She had just been approached by a couple in the church who asked her to start a class utilizing the very same book! They wanted to meet and teach the concepts to other married couples---old, young, and even serious couples anticipating marriage. It was on the calendar starting in February. Two problems: 1) they only had one book they were trying to all share, and 2) Sonia is single, and didn’t feel qualified to lead the study, and nobody else wanted to start it off. How exciting to see the God’s plans and timing unfold in front of us! We told her we had about 10 books we could give her---now we know why God had prompted us to bring a suitcase full of books! And we quickly accepted her request to start off the class for her, and then other couples within the church will lead subsequent classes.

She kept giving God the glory for His provision! Yes--the Lord does indeed do immeasurably more than we can possibly imagine! We are so glad God brought us here!