Revival

We are still overwhelmed by our experience last night! God works in mysterious and very unique ways around the world. The church invited a traveling evangelist from the Dominican Republic to do two events, one at the little town next door and one in our town. The event at our church was last night. We were a little prepared of what to expect because the pastor had called us during the day to make sure that we would be there. During the conversation he happened to mention that the preacher was a midget (no political correctness here). I also need to mention that the church is about 300 square feet, if that. They had brought all the sound equipment that they had, keyboard, batteries, two electric guitars, mixer and amplifier, three microphones, all for that tight space. They made up in volume what they lacked in harmony. A lady passed away next door over the weekend, and they were having a rosary. I don't think that they could hear each other pray next door. The pastor tried to make them turn down the volume out of respect for the people next door, but they did not turn it down that much. The lady who prayed for the offering did not sound like she was from around here. We asked her afterwards where she was from, and she said that from Nicaragua. Since she did not look like the typical Nicaraguan, I asked her if she was from Bluefields, and she said she was. (Bill, we finally meet somebody from there!)

There were about forty of us, half were outside on the porch, but, of course, they had no problem hearing everything. I wished we were outside, but we were sitting on the second row. It was extremely hot, and soon perspiration was running down my back. We sang for one hour, on our feet, and then it was time for the preacher. He said that people like him are either clowns or freaks in a circus, but he was being used for the glory of God. He preached for two hours on being in the desert. We all go through the desert, even Jesus, but the difference is on how we deal with it. Being from the Dominican Republic, he used a lot of baseball illustrations. He tried to make them clear because he knows this culture is not about baseball, but soccer; therefore, he put a "base" down and ran around the bases. Soon he was drenched in sweat. He also had another illustration using a chemical reaction. I have never seen chemistry used in a sermon. At the end, there were six decisions for the Lord, four adults and two boys.

I can safely say that this was the most unusual church experience that I have ever had. Tomorrow we are going back to church for their regular Thursday meeting, and I can't wait to hear their comments.

Until next time...from the beach...