You know guys I have this vision in my head of my pastor back home, Paul Vallee, preaching on the platform of our church and in this picture I recall him specifically saying in demonstration:
“GOD WHERE ARE YOU!?”
Well to be honest right now that is the question I am asking, and maybe an occasional: “Who are you?” also. I did not see this coming. I will simply say its been a hard week. A Hard Week and that, right now, God seems intent on taking me into the refining fire.
Oh Boy. Here we go. Pressure, testing, lonliness, failure…Turns out I am nothing like Job.
Not sure what else to say at this point, except that amidst the confusion and even pain of the last week here that it has absolutely nothing to do with Nicaragua.
True it´s tough to understand the Spanish constantly but the place I am staying has been nice and my hosts are very gracious and interesting people.
Last week I said that I would tell you something about the place I found my self at down here and will do just that by taking a minute to tell you about a new friend of mine
Fernando is the security gaurd here at the “Hotel Casa Mateo.” I suppose anyone would immediately identify Fernando as an extremely hard looking guy.
Big boots, rough complection, chest out, shoulders back, tatooed arms and face and generally just looks like this dude would throw some bombs at you if you stepped on his toes.
In actuality I encountered somebody somewhat different.
I appoached Him and asked if he could show me an ATM, He did so and then offered to show me around. We got to hanging out a little bit and He said to me:
“You working for Jesus?”
“Ya man, I am.” I replied.
“Me too man, He change my life man” comes the thick Spanish accent and broken english.
Fernando has been a Christian for a month and a half and he is being wrecked. I am witnessing even in only the last few days the Lord just open up His arms and bring Fernando in.
Since first meeting Fernado I have been to his home, his Church, His Bible study and I´ll tell you this; He has quite the story to tell.
Fernado is 33 years old now. He grew up in an abusive home, beaten at the hands of his Father and even starved by him at other times when His mother would be away. Into the Nicaraguan army he went at 16 years of age being introduced to a life of violence. At Nineteen being released from the military he resolved to go to the United States and amazingly…that he did.
The next 12 years unfold a story of driving (with ZERO english) no problems right into the United States, then being arrested countless times, being LET OFF almost as many times, starting a family, moving around, boxing professionally, gangs, guns, and somehow despite his efforts (and second chances) always finding himself back in trouble.
When He tells the story of His time there I hear a boy inside of Him who desperately wanted to find life but was filled with a pain that roared and was surely a long way from home.
Now, He is here in Jino-Tepe.
Back in His home land (which he refuses to call it) after finally being deported with 10 U.S. dollars in His pocket and after that only His clothes.
“Jesus I need you come, change my life!” he cried.
I have been blessed in this short time to hear this amazing story be brought to the feet of Jesus. And came He did, and as such a new man was born.
Not figuratively but actually Spiritually.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
But indeed the new man has come.
Born again. Re-Birth. Regenerated. Made New.
“Here is a saying that is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners….” 1st Timothy 1:15
Please pray for Him if the Lord puts it in your heart to do so, he is so young in the faith and I also know he dearly misses His kids.
Please pray for me if The Lord moves you to do so. This is an uncharted water in my life of faith and though it´s hard I wish to grow and remain faithfull through it all.
Blair…thanks for the post! As I was reading it…even though I dont know exactly what all is going on, I felt burdened and in a way feel like I understand in a lot of ways. If you have time…shoot the team an email so we can know how to pray. It is in times like these that He is able to use us the most through our weaknesses…man I am thankful for that! Hang in there!
Caroline
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Blair…Know that you are being interceded for on so many levels! As He refines you by fire, I pray for new and deeper wisdom and discernment! Everything refined by fire always looks better on the other side!
Psalm 66:10 For you, O God, have put us to the test: testing us by fire like silver.
I loved hearing about God providing this new friend Fernando for you and you for him!
And I echo what Caroline said about shooting us an email.
“and as such a new man was born.
Not figuratively but actually Spiritually.”
That was a really important thing for me to read today.
You’re both on my heart. Vague as those first two paragraphs are – I recognize them and those words are familiar. So I’m carrying you to the Father right now, in a bookstore, you and me and Fernanado.
Here’s to the pain that roars. May it not leave us numb or cowardly. And here’s to new men born again, not figuratively, but actually spiritually.
hey man that story is truly amazing, i have heard many stories, about people who got out of their old lives and fell back into it after a while so ill definitely be praying against that. ill also b praying 4…4 discernment and perspective.
Hey Blair I am praying for you. Psalm 25 comes to mind. May you be encouraged that God is faithful to all His promises and He is indeed with you. Also be encouraged by psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you. I pray God will give you His strength and His wisdom, and His peace.
Until next time,
Be blessed, Jo-Ann
Blair, I loved reading this story. I love that you and Patrice are back together rocking it for God’s Kingdom. I love the note she sent us about your team on fire and already surprising you guys. I love that the Spirit of the LORD is going to bring so much freedom in Nica!
Praying for you. Can’t wait to hear more.
Thanks for sharing this story about Fernando. Amazing work God has done in his life! Praying for you Blair, don’t believe the lies the devil is feeding you. Stay strong in the Lord!
Blair, I love how God is continuing to show up even through the rough seasons. May you continue to see his hand in each situation. You have an incredible way of stumbling across the people that need life spoken into them & I’ve never known u to pass up that opportunity! Proud of you and the way you lead this team. Praying for you!