S.P.E.A.R. Team in Tijuana
It is time for yet another WEEKLY UPDATE by Darlene Rodriguez
S.P.E.A.R. LEADERSHIP
This weeks leaders were/are Mark & Jen. They have been doing an amazing job and I have seen such growth in them that will be such a benefit and blessing to the teams that they will be leading this summer. I truly see in them a growing confidence in the Lord. "Is not the fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?" Job 4:6 They have led us into a week of refreshment, unity, relationship, evangelism, and availability to meet with God. I have been blessed to be led by them this past week, and I am excited to see how the Lord will continue to grow them these next few weeks.
Our leadership changes this Tuesday, and we will have two new leaders. Please keep Mark and Jen in your prayers as they finish up their time, and the new leaders as they take the mantle and run with what the Lord puts on their hearts to do.
TIJUANA A Breath of Life
"How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ' Your God reigns.' " Isaiah 52:7
This past Monday I saw how the Lord used last week as a preparation for our time spent in Tijuana this week. Last week we built relationship with the children of the orphanage, interceded, prayed, and worshiped at the doorway to TJ's Red Light District. This week we spent time investing in understanding our place here as ministers to the people of TJ, and defending one another against the fiery darts of the enemy. Please pray for our minds…it has been a heavy ground of attack on all of us team members.
Finally, just last night, we went out and spoke. Two weeks of silent petitioning. Two weeks of doing preparatory work in prayer, spiritual mapping, and worship. Two weeks of waiting, listening, strategizing…and yesterday the fire in our bones could not be contained and we ALL burst out with the gospel message to the people on the streets. We started off with a skit on a stage near the main entrance into Tijuana. We shared the gospel and prayed over some people. Then the Lord directed us into the darkest places…the heart of the Red Light District. Prostitutes lined against the walls like ants, drunk men staggering in the streets, drug dealers looming in the corners, and so one…and we sent in like sheep among the wolves to shed light were many people dare not to go. (DON'T WORRIES MOMS…we had police protection) We did our skit on the sidewalk, and the Lord drew people in. We were able to share with American party goers, police officers, taxi drivers, prostitutes, etc. One of the our team members was able to share hope with this guy who was HIV+. The guy had no legs, his right arm was deformed, and probably did not have much longer to live. It was amazing because his countenance changed from the moment he stopped to watch the skit to the time we all left him after praying for him in the middle of the Sodom-like city. I got a vision for him that he would be as Samson. Although he, like Samson, did many things which led to the outcome of where he is today, he wants to redeem the time and testify of the goodness of God. I could not believe the eternal perspective this guy came to have! If only we all had the same. To be more concerned with the soul-life of those around us than the physical. The Lord taught me a lesson that night, and I praise God that not only was His life refreshed and refilled with the Love of God, but mine was also.
NEXT…
Tomorrow morning we head to Sinaloa. Saying goodbye to one work and stepping into another; I am so excited to see all that the Lord will do in and through the team!
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Continued team unity
- For the leaders being trained
- Justin and myself (continued unity in leadership)
- People of Sinaloa (softened hearts to the gospel)
- FINANCES ( we are still in need)
Only by His Love,
Darlene