Dios ha sido bueno

"I will give you thanks in the great congregation: I will praise you among much people"

- Psalm 35:18

The above Psalm grabbed my attention this morning and reminded me to stop in the middle of a busy season and publicly give thanks to God.  The Scripture mentions giving thanks in "great congregation" and "among much people", so even though I am sitting alone in my office at the computer, the beauty of a blog and the internet is that this has the potential to reach a "great congregation" and "much people".  

We were sitting in church two Sundays ago and an overwhelming sense of gratitude consumed me and tears streamed down my face as we worshiped together as a Body of Believers.  I LOVE the music at our church and always enjoy worshiping through song as our talented and passionate worship leaders lead us.  This particular morning my heart was moved to open my eyes and scan the room as we sang "Dios ha sido bueno" (God has been good).  As I slowly looked around the room, I was able to see example after example of just how good God has been.  Bear with me as I do my best to describe what I saw so that proper thanks is given to God for His incredible love for His children. 

The first place I was drawn to was the worship band.  Kendrix, an incredibly talented 22 year old musician in his 3rd year studying at the Seminary of Americas.  His mom wasn't even supposed to have kids after being treated for a cancer that doctors said would lead to her death months later.   She lived and still lives...she had Kendrix (and 2 other boys) that are now impacting thousands of lives for the Gospel.  

Next was Moises, on the electric guitar, has been healed and restored after a dark life filled with addiction.  He gave up music years ago because it only lead him to environments that caused him to use.  God redeemed him and reminded him that his musical talents were a gift from Him and could be used for His glory.  He's been leading worship now for a couple of years along with a Celebrate Recovery group for other addicts in our community.

Then, Carlos, a once super hyper kid that grew up in our baseball program (he was like a mosquito that buzzed around your ear that you couldn't get rid of).  He didn't even know he had the gift of music until a man from Columbia spent time with him and discovered his crazy talent with instruments and booming singing voice.  He is now a worship leader and a mature mentor that serves as a baseball coach for almost 200 kids.

My attention moved off of the stage and directly across the room to Eddy.  Oh Eddy.  God really poured joy into my heart when I watched Eddy that morning.  Eddy was a professional basketball player for 17 years that had to retire because of an un-diagnosed illness that caused him to lose over 40 lbs.  He accepted Christ and was baptized last year.  Shortly after, his health was fading fast and  he was rushed to a hospital where weeks later they finally discovered that he had Crohn's Disease.

After major surgery and a long recovery, there he was that morning, with his hands raised high and his eyes closed worshiping Jesus.  Thank you, God!

Next to Eddy was Rey.  Rey was a "tigere" (thug) from the "barrio" (hood) that lived a fast life.  He participated in our basketball camps for years and just a couple of years ago gave his life to Christ and was baptized.  We hired him as a basketball coach and mentor to youth that lack love and guidance in their lives.  Like many places in the world, we live in a community that needs more father-figures.  That morning, Rey had a HUGE smile on his face as he danced and sang with his almost 2 year old daughter, Cadens.  A dad and his daughter in church together...a rarity here.

I then landed on Luma.  Luma is Carlos' (the mosquito turned wonderful singer/leader mentioned above) mom.  Her daughter, Albania and son, Carlos, have been active in the church for a while.  They always asked for prayers for their mom and dad.  Last year at the women's conference, Luma was baptized and has been a bright light in her community ever since.  Sitting next to her was her husband.  This family moved to Santiago not knowing Jesus.  They have not only been redeemed, but have become passionate about the renewal of their community and beyond.

Kyle and Dariana were sitting in the same line of vision as Luma.  Dariana was a trailblazer.  A Dominican girl that LOVES basketball.  She grew up in our camps and later went to the USA to play college basketball.  She graduated and came back to her home country to serve in ministry with GO Sports.  She has launched a girl's basketball program.  She has also fallen in love with Kyle, a fellow missionary with GO, who I prayed for for 9 years.  He came to us almost 3 years ago and his love and passion for ministry is overwhelming.  They are engaged to be married on April 24th and they already function as a dynamic duo in ministry.  

Towards the middle of the room sat Gustavo.  I met Gustavo 9 years ago when we moved to Santiago.  He always seemed to have a desire for more in life but couldn't quite figure out what that meant.  He told me the week before that he has lost his family.  His wife and kids live somewhere else with another man and he is broken.  He also told me that he now understands that what he was looking for cannot be found in possessions or worldly things.  He messaged me last night and said that he is ready to make a huge decision and be baptized.  In the midst of his biggest storm, he recognizes that strength comes from the Lord.

Next, I looked to my right and then down.  Audrey was holding June next to me and Ruby was in my arms.  I was reminded of the heart ache of infertility.  The dying to our expectations.  It was quickly replaced with a warm, grateful heart.  What an incredible family God has provided for us through adoption.  He took "something" and "someones" that were broken and created something magnificent.  Our daughters are living proof of His goodness.

My Dad always comes to my mind when my life slows down for a minute.  I replayed the last year of our lives quickly through my head as I sang.  It was downright hard!  But again, being in a spirit of worship and thanksgiving, God reminded me of all the beauty through the hardship.  The joy He provided in the midst of sorrow.  God sent His Son to die on the cross so that death's sting would not consume us.  My Dad is in the presence of our Creator with zero pain and suffering...what a gift He has given us all!

The last stop was at Tata and Gabriel.  Whatever is more powerful than the feeling of "gratitude" is what I felt when I looked at this incredible couple.  Over 30 years ago they moved their family to a community in Santiago that didn't have a school or a church.  They were on a mission to bring Jesus to an area that didn't know Him.  They sacrificed for the sake of the Gospel and God has blessed them tremendously ever since.  Because of their sacrifice, all of the people mentioned above have a place to worship.  Because of their sacrifice, the community of Hoya del Caimito is being renewed.  Because of their sacrifice, GO Ministries was started and God has used this ministry to change lives forever.  

I was reminded that morning of His goodness.  Thank you, God, for being so bueno!