As I think through the things I’ve seen in my life…which at the age of 44…I’ve seen more than some and less than others…I suppose there is no greater joy than seeing souls saved. And perhaps right behind that is the joy on the face of those who lead another human soul…a being…created in the image of God…to be reconciled to God. Indeed the job of being an ambassador for Christ is one that is arduous and tenuous at times…frustrating (for those who won’t surrender to Jesus) and yet overwhelmingly tender to see those who exchange their life for that of the Savior’s.
We saw this happen (at least based upon profession) six times yesterday! Yes…six times!! First was Randy. Randy is the husband of Maria, whom Kim Anderson led to Christ on Monday. Here Dale is leading Randy to the Lord Jesus.

I watched Dale as he talked to Randy. The passion that poured out of Dale was beyond what I can describe. Dale Jennings loves Jesus. Dale has never gotten over being saved. Many “Christians” have. Dale’s love for Christ is intoxicating. Randy was so broken. He said to me, “Pastor, I must live for Jesus. I must lead my family and leave behind the anger. I will live for Jesus Christ. I now have purpose and I will lead other men in this housing project to Jesus.” Can you say: WOW! Talk about a transformation! And that is what true salvation is. It’s a regeneration. A miracle! It’s taking a man with a heart of stone and seeing him softened right before your eyes! Praise Jesus!
Here’s four more. All friends…but, all making professions and different times yesterday morning at the housing project…

That’s Juan, Eddie, Jesus and Louis. I call them the four amigos. They laugh! They are all friends! Now let me tell you…after the Bible Club concluded they were asking a million questions to us. Louis asked me, “Pastor Kevin…can I still play my video game: Mortal Combat 3?” I smiled and I said, “Louis, let’s look at what the Bible says.” So, I took his new Bible we gave him (it’s in his right hand in the picture) and I showed him this passage (and marked it for him):
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5 :1-4
Jesus looked at Louis after I read that passage out loud and Jesus said, “Nope, you can’t play that game anymore.” We all laughed! Louis smiled and said, “What if I turn down the volume and you can’t hear the bad language.” I smiled and I said, “Louis, would you have a problem handing Jesus the controller if he was Player #2 sitting beside you on the couch?” He pawed the dirt with his tennis shoe and swayed his head side to side and sheepishly said, “Yes, it would make Him mad.” I said, “I’m not so sure it would make Him mad…but perhaps sad.” He smiled and said, “Yes…sad.” Keith Michael Anderson then talked to the boys about playing video games that do not have cursing and vulgar violence and sex. They listened intently to a young man that they have grown to respect and admire over the last three days. Finally, Jesus said, “I have a friend that I play video games with that aren’t good games. So, I will just lead him to Jesus and that will fix that.” I laughed and said, “Yes sir! You are absolutely right!” The wheels are turning in these boys lives. They left us after running relay races with our guys…sweaty and dirty…but so, so, so HAPPY! I can’t describe to you the joy that was exploding in my heart to witness all of this!
Here Kevin Cox is talking to the children about Jesus…

At the job site in Progreso, this is the progress that has been made…

Doesn’t the church look great! Amazing how fast it’s coming out of the ground isn’t it?

Check this out… Dad (Wally Robinson), helping daughter (Morgan) lay block…

Now tell me something. What is more valuable…taking your “youth” on a trip to the beach for the summer or coming on a mission trip and doing that?
Here the guys are mixing mud (mortar) for the block…

That’s Jordan Oakes, Caison Jones and Wesley Golds, from left to right.
Here they are getting their marching orders for the day…

Here Caison is showing Morgan how to “screen” the sand to make it “fine” enough to mix for mortar as Jordan looks on…

The ladies of the church have been preparing homemade lunches for the men. They have been fed like royalty!!

Lord willing…the men will finish the block laying today. The second team, (coming one week from this coming Monday) will be preparing and pouring the floor. That will be a huge job…but, they can do it!!
Here’s something else that happened yesterday. Salvation was offered to this man…

His name is Regino and he lives near the church. His main objection for rejecting Christ has been preachers who take money and have nice cars and houses while their people suffer. He sees Oscar is not this way. Regino has also been blown away that a team of 33 people would come 1300 to tell him about Jesus and that two people, Jason and Kaite Church, would move to Weslaco, not knowing anyone…and live here. Lauren Holey, Wally and Melinda Robinson and Mike Kerhoulas talked to Regino. Those four believers were used as ambassadors for Jesus. Regino told me last night that on his way to church his friends told him to come join them for a beer. He said, “No, I’m going to church and I hope you will still be my friends.” I told Regino, “If they won’t be your friend because you are now a Christian…they are not truly a friend.” He agreed and said, “I need new friends.” I pointed him to Oscar and a couple of other men and said, “There you go!” He smiled and said, “Yes. You are right.”
Please pray for Regino that he will not wilt under persecution and that he will not be a shallow, soil seed who never bears fruit, showing that he was not truly saved. You see, if he doesn’t bear fruit then according to the parable of the sower that Jesus told…Regino will show he was not truly regenerated. However, if he is willing to walk away from his beer drinking buddies, and come to church and get involved with other believers in the things of God, then He’ll show his true conversion.
Many come to Christ and pray a prayer…perhaps are baptized, but never show evidence of their conversion, thereby proving they were not regenerated and converted from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
So, today we finish the work at the church in Progreso and the Bible Club at the housing project this morning. Tonight we are hosting a “Block Party” with music and games and free hot dogs at the housing project. We will most importantly share the Gospel. Jason Church will be preaching! Pray, pray, pray!
Updates tomorrow.
Blessings from Weslaco, Texas and Progreso, Mexico… 🙂
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