Future Is Now
Working with teenagers for so many years I sometimes have gotten caught up in the same desire for the Future to get here today. As I have grown older in age and in ministry experience, I have matured enough to know that sometimes you just do what you can, and then rest in knowing that there will be more to do later.
"You can't do it all today!" Is a phrase I repeat to myself. "Maybe it will work out in time, and forcing it to happen today is not a good plan," I say from my self-conscience. And for years I struggled with the thoughts of Tomorrow, One Day, and Eventually thinking that it will all be better for me in the Future.
Well, in a way..... My Future is here now! It doesn't look like I had planned it out in my mind, and there are pieces missing and other pieces that I would not have included if I was the Master Builder. BUT my reality today is much better than anything I could have designed or hoped for if I was the architect of my own future. And the things that I find that I hope for in the future now, are just things that I know would not change my situation, but would improve me so that the best thing I will find in years from now is a Better Mateo, not more stuff.
A group from Destiny Church in Prattville Alabama went with me to Guatemala on a vision trip in October to see ministry and pray about future connections. Their "Fearless" leader is Ricky Ricardo...... Not the one from "I Love Lucy", but the one who was in my youth group too many years ago. Funny....... On this trip much happened in the way of ministry, and our hearts were all moved in great ways.
Team Members (Regina Montgomery, Robert Tipton, Ricardo Rodriguez, Sharon Carden)
The week for me was about being transported to the Future where Ricky is grown up (Senior Pastor) and I am doing missions. This was far different than it looked in mind back in 1997. Wow, the things God has done inside of the two of us over 20 years is just....... UNBELIEVABLE!!! Where did time go, and where did these two guys come from? Trust me, it is not what we planned years ago. But this version of our Futures is much better.
Don't you worry, we still laughed and cut up like we are immature junior high boys on a trip to Six Flags. Not to disappoint anyone who knew us two decades ago.
He is the two-part challenge for all of us: 1) Be careful what you wish for, it may not be "Exactly" what you need. 2) Don't be in such a hurry to change your circumstances, they might just be the key to a stronger better you!
So I want to share just some of that week with you, from the words of the team members themselves. Pictures, Prayer needs, and Life Change all included. Take a look into the Future that is NOW!
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Day 1 and God moved in a powerful way! We got the opportunity to pray with people, speak life into a pastor and his wife and also meet the financial needs of widows, the pastor and his family! #Reach #devineappointments ~~Rick
Great fellowship with great people yesterday! Can't wait to go to the special needs home today and spread the love of Jesus to some amazing people. ~~ Robert
Robert Tipton pouring into a young man who has been struggling with alcoholism. Rob was spitting out some serious wisdom! The young man didn't commit to rehab but we definitely planted a seed! #ministry #prayforhimandhisfamily ~~ Rick
Great day at the special needs house. We have some amazing people in this world that care about others around us. God is good and all we need is to do as Christians are to SHOW how good He is through Speaking, Acting, and Hearing the truth!😇 ~~ Robert
So lesson learned never ride in anything called a tuk tuk. The experience was great but not good for the spine. Lol! ~~ Robert
For those who were watching us on live video we made it safe! I know we just cut off! Lol! Lost connection! Our first ride on a tuk tuk was hilarious and quite an adventure! ~~ Rick
Despite the fact that these children live in the garbage dump in Antigua Guatemala, they love Jesus and love to praise Him. #dontmatteryourcircumstances #lovejesus ~~ Sharon
https://www.facebook.com/sharonsjewel/videos/10207618990608710/ (Sharon's Video of Kids in Worship)
"I can't speak Spanish and you can't speak English but the God that i serve breaks all language barriers! You don't have to understand us for the power of God to flow through us!" Then we laid hands on the people that attended and the power of God fell! It was an awesome time! ~~ Rick
The trip to Guatemala was simply amazing in many ways, but one of the things I will never forget was our time at the dump. Trash is everywhere, vultures are flying and families are living in a tin like cubicles with dirt as the floor, no running water and so on. But at service they were praising God and He was definitely there in the midst of us all. This strengthens my faith. ~~ Regina
Well, there is more to tell, but..... I think what you should do is (1) get a hold of Rick and the team to tell you more of the story. (2) come on a trip, let God make your own story.
Mateo Melendez
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