In His Care

I could tell you the logistics of the 24 hour trip that carried me from Akron, PA to Santa Cruz, Boliva but I’ve never thought stats and facts are very interesting. Overnight flights are never any fun and this one was no different. However, that doesn’t mean that interesting thing didn’t happen!

Shortly before our flight left Miami, I noticed an older Latino gentleman sitting behind us reading a Spanish book about the power of the Holy Spirit. Not only did I notice him, but I kept noticing him and had a pressing feeling like I ought to go talk to him. I didn’t at first, because you don’t do things like that in an airport, especially when the chances of the two of us speaking the same language are slim. But, in spite of the fact that there were tons of people around and that I don’t like going up and talking to strangers, I keep feeling that I really ought to talk to him.

So I walked over and between my Spanish and his English we were able to piece together a conversation. It turns out that he is a pastor in La Paz, Bolivia. He was very interested in the work that we were going to be doing in Bolivia. He gave me his card, made sure I knew about a sister church they have here in Santa Cruz, and told me if we were in La Paz, to let him know and his church would take care of us.

We stopped in La Paz during our flight to let people off and pick up more before continuing on to Santa Cruz. While we were waiting, I started talking to another older gentleman who was sitting behind us. Turns out he and his family used to be missionaries in Argentina and he is now a pastor in Dallas. He was on his way to Santa Cruz to visit his son who is living here and playing semi-professional soccer. His son is living with a pastor of a nondenominational church here in Santa Cruz. Before he got off the plane, he gave me the name of his son, the church and the pastor so we can connect with them.

One of my fears before I left was meeting new people here in Santa Cruz. I am so amazed how God provided for me, even before I got off the plane. Once again, I am reminded how I am completely and always in his care.

Prayers:

We leave on an over night bus tomorrow for Cochabamba, Bolivia for three weeks of language lessons. Please pray for safe travel and quick learning, my Spanish is as rusty as my Dad's old pickup.