(Fort Parker State Park - Mexia, Texas - Day 3)
Edna came to pick us up around 9 a.m. to go to Sunday School and Church Service at Mision Pentecostal. Unbeknownst to us, Pastor Mora and the Ruiz family made plans to make the Sunday Service bilingual; just for us. They knew that we would be there, and they did that just to make us feel welcomed … now, that is hospitality! During Sunday School, Peter sat behind us and translated for us. The class was an open forum, allowing the attendees to provide input, so it afforded me the opportunity to “raise my hand” and contribute to the class. I spoke slowly, and Peter translated to the congregation for me. It was a great class on “Forgiveness”.
As Sunday School ended, we immediately transitioned into the Church Service with praise and worship. Peter, Liz (his wife), and Rosa served as the band as the praise and worship leader went forth. After praise and worship service, Peter informed me that Pastor Mora was going to give me an opportunity to address the congregation to introduce ourselves, and share the vision of Altar to Altar Ministries. That was the first time that I spoke to a congregation with an interpreter; it was new for me, but a great experience. I had to make sure that my excitement left time for interpretation … I was also asked later, to pray over the offering … Liz was the main speaker, and you guessed it; Peter interpreted for us from the stage. Thanks Peter, you were great.
After church service, we took a few group photos with the Pastor and family, and we soon headed out for lunch at (Taqueria Mexicano Grille), an “Authentic” Mexican restaurant. That place was amazing, I could only eat half of my order; of course, I took a carry-out tray for later consumption. :) We headed over to the family home so that everyone could change from their “church clothes”, before we all headed back to the park to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Vilver had to leave and drive out of town for work on Monday. We had a great time experiencing the park; even spending time on the playground, “acting like kids” again. As the sun was beginning to set, we started back towards the campsite to get a campfire started. Yes, we were able to enjoy a campfire, using the wood that Tim blessed us with the day prior; thank you Lord …
As the campfire began to grow, Adriene kicked into “Children’s Church Mode”. We enjoyed watching the kids as they sang praises to the Lord and learned new hand motions to accompany the songs. “Kidz of Destiny” is the Children’s Ministry of Altar to Altar Ministries; Adriene and I were seeing our vison for campground children’s ministry coming to fruition. The evening was far spent and the kids needed to go and prepare for school in the morning; Peter closed out the evening with prayer; with plenty of hugs and goodbyes, they were on their way home. We enjoyed the campfire for a while longer with Edna, Rosa, and Yire, but the time soon came that they needed to leave as well. We knew that we would be leaving in the morning, so we expressed plenty of gratitude for all that they did for us over the weekend. Prayerfully, we were a blessing to them as well. They too, headed home for the evening. I put the fire out, and we called it a night.
Edna came to pick us up around 9 a.m. to go to Sunday School and Church Service at Mision Pentecostal. Unbeknownst to us, Pastor Mora and the Ruiz family made plans to make the Sunday Service bilingual; just for us. They knew that we would be there, and they did that just to make us feel welcomed … now, that is hospitality! During Sunday School, Peter sat behind us and translated for us. The class was an open forum, allowing the attendees to provide input, so it afforded me the opportunity to “raise my hand” and contribute to the class. I spoke slowly, and Peter translated to the congregation for me. It was a great class on “Forgiveness”.
As Sunday School ended, we immediately transitioned into the Church Service with praise and worship. Peter, Liz (his wife), and Rosa served as the band as the praise and worship leader went forth. After praise and worship service, Peter informed me that Pastor Mora was going to give me an opportunity to address the congregation to introduce ourselves, and share the vision of Altar to Altar Ministries. That was the first time that I spoke to a congregation with an interpreter; it was new for me, but a great experience. I had to make sure that my excitement left time for interpretation … I was also asked later, to pray over the offering … Liz was the main speaker, and you guessed it; Peter interpreted for us from the stage. Thanks Peter, you were great.
After church service, we took a few group photos with the Pastor and family, and we soon headed out for lunch at (Taqueria Mexicano Grille), an “Authentic” Mexican restaurant. That place was amazing, I could only eat half of my order; of course, I took a carry-out tray for later consumption. :) We headed over to the family home so that everyone could change from their “church clothes”, before we all headed back to the park to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Vilver had to leave and drive out of town for work on Monday. We had a great time experiencing the park; even spending time on the playground, “acting like kids” again. As the sun was beginning to set, we started back towards the campsite to get a campfire started. Yes, we were able to enjoy a campfire, using the wood that Tim blessed us with the day prior; thank you Lord …
As the campfire began to grow, Adriene kicked into “Children’s Church Mode”. We enjoyed watching the kids as they sang praises to the Lord and learned new hand motions to accompany the songs. “Kidz of Destiny” is the Children’s Ministry of Altar to Altar Ministries; Adriene and I were seeing our vison for campground children’s ministry coming to fruition. The evening was far spent and the kids needed to go and prepare for school in the morning; Peter closed out the evening with prayer; with plenty of hugs and goodbyes, they were on their way home. We enjoyed the campfire for a while longer with Edna, Rosa, and Yire, but the time soon came that they needed to leave as well. We knew that we would be leaving in the morning, so we expressed plenty of gratitude for all that they did for us over the weekend. Prayerfully, we were a blessing to them as well. They too, headed home for the evening. I put the fire out, and we called it a night.
 |  |  |
RSS Feed