La Colonía Becoming Energized for the Faith
By Ryan Lawless
‘His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only earth but heaven.” That phrase, “once more,” points to the removal of shaken, created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. Therefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should have gratitude, with which we should offer worship pleasing to God in reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.’ Hebrews 12:26-29
Last week, Matt and I commenced with our first assembly, or prayer group, in a town called Colonia Bolívar. This has come about because of the desire of one of the women that live in that community. About a month ago, we went to celebrate mass with Father Alexander in Colonia Bolívar. Unfortunately, only a few people came to the mass. I was praying in mass, asking our Heavenly Father to show me what we could do to help the people get excited about their faith. I put it in His hands saying: ‘I don’t know what they need, but you do. Please show me.’ I quickly left it at that.
At the end of mass, I stood up and encouraged the people to invite others to mass and to get excited about our Catholic faith. Then the woman told me there has been a lot of discouragement in the community lately because of another Christian sect that has moved in and is talking badly about Catholics. It has caused people to lose their fervor. She then said to me and the missionaries: ‘Can you come here to our community? Will you come here to pray with us and teach us the Scriptures?’
How awesome is God! He answered my prayer so quickly. I didn’t have to do anything. And even better, it was their idea, a woman from the community who had a desire to help her Catholic brothers and sisters. Thank you Jesus for your burden is light and your yoke is easy! Our first meeting was full of energy. About 50 people came, so many more than I thought would come. Praise the Lord for a good turnout!
We also had a prayer group in Chonta Punta on Thursday night. For the entire day, we went around Chonta Punta visiting with families and inviting them to the assembly. It was very fruitful. The attendance was good. I gave a talk on belief and repentance and gave a testimony of how I encountered Jesus in my life. And when I finally met Him, I couldn’t just continue to live in my old ways. Meeting Him required that I choose. We can not have two masters. It took some time, but eventually I chose… JESUS!!
Matt and I continued journeying through Ahuano on Friday, visiting with people and inviting them to the Via Crucis we were having last Friday night. We even got to drink chicha along the way. God is Good! It has been a very fruitful and full week. Please pray for some of the families here. There have been a couple of untimely deaths. It has been hard on the families. Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers. We are so blessed to have some many people lifting up this mission to the Lord! May you persevere with Joy in all your Lenten sacrifices!
By Ryan Lawless
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