Closed to the Gospel...

San Juan Chamula... a place closed to the Gospel… a place where people walk in darkness and bondage… a place where Chimulans pray to saints and sacrifice chickens to appease evil spirits…Before going to San Juan Chamula, Nathan prepped us for what we would see and experience. But nothing could prepare us for what we saw and felt. Dark emptiness is the best way to describe what we saw in the eyes of the Chamulans. Walking through the gate of the courtyard you could smell the smoke coming from the church. Upon walking through the small open door we saw hundreds of candles burning, wicks untrimmed, encased statues of saints lining the walls, families kneeling before candles arranged on the floor, chanting and praying to the saints.“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:10-14We are here to learn Spanish - a vital tool for communicating with the people here in Mexico. Using a translator is a good start, but to be effective in ministry and to gain the trust of the people with whom you are working, you must speak their language. That is what our team is about – being effective in ministry by learning the language of the people. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless our studies and use us to advance His Kingdom.Caitlin, for the team