Saturday, April 10, 2010

Sore Feet; Soft Hearts

Arriving in Boca Del Rio, Mexico the Lord had already begun to work, showing that he would move among those who truly seek to know him and bring others to know him as well.

Airports are always fun. Exciting and full of surprises they tend to test our level of dependency on the Lord. Flying from Tijuana made crossing the border easier,
and so as we stood at the ticket counter we didn't really expect to have any difficulty.
Receiving my boarding pass along with one of the other guys we began to walk for the
gate. We thought we might miss our flight and were determined to hold the people at the
gate to wait for the rest of the group. Finding the gate there was no time designation, we
needed to know the departure time. Asking one of the officials we knew the Lord was doing
something. The plane was an hour and 30 minutes late. The rest of the group had not shown.
What could possibly be keeping them this long? They were handing out boarding passes
when we left.

Our stomachs were now informing us of their neglect, and so finding a small pizzeria we sat down for a delicious meal. We were discussing the Lord's return when one
of the guys looked at his watched and we realized another half-hour had passed. The rest
of the group was still absent. Pray. We must pray, this is not a normal thing taking place.
Apparently the Lord was seeking to use our group as those through whom
he could express his love. We prayed. We all prayed. Those being held back were
praying as well. Prayer changes things. The Lord was beginning to move in hearts.

Back at the ticket counter a discrepancy had risen concerning the wait and
cost of the luggage. Each person had been instructed to pack their bags lightly
this would allow for us to carry the supplies we would bring to Boca Del Rio.
Sometimes what you have to give is not always for the people whom you had in mind.
Our group was told that there would be an $1100 charge for the extra weight in our
luggage. This was an impossibility, but our God is the living God. He knew the needs of
every person working there at the airport. Two bags had been set aside as those which
we were willing to lose if any loss were necessary. Opening these bags two things could
be seen; shoes by the dozens and Bibles by the hundreds. Someone from our group
was standing by an employee from the airport and asked, "Do you want a pair shoes?"
Her eyes increased two sizes at least, and began to say how her children were in desperate
need of shoes. As she began sorting through the shoes something happened.
Hearts were touched. Workers from began talking to people in our group, and one
after another, shoes were being handed out to those families in need. Shoes then led to Bibles. Those with sore feet now had softened hearts and his love came flowing through.
Certainly we couldn't allow these people see the love of God and not know that it is
indeed his love. So they began to speak. Sharing the great love of God for each of them.
Tears were being shed, compassion was being shared, and darkness was shred to pieces.
Lives were changed as the gospel was both demonstrated and spoken.
Seeing such compassion the airline allowed the group to go on not
charging but for a single bag, which with such results we were glad to pay.
Meanwhile back at the pizzeria myself and those with me all said, "Amen," as we finished praying. We immediately began discussing the greatness of Christ's love for
those here on earth in light of his return that he would care for each of our needs.

The light of the love of Christ infiltrated Tijuana International Airport that day and I pray that such love shines in your life as well.

1 comment: