Sunday

7/13/08

Throughout the day, snapshots of Mario’s face kept flashing through my head.  I could see him in a dim light which is where we had our last encounter; On the streets that front the church. 

I asked that you pray for his return to Iglesia Salim last Thursday, and he did.  I joined him on the curb to find that he was drunk and strung out.  I asked a squad mate Katie to join me. Katie stuck her neck out and asked him a simple question.  “Do you know the Lord?” Considering that we know very little Spanish simple questions come often. 

I did not think that he would remember this meeting so I expected no response.  Out of the corner of his eye one tear came, and two, then three.  Since then all I can envision are his blood shot eyes staring blankly while slurring his words.  In my daily prayers, I began to petition Lord to reveal himself to Mario in a way that His calling could not be dismissed.  I knew that God was bigger than Mario’s addiction. I knew that God was bigger than what Mario might face for leaving the gang he had pledged his life to.

I can’t express the emotion that has overcome me this night.  There is no way to explain what it is to see God’s work in such an unmistakeable, miraculous way. 

I saw Mario, in the street, as I entered the church. I saw that he was clean and sober. I hit my knees for him.  In this moment, I grieved for him.  I flashed back to all the times that Hunter, my brother, called me from the rehab center. I remember him pleading with me to come get him, mixed in with a few apologetic cries.  

The Lord said it is time. It is now. As I am careful not to test the Lord, I asked that He would enter Mario’s feet.  I asked the Lord to move him- in his heart, in his mind, whatever it might be. I prayed that I might see something, anything when I looked back toward the street. 

While praying so deep in the Spirit, I missed the alter call.  Our translator and coach Stephanie later said that the pastor had asked for “those to come forward that wished to give their account to the Lord, for He could return tomorrow”. Unaware of any of my surroundings, at this point, I feel a slight graze of a hand on my back. As I open my eyes, I catch a glance over his shoulder.  Our eyes meet for a perfect second, just long enough for me to realize that it is Mario. I am overcome with emotion and the presence of the Holy Spirit as I watch him walk to the front.  A miracle. 

I am lead to follow him to the front.  I prayed prayers of brokenness and protection to fall.  Katie is next to me praying these same words. I begin to rebuke addiction.

I know that our God is good and he will continue to pursue Mario.   

7/15/08

Tonight, a friend of Stephanie’s will speak at church.  He is going to tell his story of how God saved him from addiction.  I hope that Mario will come.