Yesterday was a good day.
It was good for a number of reasons. One of those is I have been feeling rather unproductive in the past few days. Even though ministry had been going on, it felt like something was missing. I was wrestling with some spiritual issues. Then, putting all of that aside, we had youth band practice. Last night was different, because we were supposed to all go to a church for practice. When we got there, the church was locked up and no one was in sight. It was Gustavo's church, and he forgot to make sure that we would be able to get in. So, I had the kids for two hours, and no where to practice. Well, I did what any one of you would do in this situation. We went to a coffee and pastry shop! It was a wonderful evening of fellowship. We ate American style chocolate cake!
Praise God for the way that things have changed. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was having second thoughts about leading the youth worship. I didn't feel capable of communicating with them. Now, it is almost like those barriers keeping us from communicating are dropping away. God is good.
On another note, last Sunday was the first day we actually led worship. To relieve a little of the pressure, we had an acoustic worship time. It was a little chaotic, but everything went really well. I am hopeful for the future. It is going to require a lot of work, but the outcome will be worth it.
Please pray for continued guidance with the youth. Within the next month or two we will need to begin to add sound. It is going to be impossible for me to lead worship in big church, then run to set up the sound equipment for youth. Please pray that God would bring someone with a desire to serve in the area of set up and operation of sound equipment.
That is all for today
Don't you hate it when you go to see a movie, and the title has nothing to do with the actual movie. Well, that is kind of like this post. I named it "Strange days...". Nothing in this post has to do with strange things or days. I just used it to lure you in, now you have started to read the post and might as well not stop. Muhaha, my plan has worked!
The youth band practiced last night. The next time we play together will be in youth group on Sunday. I am pretty sure that they aren't ready, and some of them are quite scared. But, I have full confidence in them. To ease some of the pressure, we will be doing an acoustic worship set. That means no Microphones, and no sound system set up! Hopefully within the next month or two we will be ready for everything.
Sunday I was told that there was going to be a Youth Worship Concert on this Thursday at Parque la Unidad. So, last night after band practice, I hopped into a taxi and headed to the park. Yea, you are right. Yesterday was Tuesday. So, I spent a good 30 minutes riding around Cancun in a taxi. The cool thing was that we had a wonderful conversation. We talked about family, where we grew up, and places that we liked to visit. Then, he began to sing the "La Cucaracha" song. Little did I know, but this song is interesting. One of the lines talks about the cockroach being upset because he doesn't have any marijuana to smoke. After we laughed about that, he asked if I smoked the stuff. I said no, and explained why. Then we began to talk about Jesus, and the first miracle that he performed, turning water into wine. Then we talked about sin, and that anything in life, when unchecked or out of proper confines, can become a sin. He wasn't miraculously converted, but I really feel that there was a purpose in our meeting. All I can do is hope that Christ will continue the work that He had already begun.
One more random note, I did have a slice of apple pie today! There is a new place called "The Coffee Bean", they have amazing American style deserts! So, when you come visit, I will take you out for some coffee and pie!
Howdy!
I know it has been a while, I apologize for that. Life has been pretty crazy as of late. Let me break it all down for you.
In my last post I talked about Gonzalo and the youth band. Gonzalo is doing well. Today, with a big smile, he said that the pain was a lot better. For the youth band, things couldn't be going better! I really appreciate your prayers. I am not sure what changed, but last Tuesday went really well. A big help was the fact that a girl joined us that is fluent in English! So, for the first time, I felt able to communicate with them. On top of that, we all seemed to be on the same page as far as the music is concerned. A week from today will be our first time to play for the youth group! I am really excited, and a little nervous. In order to take some of the stress away, we are going to do an acoustic worship set. Please keep this whole situation in your prayers.
While we are on the topic of music, I have been really enjoying playing for the worship band in the American church service. Right now there are three of us in the band. Kaycee, Anna and myself. Kaycee sings, and plays guitar, piano, and violin. Anna sings beautiful harmony. I play guitar, dejembe, and sing. So far the whole experience has just been relaxing. It has helped bring back my passion for music and worship. I am truly blessed to be a part of that. Heh, who thought that I would have moved to Mexico, and end up playing worship music in an American church.
Right now, I have about 500 things to do, and feel like I am spinning my wheels. Please keep me in your prayers. I want to be very faithful and productive with the time I have here.
There is so much more to tell you, but right now I have to get going. I will update within the next day or two to let you know more.
God bless,
Eric-
First off I want to ask for some prayer. I need wisdom and guidance. When I arrived in Cancun, I accepted the position of youth worship band director (Or something like that). We have met twice now, tonight is the third meeting. They are a good group of kids, but there are two problems. First, I have trouble communicating with them. Even though I am not fluent in Spanish, I usually don't have a problem communicating. But for some reason, communicating with these youth is very difficult. Second, I am having problems with the music. Even if it is a song that I know in english, I still have a terribly difficult time playing/singing the music.
All of that to say, I need some prayer/wisdom.
Chocolate...Yes, if you don't already know, I love chocolate. Today I discovered a place called "The coffee bean". From what I have heard, it is owned by an American woman. Because of this they were supposed to have really good, old fashioned, American chocolate cake and cookies. The roumors were true! It was some good stuff.
So, when you come to visit me, I will take you for some chocolate
 This is a picture of me and Gonzalo from 2007. We both shaved our heads.
Gonzalo (Read previous post to find out who he is) is in the hospital. He had a cast put on his foot, and was home. He began having terrible migraines. So, now he is in the hospital. They still haven't found out the problem, and decided to keep him there so that they could keep an eye on him. The good thing is, that insurance will pay for everything.
This man loves God. You cannot see him without him greeting you with a smile, a big hug, and him saying "May God bless you, and protect you". He isn't bitter. Years ago his wife for some reason decided that she didn't like him, and tried to poison him. He is still content. He was the owner of a very prosperous farm, and through a scam, it was taken from him. His only material possession was an old pick up truck. He still tells you that God is good. He got kicked out of the empanada stand, because he kept telling all of the customers how much Jesus loved them.
Pray for him. Last time I saw him, foot in a cast, someone asked if his fractured foot hurt. He smiled and shook his head yes. Even in great pain, he is still joyful.
Two things:
Something sad happened today. There is a man named Gonzalo that comes by several times a week to help around the building. He is 98 years old, and the most wonderful man you will ever meet. He was crossing the street in front of our building, and a car ran over, and broke his foot. Please pray for a quick recovery. Until he can walk around, he will be staying here with us.
Skinny Jeans! So, I have been loosing weight. My pants don't fit anymore. So, today I bought my first pair of skinny jeans. Pretty cool.
Eric-
In my last newsletter, I laid out my situation. If I didn't gain financial support, then my time in Cancun would be over. Money was not there, and I realized that the time had come to finally share my needs with friends and family.
So, here is the good news.
So far, two people have committed to becoming regular supporters, and two have said they would give one time donations! It still doesn't cover my monthly budget, but now I will not live off of less than half of what I need! It is encouraging to know that my time on the mission field isn't over.
God answers prayer!
Eric-
 As you might already know, I got a puppy! Her name is Bella, and I think she is blind.. Today she began running into stuff. It might be due to the medicine that the vet gave her yesterday.
We will see.
Well, there really isn't much to this one. We were at the taco stand. They use the whole cow. The head is considered the best part of the animal. James thought it would be funny if I ate an eyeball. He said that he would buy me two meals if I did. So, I ate one.
It tasted a lot like the cow brains. Kind of like tuna, with the consistency of thick custard.
On a side note:
Today in big church I had the opportunity to help lead. It was great, except for one thing. Two of the three microphones quit working as soon as we started. So, it was a little strange, but things still went really well.
God bless,
Eric-
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