"God with us"

This is taken largely from my journal entry about the service on Sunday March 9.

The service this afternoon was one of the most powerful that I've ever been a part of. It's been awhile since I've felt the power of God like that. The service had just started when I walked outside and I could literally feel God's presence very strongly. Hilda, the pastor's wife, had asked us earlier if we would share a testimony about how we came to Peru. After Jason shared, I got up to talk, but I felt God leading me to share a special word with them before I shared my testimony of God's provision. I got Desi to read Matthew 1:22-23:

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through

the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth

to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

While we were singing, I was noticing so many reminders of that Scripture all around us. The beautiful mountains on one side, Chincha "rising from the ashes" on the other side, and God's children in the middle. Even on the other side of the church building, it said Matt. 1:23 and "...Dios con nosotros" ("God with us"). I believe that many of the people there could sense God's presence as well based on watching their praying and worshiping. I then shared about how God provided for me to come here (see my first blog). It was so incredible because twice the people applauded God for His awesome power (how he provided for the plane ticket and the $400 from the FBC McComb, MS youth group). May all the glory be to go for the testimonies Jason and I shared!

During the prayer and singing times, it was overwhelming to watch the people unashamedly worship and cry out to God. I've never seen wailing out in prayer to God like that before. Pastor Nestor from Los Jardines (pictured above) was even jogging and dancing before His King. Tears came to my eyes from the strong sense of God in that place and from watching others pray and sing with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Even though I could not follow along, I would just raise my hands in praise to the Father. I did not know the words to the songs, but I just let the Holy Spirit translate my yearnings to God. It was a truly wonderful time with the Lord and His bride.