The Journey of Gus and Sam

I think what strikes me the most is the hospitality of the remote villages. Of course, we were the special gringos from "estado unidos" and that was flattering for them. In addition, our white skin and tall stature was somewhat of a status symbol, children stared at us all the time and giggled.

This hospitality welcomed not only us into their lives, but theirs into ours. Everytime I shared, I was moved to tears. This people group is mostly ignored by common culture. The farmers are subsidized by the government due to terrible growing conditions. So while they struggle with production, they also struggle with self-worth. Their children get glimpses of the "city" life at their small school from the educational sources the teachers use. This is breaking down the families as very few children seek to stay in the mountains after school... similar to the american farmer, I suppose.

What's worse is that those who know anything about God know only legalism, control and religion. They've heard very little about unconditional love, the power of God's goodness or that their performance does not dictate God's love... One man had been told in his church that his daughter got sick because of him not going to church. This was so sad. Sam got the share with him about the reality of the Gospel of Peace and even gave him a book about the real "good news". The man was so very grateful.


This is the man who was told that his daughter got sick due to not going to church.

As we spoke, we got to connect with these incredible people. They've led a very difficult life. The sun baked skin, hallowed eyes and small homed existence reflects the struggles they endure. Yet, somehow in this simplicity, there's a beauty. Not much for selfish gain, materialism or mortgage payments. Just family, staying warm and possibly a burro to mind to.

During our service to these people, we witnessed miracles. Emotionally, there were some who struggled with the passing of loved ones that held them back; Spiritually, there were salvations connections with the greatests of all love; and physically, people were healed of ailments and maladies right before our eyes.

In one village, a very shy and reclusive young man got healed of chronic back pain. We had to go to his small home, duck under the ceiling and pray for him there. He got up with a look of awe as he paced back and forth, bending over and over again saying, "my back is better". He didn't say anything else... he was too shy.

One of the children had an incredibly high fever. I put my hand upon his forehead and it was literally HOT. We all prayed for him and then went to eat breakfast. The boy sat down beside us and the fever was totally gone. In less than 5 minutes.

Another lady had very poor vision and stomach problems. I was teaching on God's goodness and love while Sam interpretted. In the middle of the service, this woman's eyes opened up and the stomach problems disappeared. We didn't even pray for her. Simply, the revelation of a good God allowed her to receive.

What's even more amazing is that the leadership of the ministry we worked with was enamored with this message. We taught them so they could carry the message to their people. As we learned in school, when you influence the leadership, you influence all of the people they represent... Some of the Pastor's even talked to us about coming down to do a leadership conference... Not such a bad idea.