One Tiny Town

We have been reflecting on the reading Romans 10: 14-15: But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

We thank God every day for our call to serve Him in this way!  However, we can't help but think while we are here that this is just one tiny town.  How many other General Cepedas are in the world, so desperate to hear the message that they have a God who loves them, who wants to provide for them, who wants to spend eternity with them.

Here is General Cepeda, a town of 5000-6000 people:

Living here has brought a whole new meaning to the gospel Matthew 9: 37-38: Then he said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

I have become increasingly frustrated the past couple weeks that there is so much need and so little time and money to help.  Everywhere I turn around people have real needs in life.  Then I think more about how we are in just one small place.  There are so many other places in the world yet to even hear of the love of God.  2/3's of the world, that's 4.6 billion (with a b), have not heard they have a God who is seeking them.  

I have also been reflecting a lot lately on the Kingdom of God.  How much has America enjoyed the Kingdom of God (and the western world for that matter).  Yet we are throwing it away.  For many generations we have enjoyed stable families, relatively good income, peace in our country, relative safety in our homes.  And there are many who don't get to enjoy this.  Only Christ can bring this about in their countries.  Only Christ can help all.  We play a part and we help where we can, but Christ is above our human ways and can reach out to everyone.  All they need is to believe in Him as the scripture from Romans states.  

I pray first for the Lord to send out more laborers, to all the places that need His Kingdom.  

I pray also for more support in missions in general.  The document "Ad Gentes" has this to say about missionary activity:  "Since the charge of proclaiming the Gospel in the whole world falls primarily on the body of bishops, the synod of bishops or that 'stable Council of bishops for the entire Church,' among the affairs of general concern, should give special consideration to missionary activity, which is the greatest and holiest task of the Church."  The greatest and holiest task!  

In our mission specifically, we have hired some local help to help those in need of shelter and other things, and the only thing preventing our work is funds.  Materials here are not that much cheaper than they are in the States,  therefore these projects are expensive.  I my hope is that God will send us funds to keep the guys working all year!  Please Please pray and consider supporting this work.  Serving the poor and helping in their needs in integral to spreading the Kingdom of God!