It started with a simple prayer. As we went about our business in our new town, we saw many who needed Christ, but we didn't speak their language, we didn't understand their culture, we didn't know how to reach them.
So, we prayed. It really wasn't anything special at all.
Often while out shopping, I saw many Hispanic people. I would smile and sometimes say, "Hola," but that was as far as I felt comfortable going. So, I would pray, "Lord, look at these people. They need you. I don't know how to reach them, but You do. Show me." And then I would generally be interrupted by a phone call, a child needing me or something else pulling me out of that grocery store prayer.
At home, I shared my burden for these people with my husband. He agreed. We prayed, "Lord, we see these people who need You. Show us what to do; we can't reach them because we don't speak Spanish."
And this went on. I, personally, prayed daily for the opportunity to reach the Hispanics in our town. We prayed occasionally as a couple and as a family. My prayer often held Matthew 9:36-38 where Jesus tells his disciples that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. He instructs them to pray, very specifically.
Prayer is not a flashy activity. It's a humble thing which we are told to do in private. For such a humble activity, it has great results.
Out of the blue, one Hispanic family came to our church. The next Sunday, they brought a few friends. They continued coming, even though they could not fully understand the preaching. More came. We worked through language and cultural barriers and saw people come to Christ. They were baptized. They were added to the church.
There is now a thriving, growing, bustling Hispanic church in that town.
Oh, and another grew out of that in another town in a neighboring state.
Oh, and another grew in Mexico because the original group became burdened for their home town there.
Simple prayer. No flashy gimmicks. No long planning sessions. Prayer.
"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:38
Just pray.
~Tricia
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