What a beautiful surprise I received on Sunday from my congregation at the Puyo church. I knew nothing about what they had planned, and wow, did it ever melt my heart! They honored me for Pastor Appreciation Day, each coming forward and expressing their love and gratitude to me for having brought them this glorious message of the Gospel. Oh, how their words moved me deeply.
I felt so very proud of each one as they spoke and I heard such maturity in their words. One thing that was repeated over and again was how grateful they were that I had been so patient with them all these years, and never gave up on them. Oh, my heart wept! Knowing that my Savior has been so patient with me, how could I not extend to them that same patience and grace? Oh, I’m so honored that Jesus called me to pray for them when no one else was praying, love them when they weren’t lovable, reach them when it seemed they’d never turn around, and have patience with them as they continually took steps further away from Him. For you see, it has been worth it all. And I love them as my own precious children in the Lord, as they all lovingly call me their “Spiritual Mother.”
And as they presented me with beautiful gifts that I knew they didn’t have extra money to buy, I told each of them, “YOU are the gift!” I’m so blessed to be the Missionary and Pastora of the beautiful Ecuadorians!
