The dorm had the privilege of hearing the story of Iglesia Agua Viva in Omaha, Nebraska.

These three men came to Lustre to attend the 106th Annual Central District Mennonite Brethren Convention. The key verse for the Friday and Saturday meetings was from 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives too…” It was a privilege and blessing to have these men stay with us at the dorm.

All of them are first generation Americans whose parents immigrated to the states. Their first language is Mexican Spanish. Lucas suggested that Pastor Daniel begin his church presentation in Spanish with one of the other men translating; it would have been a good laugh! These men shepherd the Spanish speaking church of Iglesia Agua Viva whose goal is to reach the hispanic community through church services, Sunday school, VBS summer clubs, youth events and more. This year they even participated in the Cinco de Mayo parade in their area as an evangelical avenue. Iglesia Agua Viva is a Mennonite Brethren church plant to reach this particular population of Hispanics in Nebraska. What an amazing opportunity to reach the nations within the US!

Pastor Daniel and Octavio led praise and worship on Friday night. It was a special time of mixing English and Spanish to praise the Lord. I particularly enjoyed the volume; flashback to Filipino praise services.

After the music worship, different pastors shared the story of the churches as a testimony and encouragement. The first pastor shared that his church is one of the oldest Menonnite churches and how the congregation has been challenged this past year to do outreach in new ways. Another pastor, from South Africa, shared his journey of faith and how he has now accepted the full-time pastorate whose goal is to reach out to people who aren’t typically accepted in churches. Another Mennonite church plant is among the Lakota people. Pastor Howard shared the real physical struggles of his congregation but also their spiritual strength. Of course our favorite stories were about those reaching other nationalities, but it was also exciting to hear how God is building desire among the English-speaking churches to reach out as ambassadors of Christ’s love.

Our brief time with Pastor Daniel, Octavio and Abraham passed too quickly. We would have loved to give them a tour and sights of life on the Montana plains. Their stay with us was a co-op with another LCHS staff couple who helped with food and we supplied the beds.

The quilt on the left was made by the MB church quilters from fabric that Betty Ron had in her collection. What a wonderful tribute to her and a great benefit to the dorm! Friday night after sitting in sessions all day, the men needed to burn off some energy so they went to the school gym to play basketball and soccer with the dorm kids. It was fun to see them all interacting together and evident that these men have a heart for youth! They all swapped stories about culture, language and life in Lustre.

I am continually amazed at the unity that Christ brings to those who desire to serve and follow him. Strangers meet but, because of our bond through Jesus Christ, the camaraderie is strong and we easily feel comfortable with one another, as if we found another part of our family.

We extend blessings to these men as they shepherd their church!