More From "Paul"

Hello All,

Did I mention that I am loving this book!? Chapter 6, page 89, covering Acts 11:19-26. Barnabas has just gone to collect Paul for the revival that is taking place in Antioch. For 3 years, Paul has been living in the shadows, being trained and readied for the ministry. It's amazing, but when we think of Paul, we think of all the glory stories that are par for his life. Yet, in the beginning, there was a time of training and equipping. Here are Chuck Swindoll's closing remarks that really spoke to me about this period of our waiting.

"Let me suggest four principles I find between the lines of the events we've just considered. They may mean more to you later than now-in a time when God leads you to wait in the shadows...

First, when God prepares us for effective ministry, He includes what we would rather omit- a period of waiting. That cultivates patience...

Second, as God makes us wait, hiding us in His shadow, He show us we're not indispensible. That makes us humble...

Third, while God hides us away, He reveals new dimensions of Himself and new insights regarding ministry. That makes us deep...

Fourth, when God finally chooses to use us, it comes at a time least expected, when we feel the least qualified. That makes us effective..."

And finally the quote that so encouraged my soul this week, especially in light of all the time we have spent beyond what we had originally believed:

"Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting."

Lord, may it be so!

Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez

A Whole Lot Of Worship...

Hello All,

Great blessings to all who enter this area. This last weekend saw Lela and I back at Calvary Chapel Creekside in Ontario with Pastor Eric Sorian. We got the opportunity to lead worship for the 2 morning Sunday Morning services. We had led worship at Creekside just a few Wednesdays ago and both times we were blessed by the congregation's passion to worship. Thank you Pastor Eric and staff for inviting us to minister among you.

We have actually been involved with worship all this last month. That has been a cool opportunity for us, to worship during this time. We have actually had little time on Sundays or Wednesdays to share or talk about the mission that God has given us. In that regard, I wonder if God is trying to get our attention.

To be honest, that has been a constant struggle as we have been home. Sometimes being able to speak about the mission, keeps our hearts and vision focused in Spain and on the mission we are pondering, and waiting for. But God has not given us that ability this last month. We have been busy worshipping and that has kept our focus and our vision on the Lord. In the end, this is the most important function of our lives. No matter what happens or does not happen with Spain, it is the missionary's temptation to become so focused on their mission and lose sight of their Master. This last month has been a real reminder of the fact that that truth can never be lost as we endeavor to serve our Lord in love.

But it's a reminder to all of us that Jesus does not want our service, as much as He wants our hearts to be His. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart..." Let us never lose sight of that, for that is the foundation upon which all else is built and sustained.

Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez

This Says It All!

Question: What happens now that there has been gum and soda?

Answer: We did not think that far ahead! We were hoping for the rapture!!

Oh, by the way: Renae chose Coke over Pepsi!

Happy Birthday Renae...well sort of!

Hello All,

We are celebrating Renae's Birthday today with our family, even though her birthday is actually on Sunday. This is the big 5 year mark and as I mentioned earlier in the week, she gets to have gum and soda beginning today! If you want to wish "Nae-Nae" a happy birthday, feel free to do so in the comments section at the bottom of this post. Lord willing, this will be the last birthday we celebrate in the U.S. for some time. We are hopeful that the next few birthdays we celebrate will be in Jerez!

Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez