MaxDonalds

I would like to tell you a story about a man I met the other day named Max.  Last night we stopped by McDonald’s on our way to Wednesday night church to get ice cream (we had just eaten fantastic Zurdo’s quesadillas).  I was sitting at a table with two of my kids and 3 female interns from the baby home (Melissa was home sick L); when a Mexican gentleman saunters up, and sits down (with no food) at a table nearby.  I prepared myself for “The Pitch”.  “Here it goes”, I thought to myself, “He’s going to hit up the rich American for some dinero”.  He opened up with something friendly in choppy English and stuck out his hand.  I responded with a smile and a handshake, impressed with his English.  He asked about the five “kids” I was with assuming we were all family.  I told him we were part of a ministry, and that we all worked together.  He smiled a jealous smile wanting my job at that point, assuming I spent all day long with attractive female teenagers (BTW, that is not the case, I work with Jesse Martinez J).  He then asked what church I attended.  It was at that moment I realized I had the whole situation backwards.  I started off resisting sharing my resources with Max, when actually the Lord had brought this man to me in order to introduce him to True Riches!

I immediately felt convicted and wondered how many other times I had made incorrect assumptions and skipped over an opportunity to talk about my faith with someone.  Max and I chatted for another minute before he showed me an invitation someone else from our church had given him.  It had a map on the back, and he began to ask for directions.  At that point I felt I should offer him a ride.  We walked out together, and Max sat down in the front seat.  When we arrived, I introduced him to Jesse (the guy I work with), because I wasn’t going able to sit with him during the service.  I was scheduled to help out that night; so after the introduction, I ran off to the tech booth.  After the message, Pastor Mike in standard form, issued an invitation to receive God’s gift of salvation.  As he began, I prayed from the tech booth, asking God to open hearts.  After what seemed like a long pause, everyone began clapping.  I opened my eyes looking over the crowd, and there was Max with his hand held up high!  I was shocked and thrilled at the same time.  I had been a part in his salvation decision!  It was awesome. 

There was another night at church this month when no one raised their hand to receive God’s gift of grace (that is odd for us down here).  What surprised me most is what came next.  Pastor Mike chastised us for not bringing any new people!  Again, another revelation hit me at that moment.  Pastors don’t have magic sermons!  It’s not even their job to come up with one.  It’s our job as the church (you and me) to introduce others to Jesus.  If we don’t do our part, how are our pastors going to be able to invite them into heaven?  The responsibility is really on us, not “the clergy”.  We don’t see many converts during our church services, because the buildings are full of Christians!  That is “messed up” as my kids would say.

We are so blessed to be working here in Mexico.  We just got back from representing Grace Children’s Home at a church up in Los Angeles.  I was so proud of my family, seeing my kids jump in, helping sign up new sponsors, introducing them to the children, and explaining the details of the ministry.  I was humbled watching my capable children serve others with such enthusiasm and joy.  I didn’t have to do much of anything!  We have an action packed summer ahead of us here at GCH as we solidify our plans to host a bunch of teams this summer.  We could not do this work without your prayers and support!  We are so grateful for your partnership.  Thank you.

As my earlier story illustrated, in Tijuana, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”.  Please continue to lift us up in prayer and consider what the Lord may be calling you to do to serve those around you.  May God richly bless you as you step out in faith. 

With love, The Hanson Family (Michael, Melissa, Caleb, Sarah and Nathan)