One of the things I liked about our recent visit to Mexico City was that we got to spend a little time with our old friend Pedro. Pedro is a tough guy from one of the toughest areas of Mexico City—Tepito. Pedro has been following Jesus for almost 20 years now. It shows.
When we were together a few days ago I heard him tell his story again…how 18 years ago this month he stumbled out of a cantina at about 11:00 am in the morning and was handed a piece of paper by a girl who was handing out invitations to a Christian film series. She spoke no Spanish and he no English. But she led him to where I was and in my poor Spanish (Nancy and I had been in Mexico for only 6 months or so) I explained to him about a film series we were offering and invited him to attend. He came and met several of us—he and I began to read the Bible together each week. A few months later, he decided to commit to Jesus—and has been walking and growing with God ever since.
I heard him tell of important people God has used in his life—the Moore and Fanning family—Gerardo and Carola Garcia—and many others.
It was cool to hear him describe his life and ministry now and his dreams for the future…to hear him talk about the brokenness he sees daily in that huge city and his desire to participate with God in seeing things made right. Pedro ministers to at least 3 small communities of disciples—celulas he called them in different neighborhoods in Mexico City. He has friends all over the city. He knows life is tough. He likes to teach and help people…but especially loves telling the story of God’s work in his own life and helping others see that God is willing to do the same thing for them.
Pedro is still a tough guy from one of the toughest areas of Mexico City. He has a faith made mature through experience with God on the streets of Mexico City. It was good for my heart to see the evidence of Christ in my old friend.
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