I had a good time running a half-marathon this past Sunday with my friend Jose Luis. He and I joined about 2300 others for the 24th annual running of the Medio Maraton Internacional Benito Juarez here in Guadalajara. We began running together about a year ago and have enjoyed training on and off together for the last few months. We enjoy the running and the hours of conversation that come with it. This was Jose Luis’ first half-marathon. It was fun to watch him run!
Jose Luis is a good guy. You may have noticed from the picture that he is a few years younger than me—about 20 years younger!
Several years back, he was working in a factory and became impressed with the lifestyle and strength he saw in one of his co-workers, Martín. Martín was a follower of Jesus and a part of the church that lives and meets in Colonia Jardines del Valle.
In the months that followed, Martín helped Jose Luis come to know Christ and the strength that comes from living in the Kingdom of God. At first, it was difficult for Jose Luis because his family didn’t understand and felt threatened by the changes they saw in Jose Luis. They threw him out of the house and threatened to disown him. But Jose Luis persevered—and now a few years later, a house church rotates their weekly gathering between Jose Luis’ small home and the home of his sister Luz. Most all the family has made or are in the process of making decisions to follow Jesus. You can’t be around him very long without noticing Jesus in him.
It is fun to watch Jose Luis run!
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