AFTERGLOW

The sun set as the church service ended in Nuevo Progreso.

We’re a church without a pastor, but not for long. Somewhere there is someone the Lord has to lead the church forward in Nuevo Progreso. Meanwhile, the Church of God makes sure there is an interim pastor behind the pulpit each Sunday evening. This week we welcomed Pastor Oliver from Rio Bravo and he brought his two little girls - Dulce and Estefania. Pastor Oliver spoke about the importance of having the Holy Spirit within us to give us boldness to speak God’s word.

After the service, we all gathered around to visit and fellowship. Fellowship binds us together and is a very important part of any church. It helps make us a family.

The rich smell of coffee drifted into the auditorium. Azucena and Catalina helped bring out the large coffee urn, sugar and cream and all the other necessary items. Alejandro brought in a huge container of atole, a mixture that tasted like thickened strawberry milk, and a tray of cookies. In this relaxed atmosphere, we talked about plans for the future.

Brother Oliver is standing at the far right with his daughter Dulce. Lloyd is talking with Sister Catalina and her brother.

Soon we had established a workday for Wednesday. Several of us planned to meet and begin cleaning out the rooms in the parsonage making it ready for the future. We planned a huge bonfire to do away with anything that couldn’t be used. Enthusiasm was high and volunteers were eager to be more involved.

Azucena and Catalina set out the coffee service.

Even a small stray puppy had a good time during the afterglow. The tiny little black and brown dog slipped in unnoticed during the service and went to sleep under a bench. A small white dog called Pela is in residence at the building. We call him the guardian of the church because he seems to stand watch at the front gate. Lloyd took a large container of dog kibble for him and a dish that’s all his own. It feels good to know that a dog is always present at the building during the week when there are no activities there.

Estafania made friends with the puppy.

It was good to see the children happily coloring in their books while we talked and drank our coffee and atole. Soon they too were standing at the serving table wanting their cups of atole and their cookies. 

Children active at their favorite pastime.

There certainly was a glow at the church, a real glow!  The sun began to set just as the service was dismissed and Brother Oliver pronounced the benediction over us. Rays of the setting sun came through the windows forming large bright patterns on the walls behind the pulpit. It was a perfect illustration of what we call an afterglow, that time of fellowship after spending time with God!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  Psalm 133:1