Romans 8:35
Upon returning from Lita, our team had made all the necessary plans and preparations to provide a clinic in the poor rural community of Gualsaqui. Our good friend Roberto is the pastor of a growing church there. This year, Roberto had been given permission to hold the clinic in the new school. However, we had not obtained an official letter of invitation from the president of the community. As a result, a representative of the local health department ordered that we shut down the clinic immediately (just after we had spent an hour setting up). The team received this news with some disdain, but we maintained a positive facade.
The people waiting to be seen, however, were angry, and poor Roberto was crushed. (He later wept in my arms, an unusual experience for a Quechua male.) Some said the decision represented the displeasure of some with Roberto's consistent devotion to his faith and evangelistic zeal. I do know that he is a dear brother in Christ who knows what it means to be persecuted for his faith. He has suffered several beatings and broken bones over the years because of his devotion. Moreover, the people of Gualsaqui are now being won over to faith in Jesus Christ because of Roberto's love and passion for his Lord. May this be true of us all.
Captured by a brother's love,
Tim
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