A Divine Appointment in Mazatlán
This beautiful family in Mazatlán reminded us that true joy comes not from possessions, but from love, unity, and faith in God. Their smiles, hospitality, and sincere hearts left a lasting mark on our mission.
A Divine Appointment in Mazatlán
During our outreach mission with Pastor Omar—who oversees the prison ministry at the Sinaloa Penitentiary—we participated in one of the many initiatives God has placed on his heart. Pastor Omar’s desire is to serve the Lord with all he can, for as long as he lives. It was he who gave me the opportunity to share a message at the prison prior to this engagement in Mazatlán.
After arriving and setting up with the rest of the team to distribute the prepared food and drinks, we headed out to meet the community. I always welcome the challenge to interact with those who come of their own will—because if the Lord sent them to us, then it is our duty to respond in love and obedience.
Judah, our translator, accompanied me for this outreach. Though the language barrier was evident, I was reminded that the love of God speaks louder than any human language.
Encounter #1: The Burdened Brothers
Our first encounter was with an older man pushing a wheelbarrow full of old electronics. His brother, clearly struggling with mental health issues, walked beside him. Though we offered prayer, the older brother wavered in his response. Their physical burdens and mental concerns made it difficult for them to stop. Ultimately, we blessed them and moved on.
Encounter #2: A Strange Resistance
Next, we met a man with a hardened demeanor. I’ve learned not to judge by appearances, but to ask, What would Jesus do?—and to speak to the spirit of a person rather than their outward condition.
This man grunted and gestured aggressively, refusing to speak or engage verbally. He pointed to a piece of cake among his belongings, then shoved a bag toward us. Assuming he was trying to share, I took a small piece. Immediately after, he tossed the cake away and seemed agitated. At that moment, Judah and I discerned that this man was under spiritual oppression. We walked away and prayed for him. Moments later, we turned back—and he was gone, along with the cake.
Encounter #3: The Family of Joy
Behind him was a humble family that changed everything. You can see in their smiles (pictured above) that their joy was not in possessions, but in the Lord and in each other. The father of seven was gently feeding a puppy hidden in his jacket. The mother had one of the brightest smiles I’ve seen, and she lovingly tried to share her name with us.
They told us two daughters were away at school—something they could barely afford—while the sons stayed together at home. As we talked and laughed trying to learn their names, I asked if they had any prayer requests. The parents asked for work, but one of the twin boys said something that stopped me in my tracks: “I would like to receive wisdom.”
Immediately I thought of Solomon. To hear that from a young boy in such a humble setting—my heart was overwhelmed. We prayed over him that the Lord would pour out wisdom, shine His face upon him, and raise him up to be a light to his family. As we prayed, the boy stood, bowed his head, opened his hands, and closed his eyes in reverence. I had not seen that kind of humility and faith on this trip.
We gave him a copy of the Book of John in Spanish. He sat down and began to read it right away. My heart leapt for joy.
Looking Back: A Spiritual Reflection
Later, I reflected on the events. Was the disgruntled man a distraction sent by the enemy to keep us from meeting this family? Would it have been easier to turn back? Yes—but by the grace of God, we pressed forward.
Because we did, we witnessed joy, faith, and divine purpose in a young boy’s heart—and saw the Gospel touch a family in ways only God could orchestrate.
Closing Prayer
May the Lord continue to bless this family, provide for their needs, and fulfill His promises over their lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
