New Neighbors

We have new neighbors. They are not exactly new neighbors because David and Maribel actually lived close to us before but in different houses. What is new is that David and Maribel were married on December 17^th, 2011 and now live in the third floor apartment at the back of the clinic property as a couple.

We knew Maribel’s family since our early years of ministry in Honduras. Coincidentally, Maribel moved to Choluteca about the same time we did after Hurricane Mitch. Maribel has lived with us for several years and has become a daughter to us.

We love David like a son. It has surely not been so easy for him though. Not only did David have to ask my permission to date Maribel five years ago, David also works under my direction as the sub-director of the vocational school and has been under my constant observation as his pastor.

David and Maribel have been instrumental in the development of the Shalom Church. Both are in leadership roles. Maribel works with the financial accountability of the church and is involved in children’s ministry and discipleship of a group of young ladies.

David’s position in the local church is becoming clearer. David has always been instrumental in the preaching and teaching at the church. In September last year, while attending a leadership conference sponsored by Equip Leadership with our Church leaders from all around Honduras, David felt a definite direct call into the pastorate. Imagine my shock at first when David stood up before the entire Shalom congregation immediately after returning from the conference and said, “I don’t know how to tell you this,”. My surprise turned to tears of joy when David completed his sentence saying, “God has called me to be a pastor.”

Maribel was immediately thrust into the midst of all the emotion, not knowing exactly what to think but was very willing to be obedient to God’s call for David. As newlyweds David and Maribel are attending this year’s Annual Pastor’s Conference as representatives of the Shalom congregation. There is a continuation of the leadership training with Equip Ministries. Part of the training involves filling out a questionnaire that helps people identify their spiritual gifts. Maribel immediately turned to Angie after finishing her questionnaire and pointed out that the results of the inventory pointed towards her having the spiritual gift of a pastor. What a confirmation to David that his wife would be called to stand beside him in the pastorate!

“To God be the glory, great things He hath done.”