Finding Complete Fullness in the Father

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

 John 1:16

Getting a glimpse of His complete fullness is a moment so joyous yet so overwhelming.  Upon my return to Mexico City, I have found God has met me here with many answered prayers and a sense of awe falls over me as I walk deeper into this season of growth and cross-cultural ministry, which has been one more blessing of those described in the scripture above.  My prayer for this semester was that I could jump right back into the culture with little lag as possible.  I was afraid that three weeks away from my new home would result in lack of words at times or maybe a reprieve of small waves of culture shock.  However, He is good in the fact that the transition back has resulted in the most joyous and exciting time spent here in Mexico thus far!  As part of this prayer, I also had asked the Lord to encourage me to be intentional with my ministry placements and relationships.  I think an obstacle that was keeping me from this desire in the Fall was that of maneuvering the language well enough to make those intentional connections.  At times it was difficult, however He has renewed my perspective on communicating and identifying with the people of this country.

As we started this week, we had two new members join our Avance Team this week and with that comes orientation.  We as returning Avancistas had been asked to facilitate small things here and there but to also participate in recognizing what God has called us to do here.  Today we had a moment to worship and enjoy the presence of the Lord.  In that time, it dawned on me that not everyone is called to Mexico City and that His writing for our lives is so unique that He has called me to be one of five people to participate in this particular program during this particular year.  His planning is so divine in such a way that He had provided particularly hard experiences the first time around here in D.F., only to have me realize how well it has prepared ministry experiences for the time to come.

I have learned what ministry looks for me the coming five months and His goodness is felt through and through as it starts to begin.  With my move back, I have been placed with a new family and a new church.  I have been asked to work specifically with this new church in efforts to build up the faith of the young believers of my age.  The emotion I feel inside while writing this blogpost cant be described in just a few paragraphs because this opportunity is exactly what the Lord had shown me many many months ago when I committed to serve with Latin America Mission and the Avance Program.   While working with my new church, I will come into discipleship with many of the young men and also use tools I have been equipped with to better equip the youth of this church as well.  Turns out that I will be spearheading small groups to teach an inductive study approach of the Bible to these young adults.  This is a large and extensive opportunity ahead of me that will take much time, intentionality, vulnerability, and faith as this kind of role is rather inexistent amongst this age group of our church.  Please pray that this part of my ministry work can flourish as 70% of Mexico’s population is under the age of 27 and it is this age group that has the potential of truly reviving the truth of the Gospel in Mexico.

The Lord has been so faithful with this ministry and I thank the individuals that are part of this movement through prayer, encouragement, and finances.  In retrospect, I see the glory in all of the ups and downs experienced last semester in order to effectively grow into deeper relationships this time around.  I can take these experiences into the next chapter as my life soon becomes very busy. I ask for prayer that I can trust that He is my sustainer, that during my studies with William Carey International University, my ministry placements, and raising support, and also that He will be there to comfort me and answer my cry of prayer. 

Friends, family, ministry partners, and everyone in between, I pray that you can experience the same joy that is found in my heart that comes directly from the Lord and his provision in your homes as you start 2014!  If you are curious in joining me in ministry, please contact me via email at erikhamiltoncole@gamil.com ! 
Also, there are ministry needs to be met (around $2,500) and I am prayerfully seeking new supporters who are able to give, whether it is through monthly support or one-time gifts. Please pray about this opportunity and if you are able to give financially to this ministry, please visit the following link to donate: http://www.uwm.org/content/donate

Once again I am sending gratitude from Mexico City for all of the support that you have shown this ministry.  I praise God for this opportunity to serve at the capacity that I am and that you too can praise Him for the blessings in your lives as well.

-Erik!