Trip to New Mexico
My first welcome to New Mexico last week was WIND!! Ugh! I'm so glad I wasn't called to be a truck driver! :-)
First stop: Aztec Baptist Church, Aztec, NM. Pastor Don Stackpole made it clear that I was to arrive with an empty gas tank and in need of an oil change. What a blessing! (Pastor Harris in IN took care of my oil change last week though.) I also was able to catch up on some much needed rest at the Step Back Inn (cute hotel with a bed and breakfast feel!), attend the senior luncheon on Friday, and enjoy their mother/daughter luncheon on Saturday.
It amazes me how similar the ancient native American cultures and beliefs are to the traditional African lifestyle. I got to tour the Aztec Ruins, dated around 1000 BC.
The ancient Puelbos were an agricultural and community based society that centered around their animism and ancestor worship. From what I've learned so far, village life in Tanzanian is the same! It amazes though that the same lies from our enemy have worked so well in ancient and modern people groups.
Next stop: Grace Baptist Church, Farmington, NM. I've discovered many connections to this church. I'm staying with the parents of some good friends in OH, met several ladies I knew in college, and from working at the Wilds of the Rockies. Pastor Mauldin knows my pastor in CO, and his daughter knows my sister-in-law from Northland. How fun! I almost know more people here than in my CO church (I haven't been there in so long!) :-)
I enjoyed sharing in the morning service, teaching the junior church, and sharing with the ladies in the evening. This morning I got to share pictures of Africa and challenge about 50 students in elementary chapel, then shared about the will of God with the teen girls this afternoon. All for the glory of God!!
Last stop in NM is Tucumcari this Wednesday.