LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS... IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!

Vivian Green, writer and artist.

“Suddenly there was noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting … They were all filled with the Holy Spirit”.

Acts 2: 2 and 4

First time I read the thought of Vivian Green, came to my mind the image of the Holy Spirit. Maybe this proverb is a secular definition of what the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. When we read the story of the Book of Acts we find the disciples all together sitting in a house. They were waiting, there were in a “stand by” mode but the coming of the Spirit caused an explosion of activity, a literal dance of God’s message proclaimed in different tongues!

We are living difficult times: The economy, the internal political scenario, world changes and in the midst of all our church facing challenges and changes. This situation creates frustrations on some people and a sense of fulfillment on others. Particularly in our Presbyterian Church (USA) many people on each side of the spectrum of opinions are guessing on what is the next step. There are people just waiting for the storm to pass or taking steps to protect themselves from the storm. Others are thinking already on the next storm to come. This is the perfect setting for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit! The ballroom is ready for the dance of the Spirit!

The dance of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost produced a way of understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds. A crowd which was isolated by the barriers of languages was united thanks to the action of the Holy Spirit. The multitude gathered at Pentecost received a message addressed directly to their situation with the tones and characteristics of their own culture. Barriers of cultures were transformed in a tool of communication thanks to the Holy Spirit.

Tomorrow is Pentecost and I invite our congregations to dance in the rain with the Holy Spirit. Let us transform our differences into channels of communication. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to help us and teach us how to dance and how to be a church united by the Word of God who joyfully testifies of the blessings of our risen Lord and Savior.

Dear sisters and brothers have a blessed Pentecost Sunday and be filled by the Holy Spirit!

Rev. José Luis Casal, General Missioner

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Please continue praying for:

1-     The family of reverends Jim and Matt Miles for the death of Judy Miles, the family of Rev. Cheryl Homsher for the death of her mother Janice Homsher, the family of Rev. Dick Braun for the death of his wife Annette.

2-      Rev. Dan Snider (HR) who suffered a stroke and is recovering, Rev. Patty Lane (HR) who is having problems with one of her knees and probably will need a replacement surgery, Casal Cecilia (back problems), Theresa Wright (her parents), Marcela Marmol (her pregnancy), Jack Armstrong (former treasurer of the Presbytery and member of First Midland) his wife is delicate.

Pray for our Presbyterian Church USA. Jesus is the Lord of the church and is in control of our lives and actions. Pray for each Presbytery and Synod, especially for Tres Rios Presbytery, its leaders, pastors, elders and members of our churches. Pray for all the churches in our country and every religion that is practiced in our country. Pray that human beings may be treated with love and respect in spite of their religious convictions and pray that every religion that is practiced in America may promote peace, understanding and good relations among the citizens of this nation.

Pray for our country The United States of America that is suffering different levels of catastrophes like flooding, tornados, fires, storms, unusual cold and hot temperatures where people lost lives and properties. Pray for our leaders in the government so they may legislate in favor of those who are unprotected and vulnerable. Pray for our economy so every person who live here may be able to feed their family with dignity and honor. Pray for our military personnel and their families so they may be agents of peace, love and reconciliation.

Pray for every country around the world specially those who are suffering a war. For those countries where human rights are not respected and children and women are unprotected. For those countries that live in poverty and permanent need of the most essential things. For the wealthy nations so they may learn the practice of sharing with those with less resources.

 6-      Also pray for our enemies because we believe in the redeemer action of the Holy Spirit who through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the cross empowered us to be forgiven.