Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
For many years we have been blessed by supporting the Mexican Indian Training Center. The latest newsletter contains an article by our dear brother, Dan Hall. I want to share his words with you.
“Don Beto Medinilla, was one of the first Christians in the village of Usila. Soon after his conversion and as his faith in the Lord Jesus became evident to all in the area, the once mayor of Usilla suffered the stoning of his house for hours by angry townsmen. His fellow Chinanteco bretheren felt betrayed because he renounced idolatry and the common sinful lifestyle of the place. They were trying to make him recant and turn back to the old ways. But Don Beto’s new faith was rooted in the Rock of our salvation and he continued to believe and serve Jesus Christ. Soon the Gospel was received by others and they began meeting in Don Beto’s house, which became the Usila Church.
To testify of his new life in Christ, he poured out a storehouse full of beer and liquor and used the empty bottles to make a monument in his back yard. There were no half-way thoughts in this man. God used him to bring Luis Pacheco, a Catholic priest, to a living and true faith in Jesus, and was also instrumental in spreading the Gospel to at least fifteen other villages in his region. His home was also the place we stayed at, ate and had medical/dental clinics for many years.
His home and heart was always open to those who served the Lord Jesus. Two years ago, we received word that he was very ill and that preparations were being made for his funeral. But he got well. When we went back to Usila for a Bible Conference a few weeks later, we were greeted by Don Beto who then said, “Hermano Dan (Brother Dan), don’t call me Beto anymore, call me ‘Lazarus’, because the Lord raised me up from my deathbed so that I can go share the Gospel with some people in a nearby village.”
He shared the need of salvation with every friend and relative he could. We visited with Beto a few weeks ago as we heard again the news of his deteriorating health. I asked him, “Beto, you know that the Lord is our Shepherd and He will lead us even beyond death.” He replied, “Dan, Our God is a great God, of course I know He is with me always. I am ready to see Him.”
The Lord finally called Don Beto home on April 6th of 2010. He was known by believers and non-believers alike as one who served Christ faithfully and lived the Gospel to the end of his days. We thank God for blessing us with the life of this special Chinanteco servant and dear brother in the faith.”
I thank Dan for sharing this wonderful story of a fellow saint of God. I look forward to meeting Beto in heaven and rejoicing with him about the goodness of God in giving us salvation that prepares us for eternity.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com