Hangin' w Manny...

Having been home for several days now, and having had the chance to reflect on the many facets of this mission, I feel compelled to comment on what was for each of us I believe a quite unexpected highlight of our time there.  That was getting to hang with Manny.

He's truly an amazing guy.  Incredible testimony - at one point literally living on the streets of Mexico City, to now giving leadership to a ministry that is planting churches and impacting tens of thousands of lives around the world.

He speaks something like 8 languages - with more in process.  Earned doctorate.  He's a scholar and a historian and a linguist.  He's also a witty, street-savvy salesman and evangelist who watches out for his people and cares for people's souls.

Not only was he a gracious and generous host and guide for our team but he was a treasure trove of insight and knowledge on a wide array of topics.  He was tireless all week not only in translating and preaching but in speaking to people constantly about the condition of their souls.  On one occasion while baptisms were taking place down at a river, he was busy engaging an elderly man and helping lead him to faith in Christ.

If you ever have the chance to spend a week with him, I highly recommend it!