Vizcaino, Life in the Desert

Reflections from Ministry: It is always exciting to see what the Lord will do next, whether in the lives of others or with oneself. The excitement started when I discovered that our next Medical Outreach would take place in Vizcaino, Baja California, Mexico (approximately ten hours south of the border). Baja has always been a special place in my heart for several reasons, all of which are overshadowed by its mystique and grandeur, however it is considered by most as one of the most diverse if not, one of the most dangerous deserts in the world. Yet despite its beauty and treacherous landscape God wants to bring life and salvation to a people, whom seemingly go unnoticed and are exploited for their physical labors. I get excited because God allows people like you and I to be used in furthering His Kingdom. I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Ephesians.

It was a pleasure serving alongside Pastor Tacho of Calvary Chapel Vizcaino, Gary and Keri Goo of La Posada II, Gabriel and those who serve alongside them, and the people of Vizcaino where also a great joy to serve. Amidst the joy, there was always this foreboding sense of sorrow over their living and health conditions of these beautiful people. Many faces and memories come to mind, however two have dominated my thoughts. The first was a vibrant young couple, husband, wife, and daughter who had just arrived from Los Mochis looking for work. I had a chance to sit down and share with them the gospel as they where awaiting dental care. They where respectful and I’d even say inquisitive. As the day progressed, I noticed as I would periodically see him that he would smile and nod his head towards me. I saw him sitting in the dentist chair and noticed him visibly trembling and his eyes tearing up. He had never been to a dentist before and they were about to extract a tooth that had him severally hampered. I prayed that the Lord would comfort him or show me how to comfort him. Therefore, I placed my hands on him and began to assure him that it would be all right, as I did, he looked right into my eyes, nodded and his trembling started to subside. Later on that afternoon as we were packing our gear I felt a tap on my back. It was the young man, whose mouth was full of packing and whose eyes sparkled with delight. He gave me a pat on my shoulder and a big thumbs up. As he walked away with his family, I noticed he was thumbing through a Bible and other literature we had passed out during the day.

The second memory is that of Pastor Tony and me tending to something outside the facility when this lady with a hat darted from the building through the crowd towards us. It was Dr. Graciela and in her excitement she tells Tony that she needs a Bible and someone to pray with this particular couple. Tony immediately finds a set of Spanish bibles and off we go. As we approach the curtain covered area where Dr. Graciela was working, behind the curtain revealed this gentle older couple. Upon entering the room, we discovered they had just accepted the Lord through Dr. Graciela. This couple had traveled two hours by mule from and several hours by car from the rural area where they lived to get to Vizcaino. They have lived in a very remote area for many years and never had any children. They had thought that they were coming to get medical assistance until they came across Dr. Graciela. For those of you who don’t know, she doesn’t treat anyone until she has given them the gospel “no gospel, no treatment!” The older gentleman was overcome with joy and tears. Glory to God! The gospel never ceases to amaze me. Medicine may cure sickness, but nothing can save the soul like the gospel can. There are many more stories of equal significance, but these two shine forth the most for me.

Aspects of Ministry: Pastor Tony Scotti gave two great exhortations on this trip. The first came when the bus arrived (after fourteen hours of travel) with the whole team. He entered the bus and explained a few particulars and what to expect, everything from hotel facilities, to locations of the outreaches. However, what he went on to say was how important it was for us not only to be witnesses at the outreaches, but how we are to be witnesses once we stepped off the bus. We were to be witnesses to the whole community, whether it was purchasing a soda or buying a taco from a local vendor. What he had done was set the tone. The second was though medical, dental and chiropractor services were going to be provided, this was not the focus. The focal point was to be the gospel; two great exhortations, essential for any work of ministry where the Lord is leading. What I have discovered while serving the Lord is when one takes the Lord’s leading; one never knows what the particulars will entail. Though what one does know is those particulars will forever leave an indelible impression on one, thus changing him forever. I am thoroughly convinced of this axiom as clearly as it has been revealed to us from scripture.

Not only does He want to change us through ministry. He desires us to walk in the good works, which He has in ministry for each and everyone one of us.

Pray for the ongoing work in Vizcaino, for Pastor Tacho and for La Posada II. There is much work ahead for them. The enemy is ever present and would love to undermine the good work that the Lord has provided.

Blessings,
Pastor Fernando Gonzalez



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For more information call:
626.584.9992

or email:
tony@ccpas.com

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